Gambart Baines 2025

Bowling News

The Gambart Baines Championship is over 100 years old and still going strong from its Scarborough base. Up until Covid the qualifying rounds were played every Thursday from May to August. Bowlers turned up, paid a modest entry fee and were in the draw. If they got knocked out in the opening round they could pay another entry fee and play again on the same day.

The qualifying days were all played at North Cliff Bowling Club and were supported by Scarborough Council as part of the tourist package that was so important to the financial well-being of the town. There were always a good number of spectators enjoying the spectacle including many dads taking refuge from looking after the kids on the beach.

Many losers turned up every week over a prolonged period in the hope of catching a quiet or wet day and then managed to qualify. All qualifiers then progressed through to Finals Weekend where it became a straight knock-out competition. A very long and proud history with the record books showing a number of Huddersfield winners dotted over the years.

It is now a one-day competition which has attracted 64 entries this year. Being played at two bowling clubs at Alexandra Gardens and North Cliff in Scarborough on Bank Holiday Monday which should attract the crowds as the warm weather is forecast to return.