The Teignmouth Bowls Tournament started in 1911 and this year, with thousands of pounds worth of prize money on offer, it attracted over 200 entrants.
The Frome club says, “This year it was played in glorious sunshine from 15th – 20th September having laterly moved to this date from its clash with the Lyme Regis Open in June. It is played on three greens one in Shaldon and two in Teignmouth at The Den and at Bitton Park. The Shaldon Club has its own youth academy and has produced several England players, some of whom represented the club during the tournament. It was intriguing to see the fashionable Peeky Blinders hair cuts dotted around the rinks.
“Frome bowler, Paulio Mitchard, who was allowed time off from his job at Screwfix in Frome to win through to the final and although he tried hard to emulate the exploits of the Frome Park trio of messers Totterdale, Noble and Bryant, whom he had noted in the Honours list had won the triples competition in the Millennium year 2000, he found his Shaldon academy opponent too strong in the end.”
Paul said, “It was a really great experience considering it was the first time I have played competitively since injuring my shoulder in the middle of the 2013 singles final at Frome Park.
“Amazingly I was able to book the week at the last minute at the Devon Valley holiday park at Shaldon, which is close to the greens and is adjacent to the Teign estuary and there was live entertainment in the club house every evening. It was certainly an unexpected bonus to win enough prize money to cover the cost of entering the tournament.”
The club continued, “All those who are interested in taking up this marvellous sport should watch out for the open days at the start of next season at the two greens in Frome at Victoria Park and at Frome Selwood. Most towns and many villages also still have greens. There is also an indoor club, Carrie Dunbar, at Standerwick.
“Next year’s Teignmouth Bowls Tournament runs from Sunday 13th -Friday 18th September. Entry forms available from Phil Downs 07868 750748 or on line at downer@live.co.uk.”
