Winter League
Yet another application from another new team to join the Huddersfield Winter League as Huddersfield Recreation Club have asked to include a second team for the second season of competition. That takes the number of new team applications up to 9 as the deadline for applications looms and will close next Monday 5 July.
The new team applications include 6 teams from clubs that had teams in the League last year so testifying to the belief that the 'once tried you are hooked'. Those new teams are Springwood 'B', Lindley BC 'B', Rastrick 'B', Thorpe Green 'B', Huddersfield Recreation Club 'B' and Thorpe Green 'C' along with brand new entries from Lindley Liberal, Jackson Bridge and Brockholes.
Here are some of the things that bowlers who competed during the League's first season are saying about the experience when we asked them why they bowled in the Winter League:
It's important to have a social and friendly competition to help get through the winter months. It's never going to be like bowling in the sunshine but the winter league has many benefits for all crown green bowlers. Jim Baxter, Milnsbridge BC
Being able to bowl with friends from my own club during the winter. Nice also to see the same bowlers from other teams each week and can enjoy friendly competition with them and a laugh. Alan Hobson, Thorpe Green
Getting out and socialising during the winter months. Mike Thornton, Lindley BC
Good for improving the standard of bowling. Dave Cooper, Springwood BC
The competitive but friendly atmosphere that the games are played in. Jeff Mellor, Springwood BC
Bowling is a way to get out meet people have fun and a good game off bowls love it. It's been fantastic. Malcolm Gilbert, Clayton West
Keeps us active throughout the year and continue to see friends and fellow bowlers. Brian Faichney, Huddersfield Recreation Club
I enjoy all bowling, in the winter league you come up against any standard of bowler but everyone is friendly, at Springwood it is very well organised and many thanks to all the people involved. Tim Poulter, Clayton West
These are the main things that new teams need to be aware of:
Applications for new teams must be received by the first Monday in July (5th)
Bowlers must be 60 or over to bowl in the League
Teams of 4 of mixed gender but no minimum or maximum number of either
Match format for 2021-22 will be 2 x Singles and 1 x Pairs
Matches will be played on a Monday or a Wednesday starting at 12noon - this is a proposed change from last year to avoid clashing with the Hove Edge Winter League
A League Membership Fee of £15 per team is proposed for next season
Teams will be divided into divisions based on merit with promotion and relegation
The season starts in October and runs to the end of January playing once a week