ECBA ARCHIVE 2021
NOTE. Some links in the Archive may no longer function.
(20 Dec 2020)
2021 ECBA COMPETITION ENTRIES - A REMINDER
Since the launch on 19 October over 370 members have registered to use the portal, which is significantly fewer than entered the 2020 County Competitions. That figure is expected to grow as there are still some regular participants yet to sign up.
Please take a moment to register and enter the competitions, if you have not already done so.
If you have entered, please remind your club colleagues that registration and entry is now their responsibility.
The closing date for entries to the competitions (for this year only) will be 31st December.
John Tully, ECBA Competition Secretary
(4 Jan 2021)
2021 COMPETITIONS - PORTAL ANNOUNCEMENT
So far, we have significantly fewer entries for 2021 than for 2020. A telephone poll taken from the players who entered in 2020, but have not yet entered for 2021, has revealed that many of our members have concerns over the current Covid-19 crisis
A summary of what happened with the 2020 entries below
Singles, 2-wood Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours, Senior Fours, Junior Singles and Pairs entry monies were refunded to clubs and passed on to entrants
Secretaries, Benevolent and Unbadged Singles were played
North and South Essex Fours, Double Fours, Shield were not played, but entries are free in 2021
It is anticipated that a similar arrangement will be adopted for this years competitions, should they be cancelled
With this is mind, we have extended the closing date for this year’s competitions until 31st January 2021 to allow the efficacy of the vaccination program to be more established which will give more players an opportunity to enter
(26 Jan 2021)
ALL POTENTIAL ECBA COMPETITION ENTRANTS FOR 2021
You may recall that the deadline for entries has been extended until 31st January - a list of entries to date can be found here
That closing date is now only THREE days away, so if you wish to enter any 2021 competitions (including the Shield or Double Fours),
please do so immediately
If you have experienced ANY issues with the new process, please contact John Tully 07970-100634 or Dave Jarrold 07771-882595
We will help you resolve your problems
(4 Feb 2021)
ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR BOWLS CLUBS
Bowls England have announced that there is even more funding available for clubs affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Read full article here
(6 Feb 2021)
NOTICE FOR ALL COACHES
From the County Coach - A reminder that there are important documents, on the dedicated Coaching page.
(1 Mar 2021)
ALAN KNIGHT RIP
We are sorry to have to announce the death of Alan Knight
Alan was President in 2007 and played 161 times for the Association
He will be sadly missed by all that knew him
Our prayers and heartfelt thoughts go to Pauline and the family at this very sad time
(12 Mar 2021)
ALAN KNIGHT - UPDATE
Alan’s funeral is to be held on Monday 22nd March at 13:00 pm at Green Acres Woodland Burial Park in North Weald, Essex
Due to Covid restrictions, space at the chapel is limited to invitation only
A webcast has been arranged for those who cannot be invited to attend the service
Link https://www.obitus.com/ Username: saki0590 Password: 779878
A personal tribute from Alex Wightman, former Officer of the Association, can be found here
(7 Apr 2021)
ECBA COMPETITION DATES
The dates for the initial rounds of all ECBA competitions have now been agreed and can be found here
(13 APR 2021)
MAUREEN ELLIS RIP
The death is announced of Maureen Ellis, wife of Tony (ECBA President in 2011), on 12th April 2021.
At this sad time for Tony and his family, please do not contact him.
Urgent matters should be referred to either Terry Mizen or Pat Finney
(2 May 2021)
MAUREEN ELLIS RIP - FUNERAL DETAILS
The service is on 13th May at 12:30 - details of how to view are attached here
(1 May 2021)
ECBA COMPETITION DRAWS
Please note that, on the same day that ECBA handbooks were available, the Competition Portal has details of every competition draw.
Entrants will have received an email for every competition they have entered
While you do not need to log in to the portal to view the draws (making them available to all), in order to enter results, you will need to log in here
(3 May 2021)
MIDDLETON CUP - MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER
Our Preliminary Round tie, versus Suffolk is at Bishops Stortford BC (neutral green) on Saturday 3rd July with an 11:00 start.
Further round dates are 10th July, 24th July & 7th August before Semis/Finals on 11th September.
