Local Leagues Start Chart
As the local leagues begin to add their fixture programmes to Bowlsnet then we can add them to our Start Chart which lists the first set of fixtures for 16 local leagues. At present only 8 of those 16 have published their fixture programmes but we will keep adding to this list as the dates become available.
The Heavy Woollen Leagues are the latest two to be added to our listing and both the Afternoon League and the Evening League will start their season on Monday 3 May.
The Mirfield League currently holds pole position with an opening full round of fixtures on Wednesday 20 April.
There is some speculation that the Huddersfield Saturday League will not start their season until mid-June but this is not confirmed.
For information: the Halifax League played their Champion of Champions Final last Sunday (11th) at Elland C&BC. No spectators were allowed as per the COVID rules. Richard Helliwell of Old Town BC beating Mark Regan of Brighouse Sports 21-18 in the climax contest courtesy of a final 12 break coming from way behind.
Here is the latest Start Chart showing opening fixture dates as they become known.
The Huddersfield Saturday League, like the Colne Valley league, is an open age league and is played on neutral greens. I would have thought that both of these factors would cause problems to those leagues. Regarding the open age aspect there may well be a greater reluctance for older (vaccinated) bowlers to play with and against younger (unvaccinated) bowlers. Neutral greens could well be problematic for the host green both in terms of meeting their risk assessment criteria and their track and trace requirements.
I can well understand that these leagues will be hoping that the June 21st stage four target when all legal limits on social contact are due to be removed is achieved.