DAWLISH

THIRTY-TWO players were in the field for the 2026 Sefton Cup at Dawlish Bowling Club.

Although the Sefton Cup has historically been an open tournament, recent years have seen it become a members-only event, there were guests invited from neighbouring clubs though.

Several Dawlish members produced outstanding displays during the early rounds, including Cheryl Matthews, Kevin Dixon, Matt Martin and Chris Kelly. The club also extended its thanks to three new members — Lady Mingo, Steve Mingo and Dominic Pritchard — who embraced the challenge and contributed positively to the tournament atmosphere.

The final two standing were Steve Brown and Geoff Konetsky who were sure to play a compelling match.

Konetsky had experience on his side and was the hot favourite but Brown, a relative newcomer to the sport, continued his relentless run to take the 2026 crown.

Dawlish Bowling Club express their gratitude to Sefton Hall, the tournament sponsors, for their continued support. Also to all volunteers and organisers who allowed the competition to run smoothly.

Plans are already being discussed for the 2027 Sefton Cup, which may see the competition opened once again to a wider field of players from across the Devon region.

BOVEY TRACEY

Bovey Tracey's ladies' teams achieved some impressive results this week with SDL victories over Paignton and Dawlish Marina, plus a triples challenge win with Barbara Vooght, Lynn Cridge and Sarah Breame overcoming The Den.

Against Paignton, they won one rink, drew one and lost one, the overall league points total being seven to three.

Then, against Marina, they lost two rinks and won one but a convincing victory on that rink earned them six league points to four.

On the men's side, Bovey continued their run of wins in the MDL against Paignton B in a match which could best be described as a 'game of two halves'.

Bovey fought back to win it late on 73-68 and claim 10 league points to Paignton’s four.

In the Over 55s, only the X-men had a fixture this week at Chudleigh and, despite a strong start, they faded later to lose both rinks and concede eight league points, gaining none.

MARINA

Marina ladies took part in the next round of the South Devon League 4321 towards the end of July.

A victory there took them through to the final which saw them defeated by a strong Kings team at Paignton Torbay- an amazing achievement for the club all the same.

Also in July, Marina held a reunion of past members with a coffee morning. Ex members were invited back to the club for coffee and cake (made by some of the current lady members) and they enjoyed reminiscing.

Helen Wilson, having won the ladies Unbadged singles for section five, went on to play the quarter final at Paignton bowling club on August 9. Marina are very proud of Helen to get so far in the competition and she was unlucky not to make the semi-final in what was a very close match.

Unfortunately, the Lawn in Dawlish were unable to field a ladies team for the local derby clash and so it was up to the men to battle for the Whitelegg Cup.

On a very hot day, the Lawn were triumphant on home soil and so they now hold the trophy.

Finals weekend is just days away now with 12 matches set to take place, sadly signalling that the season is rapidly coming to an end.