Players under consideration have received an email from me and are invited to a squad selection day on
Saturday 19th June at Essex County BC - 10:30 to 13:00
Please be sure to advise me if you are unable to attend on 19th June to assist with our preparations
(Mark Wilson Pairs Comp to commence at 14:00)
(17 May 2021)
ECBA 2021 TOUR - MESSAGE FROM THE TOUR SECRETARY
This year, because of the Covid restrictions, Sandy Dron’s Herefordshire Tour has been moved to August
Obviously, this change gives an opportunity for more people to join us
Travel to Herefordshire on 1st August, 5 games on 2nd-6th, travel home on 7th August
If you’re interested, please call Ken Clarke, Tour Secretary, on 01206-795118
(18 May 2021)
ECBA COMPETITION RESULTS - A MESSAGE FROM JOHN TULLY
Please note that section 1(s) of the Competition Regulations, states that
“Players who have registered themselves or have been registered (with an email address) by the Competition Secretary
MUST submit results via the Competition Portal. Players who have no access to the Competition Portal, can submit results by telephone to either the Competition Secretary or the ECBA Media Officer” (John Tully 07970-100634 or Dave Jarrold 07771-882595)
There are just a handful of people who have no internet access and their results will be accepted over the telephone, otherwise please can you comply with rule 1(s). A simple guide on how to submit results can be found here
For information, the up to date Regulations can be found here or on page 28 of the 2021 ECBA handbook
(27 May 2021)
TEAMS SELECTION - ISSUE 1
Teams selection issue 1, Games 14-15, 15-17 June - here
(30 May 2021)
BALCOMB TROPHY
Our first round tie will be played on Sunday 4th July commencing at 11:00
The venue is LEICESTER BC, Kenwood Road, off Carisbrooke Road, Leicester LE2 3PL
Team Selection to follow
We have been told that bacon cobs will be on sale before the game (rolls, one presumes!)
(7 Jun 2021)
ASHFORD CUP UPDATE FROM PAT FINNEY
The final league tables can be found here
The final will be held at 10:00 on Sunday 1st August at Dunmow BC - Group 3 v Group 6
(18 Jun 2021)
COUNTY FOURS - 18th June only
In the event that any County Fours fixtures cannot be played due to the weather conditions, please be advised that matches may be postponed and played on or before Wednesday 23rd June, date to be agreed by mutual consent. Please advise me of the revised date by text or email
If you cannot agree on a date please call me (07970-100634) and I will fix a date for you
John Tully
ECBA Competition Secretary
(21 Jun 2021)
TEAMS SELECTION - ISSUE 2
Teams selection issue 2, Games 20,21,23,24,26,27,28,29 (Original Issue), 29 Jun - 22 July - here
(25 Jun 2021)
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
Please be advised that the Final Stage draws have today been published to the Competition Portal
There is currently a strange problem, when selecting Final Stage draws
However, if you click 'Back to Competition' and then select Area 1, the correct draw is displayed
The neutral greens for the Quarter finals of the four Major Championships have also been agreed, details below
I am indebted to each of the clubs for giving up their valuable green space for these important matches
NOTE: In order to facilitate travelling - all matches to commence at 18:30
SINGLES Mon 5th July Stock and Buttsbury BC
PAIRS Tue 6th July Kings Chase BC
TRIPLES Thu 8th July Braintree BC
FOURS Fri 9th July Old Dagenham BC
(26 Jun 2021)
MIDDLETON CUP - MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER
Thanks to all players who showed commitment to the Essex cause at the trial last weekend
From that squad of invitees we have selected our team for, what we hope will be, the first knockout game in this season's competition
Selection of the correct 24 is never easy and this season was no exception - team here
Most named in the "remaining squad members" will feel disappointed to have missed out for the first game but we sincerely hope you can put that aside and come along to Bishop's Stortford to support the County
Please reply advising of your availability without delay to sxmanager@gmx.co.uk, whether playing or supporting.
