Exeter V Bristol Striking Competition
Saturday 11 September 2004.

Another Score Draw!

EXETER 2 - BRISTOL 2

The return fixture of the informal competition this time hosted by Exeter took place during the afternoon of Saturday 11 September. Four towers following the M5 corridor finishing at Exeter Cathedral were chosen to enable some different towers to be used. Our judges for the day were Peter and Marion Bennett from Newport, Wales

First stop were the lovely bells at Kentisbeare for the 6 bell part of the competition where Primrose S Minor was the chosen method. Both teams rang well, with each making just a single mistake. Then it was on to Cullompton for a half course of Cambridge S Royal. These rewarding bells presented a challenge to both teams but the churchyard critics could not yet declare a winner.

The superb ring of 8 at Broadclyst was the next venue where a full course of Yorkshire S Major was the test piece. The ringing here was a joy to listen to with each course being completed with near perfect precision. Finally it was to the Cathedral for a two course touch of Stedman Cinques. The touch was a little different to that normally rung as it included a "whittingtons" course end which presented difficulties for both teams. However, both touches came round again leaving no clear winner.

At last it was time to relax. A wonderful spread of food had been prepared and judging by how much was left over was thoroughly appreciated! Peter Bennett then made his comments on the afternoon's ringing. He and Marion had enjoyed listening to all the ringing and they had fortunately both agreed on the winner of each round! Bristol were obviously more awake than Exeter in the early stages as they quickly took a 2-0 lead winning both the six and ten bell rounds. Exeter came back to make it 2-2 winning the eight bell and the twelve bell on their home bells. An excellent result!

We decided that time had come to make a trophy, rather than continuing to present each other with random gifts! We had a base made for the Bristol Glass presented to Exeter last year, and as a friendly goodwill gesture presented this back to Bristol!

Fred Mitchell receives the trophy from Matthew Hilling.

Tim King enjoying a moment of glory!

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