Jack Burgin Trophy 2005-2025

Bowling News & Memories

The Jack Burgin Trophy - otherwise known as the MUGS Trophy - is contested each year to uncover the best bowler that has never won an open competition before. The last 16 in the 2025 version will assemble at Lockwood Con on Sunday (25 May) for a 2.00pm start as the competition celebrates its 20th Anniversary. Obviously there are never any previous winners in this competition with the draw for the Last 16 clearly laid out below.

Scroll down for a unique look at the history of the Jack Burgin Trophy as researched and put together by Dave Parkin as is the table of the 2025 Finals Day below.

Ian Michael “Jack” Burgin sadly passed away in 2004 at the young age of 46 but his pals in the local bowling fraternity remember him every year when the Mugs Merit is run in his name.

The Mugs idea was started in 1977 by Slawit member, Ceddie Beaumont & in 1989, the association took over the running of this annual competition for non-winners.

Such was the love for Jack that the 1st edition in 2005 raised entries by 25% bucking the trend back then of declining entries.

The final was only 15 players as 1 player realised they were ineligible after qualifying, an issue that would resurface & would later void the 2012 running.

Some press records from the following years provide some great stories and memories.

Details of the 1st final below with novel prizes for the oldest & youngest participants that progressed the furthest.

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