Best regards, Malcolm (Team Manager)
(5 Jul 2021)
MIXED FORTUNES FOR ESSEX - MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER
MIDDLETON CUP vs SUFFOLK @ Bishop’s Stortford BC Saturday 3rd July
We are sad to report that Essex lost by 9 shots (109-118) to a very strong Suffolk side. Images of the cards are here - R1-6
BALCOMB TROPHY - success for Essex on Sunday by 11 shots v Leicester, Images of the cards are here
(15 Jul 2021)
BALCOMB TROPHY
Our neutral green area semi-final tie against NORFOLK will be played on Sunday 18th July commencing at 10:00
Players are expected to arrive no later than 09:15
The venue is Brampton Institute BC, Coronation Way, Brampton, Huntingdon PE28 4TG
Free tea and coffee on arrival
Team Selection here
(14 Jul 2021)
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
Due to the number of players in multiple events this year, the scheduling has been very complicated. Many thanks to all concerned who have helped me arrange the matches. The full schedule can be found here
(19 JUL 2021)
WALLY BALL
The results of Sunday's games and final tables can be found here
Group 6 and Group 3 will contest the final on Sunday 8th August, 10:00 at Princess Marie Louise
(19 JUL 2021)
INTER-GROUP KNOCKOUT
The results of Sunday's games as follows
Group 6 99 - 108 Group 4
Group 9 116 - 107 Group 5
Group 8 136 - 99 Group 3
Group 1 95 - 120 Group 2
Semi-finals on Sunday 25th August, 10:00, venues TBA
Group 4 v Group 9
Group 8 v Group 2
(19 Jul 2021)
TEAMS SELECTION - ISSUE 3
Teams selection issue 3, Games 30,32,33,34,5,35,37 (Original Issue), 27 Jul - 17 Aug - here
Hopefully all Games will be back to normal - any changes will be posted on this website
(19 Jul 2021)
BALCOMB TROPHY RESULT
Disappointment for Essex
In the Balcomb Trophy yesterday, trailing by 4 after both rinks had played 20 ends, Essex held the 5 required to win
with only 5 bowls (out of 336) left. However both Norfolk skips drew second shot, leaving Essex 2 short.
As Malcolm Stark says ‘You can be so close, but so far away’
Final score Essex 36 - 38 Norfolk. Scorecards here
(18 Jul 2021)
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
The results from yesterday's semi-finals day as follows
Two Bowl Singles
Sam Moss (Silver End) 15 Jack Butcher (Romford) 16 aee
Edward Morris (Essex County) v Bob Pooley (Stock & Buttsbury) - playing 21st July
Junior Singles
Tom Lesslie (Castle Hedingham) 21 Alix Rouse (Saffron Walden) 19
Adam Bailey (Thurrock) 21 Luke Smith (Grays Town) 7
Fours
Harlow 13 Writtle 12
Colchester WE 23 Romford 16
Triples
Silver End 23 Great Baddow 5
Happy Valley 7Essex County 19
Pairs
Brightlingsea 14 Romford 15
Silver End 15 Essex County 17
Singles
Edward Morris 21 Sam Roberts 14
Kevin Fitzgerald 21 Andrew Squire 16
Senior Fours
Aveley 7 Stock & Buttsbury 17
Wanstead Central 15 Bocking 14
Junior Pairs
Romford 19 Castle Hedingham/Saffron Walden 8
PLEASE NOTE
Finals Day, scheduled for 31 July will be disrupted due to Essex players being involved in International duty
The revised schedule will be published as soon as possible
(25 Jul 2021)
TEAMS SELECTION - ISSUE 3
Teams selection issue 3, Games 30,32,33,34,5,35,37 (Original Issue), 27 Jul - 17 Aug - here
NOTE: ALL GAMES RETURN TO NORMAL FROM TUE 27TH JULY ONWARDS
ARRIVE IN GREYS, SHIRT AND TIE, AND BLAZER. GAME IN WHITES WITH COUNTY SHIRT
MEALS AFTER GAME
(26 JUL 2021)
INTER-GROUP KNOCKOUT
The results of Sunday's semi-finals as follows
Group 4 108 - 105 Group 9
Group 8 131 - 121 Group 2
Final to be held on Sunday 8th August, 10:00 at Essex County BC
Group 4 v Group 8
(27 Jul 2021)
COMPETITION FINALS DAY - 31st JULY
The following finals will be played on 31st July as scheduled (Markers and Umpires will be available)
10:00 Junior Pairs Dan Hughes & Jack Butcher v Luke Smith & Adam Bailey
11:00 Fours Harlow v Colchester WE
11:00 Senior Fours Stock & Buttsbury v Wanstead Central
12:00 (earliest) Junior Singles Tom Lesslie v Adam Bailey
Players should be available at least 15 minutes before the start of your game
Dress is whites or club colours with club shirts
Due to duplications and international duty the remaining finals will not be played on finals day (31st July) and since it has been impossible to find a single alternative date when all of the finals could be played, a decision has been made that these games will be played on separate dates at venues to be agreed
Single Handed Championship
Pairs Championship
Triples Championship
Two Bowl Single Handed Championship
(2 Aug 2021)
ASHFORD CUP FINAL - 1ST AUGUST
An excellent morning of bowls played on a very good green at Dunmow BC
For the first time since I took over running of this competition (in 2007) the match finished
in a tie across the 6 rinks, 3 rinks each, with a score of 104-104
An extra end was played on each rink, resulting in Group 3 winning 9 shots to 5
Congratulations to Group 3 for winning the Trophy for the third year running, the
first time this has happened.
