Winter League
Just 7 weeks to go until the deadline for new teams to join the Huddersfield Winter League for the 2023-24 season which starts in October. We already have 5 full applications from new teams to join the League and are talking to four more potential additions as well.
The five definite additions to the League are teams from Outlane, Broad Oak, Thorpe Green D and Cowcliffe A and B teams. That takes the total number of teams in the League from last season's 40 up to 45 with 7 weeks still to go before we close new team entrants for next season. The expectation is that all the new teams will be put into a new Division 6 which will be based on all their fixtures being played at Huddersfield Rugby Union Bowling Club at Lockwood Park. Fixtures at the Rugby Club base will be playing on Thursdays throughout the season. That format needs to be confirmed with teams usually placed in the appropriate division to match their playing strength.
For the last two years the League has extended by the same number of teams - in 2021 there were 13 new teams taking the total from 14 to 27. Then in 2022 there were another 13 new teams to take the total up to 40 teams. Maybe we are on the way to another 13-team increase again this year which would take us past the milestone 50-team barrier. That's a big ask, but if that does happen, then we would look to form a Division 7, which would require another new host green for the coming season.
We are very interested in hearing from any club that may want to learn more about becoming a host green at some time in the future. Whether that be for the coming 2023-24 winter season or just a general interest in what may be involved and what the benefits are likely to be to entice any club into a hosting arrangement. Contact the League Secretary as below for full details.
The closing date for new team applications for the new season is Monday 3 July 2023. You can learn more about what winter bowling is all about by reading our Ultimate Guide to Winter Bowling.
In brief:
teams are made up of 4 bowlers who can be of any gender
matches are played of 2 Singles and 1 Pairs games
bowlers must have passed their 60th birthday to qualify to bowl
you don't use your own green in the League as each division is allocated a host green that they play on all season
teams play on the same day of the week throughout the season
all matches have an 11.30am start time
matches are played from October to mid-February
there is a two-week break over the Christmas period
League fees are £15 per team per season
weekly match fees are £10 a team (£2.50 per bowler) which all goes to the host green which covers green fees, raffle tickets, hot drinks and biscuits.
hot drinks and hot and cold food are always available for bowlers and spectators at a modest charge.
Further details are available from the League Secretary, Jeff Jacklin, by phone (07968 171 197) or by email to jefftheref2000@yahoo.co.uk
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