Winter League starts with close encounters

Oct 11, 2022

Winter League

Review of Division 3 matches played at Thorpe Green this week including results, table, 24 action photographs and 'Card of the Day'

Blue skies and warm sunshine welcomed the eight Division 3 teams to Thorpe Green for the first day of the 2022-23 Winter League season. That is something of a misnomer as at no time did it feel like winter as a gathering of 60+ bowlers and spectators were attracted to the warm welcome, hot drinks and food as well as some good bowling to enjoy.

Thorpe Green opened the 2022-23 Winter League season with a cluster of close results promising a keen competition within the eight Division 3 teams. Among the four results was one drawn match, one 5-3 scoreline and two of 6-2. The only possible scoreline missing was the whitewash 8-0 outcome which all point towards a competitive division this season.

Only Division 3 matches are scheduled for the opening week of the third Winter League season as the other four host greens complete their end of season maintenance programmes. Next Monday the first fixtures at Lindley Lib will begin followed by Netherton Con later that week. Then all five greens will be in action before the end of the month as we build up to a weekly 20-match programme of matches stretching through to the first week in February.

The early Division 3 leader is the A team from Huddersfield Recreation Club but they only won their match against Almondbury BC 'A' 6-2 courtesy of a 61-58 aggregate scoreline. That match included the 'Card of the Day' (below) for a 34-end Singles 21-19 result which took 65 minutes to complete. Using the new Winter League scorecards to threaten the limit of 38 ends catered for although eventually, that proved adequate.

Another close encounter between Dalton and Brockholes 'A' where they shared the aggregate points after a 56-56 draw resulting in a rare 5-3 scoreline, this time to Dalton. Even closer was the Rastrick 'B' v Thorpe Green 'B' match as they shared the points 4-4 and again there was a very close aggregate scoreline, 50-48, contributing to that.

Springwood 'B' only retained their Division 3 status after finishing bottom of the table last season due to a league reorganisation. However they started this campaign in a more determined mind and a 6-2 win over Rastrick 'B' got them off to a better start than last season when they had to wait until December before clocking up their first win.

Although this is one of only two divisions without a new team presence it was still good to see some new bowlers, not only to the League but also to bowling itself, testing themselves with some distinction on a winter green. Also good to see the kitchen in full action serving hot food and drinks for bowlers and spectators. Hot drinks are 60p and Hot drinks and food is £2. Excellent value.

CARD OF THE DAY (34 Ends / 65 minutes)