Many thanks to the umpires Paul Costin & Colin Whitear for giving up their time
Pat Finney Ashford Cup Secretary
(5 Aug 2021)
COUNTY FINAL RESULTS, SCHEDULES
Detailed results are available on the Competition Portal, however here is a summary of events last weekend
Junior Singles Lesslie 16 21 Bailey
Junior Pairs Bailey & Smith 13 21 Hughes & Butcher
Fours Harlow 13 14 Colchester West End
Senior Fours Stock&Buttsbury 13 12 Wanstead Central
The remaining finals
2 Bowl Singles Wednesday 11th August, Stock & Buttsbury at 18:00
Pairs Monday 16th August, Maldon at 18:00
Triples Tuesday 17th August, Stock & Buttsbury at 18:00
Singles TBA
(5 Aug 2021)
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
A list of the ECBA entrants at National Finals can be found here
(9 Aug 2021)
INTER-GROUP KNOCKOUT / WALLY BALL - SUNDAY 8th AUGUST
Group 4 won the Inter-Group Knockout and Group 3 won the Wally Ball
Scores from the games as follows
Inter Group KO
Group 4 121 - 113 Group 8
Wally Ball
Group 3 6 points (76 shots) - 2 points (63 shots) Group 6
(12 Aug 2021)
COUNTY FINAL RESULTS, SCHEDULES
The remaining finals
2 Bowl Singles Wednesday 11th August, Stock & Buttsbury at 18:00
Jack Butcher (Romford) 16 - 11 Edward Morris (Essex County)
Pairs Monday 16th August, Maldon at 18:00
Steve Mitchinson 12 - 19 Chris Muir
Nigel Smith Edward Morris
(Romford) (Essex County)
Triples Tuesday 17th August, Stock & Buttsbury at 18:00
Ray Everitt 10 - 20 Chris Muir
Daniel Rodger Steve Gunnell
Jason Burgess Edward Morris
(Silver End) (Essex County)
Singles Friday 13th August, Kings Chase at 18:00
Kevin Fitzgerald 5 - 21 Edward Morris
(Wansted Central) (Essex County)
(13 Aug 2021)
TEAMS SELECTION - ISSUE 4
Teams selection issue 4, Games 10,38,39,40,41,42,13,43 (Original Issue), 18 Aug - 21 Sep - here
(18 Aug 2021)
MINOR FINALS / SEMI FINALS (Sunday 15 Aug)
North Essex Fours P King, B Everett, G Smith, P Weedon (Severalls) 13 - 27 R Kempen, T Everett, P Sullivan & E Barker (Southminster)
South Essex Fours B Staines, A Daws, J Lloyd & D McCathie (Essex County) 5 - 26 M Hodges, B Payne, C Fleming, J Holmes (Kings Chase)
Secretaries Cup K Lodge (Silver End) 21 - 18 J Tully (Romford)
J Lloyd (Essex County) 21 - 10 S Murray (The Springhouse)
Unbadged Singles B Powell (Wanstead Central) 21 - 4 S Plested (Fairwood)
M May (Bocking Alliance) 21 - 18 G Walkingshaw (Woods)
Benevolent Singles TBA
(25 Aug 2021)
BOWLS ENGLAND COMPETITOR SURVEY
The results of the recent survey sent to all Essex CBA/National Competition entrants were passed to Bowls England in a recent ZOOM meeting
Bowls England have commissioned their own survey, which can be found here
It is the view of the ECBA that it is in everyone's best interest to have ALL bowlers views considered by Bowls England (our governing body) and not just the opinions of a select few
You are therefore urged to complete their questionnaire by 16:00 this Sunday 29th August.
(29 Aug 2021)
MESSAGE FROM PAT FINNEY - MATCH SECRETARY
The upcoming match with Wiltshire CBA (at Maidenhead Town BC) has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances
All players have been informed by Pat our by their Group Selector
Anyone selected for this match will receive the credit even though the game will not be played
(3 Sep 2021)
CONGRATULATIONS! AGAIN!!
Finally, after 6 attempts at Leamington, Elaine Score and Edward Morris won the National Mixed Pairs this afternoon
They outplayed the Yorkshire pair of Sue Allen and Mark Walton to run out winners 23-5 (after 15 ends)
(2 Sep 2021)
UNLUCKY EDWARD
We are sad to report that Edward Morris narrowly lost the Final of the Mens Two Bowls Singles at Leamington, late on Tuesday evening
Edward, a former Two Bowl England champion lost to his England colleague Sam Tolchard (Kings, Devon). In form Tolchard, won the Four Bowl Singles earlier in the tournament and was runner-up in the Pairs
(29 Aug 2021)
CONGRATULATIONS!!
In case you were not aware - Essex has gained two new Champions at the National Finals (currently underway at Leamington Spa)
In the Ladies fours final the Clockhouse BC team of Hayley Kenny, Michelle Squires, Serena Madgewick and Rebecca Smith,
came from 7-13 down to win 20-13
The results of all their games can be found here
In the Mens Triples, Essex County BC’s Chris Muir, Steve Gunnell and Edward Morris had a 18-11 win in the final
The results of all their games can be found here
WELL DONE TO ALL CONCERNED !
MINOR FINALS - RESULTS (19/9/21)
Unbadged Singles Brian Powell (Wanstead Central) 1-21 Michael May (Bocking)
Benevolent Singles Dan Rodger (Silver End). 19-21 Edward Morris (Essex County)
Secretaries Cup Karl Lodge (Silver End). 17-21 Jon Lloyd (Essex County)
Hood cup Southminster 19-26 Kings Chase
T Robinson Mark Hodges
Terence Everett Brian Payne
P Sullivan Conway Fleming
Eddie Barker Jamie Holmes
Ray Kempen (sub)
Double Fours Silver End 44-25 Harlow
(22 Sep 2021)
EASTERN COUNTIES RESULTS - MORE SUCCESS FOR EDWARD
Edward Morris, as Essex Singles Champion, represented the County in the Eastern Counties finals on Saturday last
He beat John Tufts (Norfolk 21-7) in the semi-final and followed that up with another emphatic win in the final
where he triumphed over Chris Beard (Bedfordshire) 21-8
Edward has had a fantastic year, with this victory topping it off nicely - I suspect that he's is going to need some silver polish this winter !!
(24 Sep 2021)
STANDARDISED WEEKS CALENDAR
In preparation for the end of the 2021 season and the commencement of 2022, I hope this helps
It has always been the practise that fixture lists follow the week numbers from the Bowls England master calendar (which can be found here) and that week 18 is generally accepted as the first week of the bowls calendar (irrespective of club opening dates)
When clubs close / re-open is a matter for themselves
(4 Oct 2021)
MESSAGE FROM JILL POLLEY - VERA COUSENS
I am so sorry to have to pass on the sad news that Vera Cousens died recently. Vera was a member of South Woodford Bowling Club and County President in 1994 (her husband Dennis was also ECBA President, in 1989). For many years she arranged our annual County Tour. A very gentle, quiet lady, who will be sadly missed. Her funeral will take place on Tuesday 12th October 2021 at 3.00pm at Forest Park Crematorium, Hainault.