Satirical Bowls

Winners - Omagh county PTA pairs

2012-02-13T12:07:00.002Z

Prelim Round:
M.Wilson (Cookstown HS) bt G.Crothers (Armagh GC) 10-9
S.McSorley (Ardstraw) bt H.Trainor (Tullysaran) 8-7
A.Morrison (1st Ahoghill) bt M.White (Ramelton) 10-0
T.Patton (Strabane CC) bt B.Duncan (Cathedral Raphoe) 10-5

Quarter Finals:
M.Wilson bt A.Morrison 8-6
R.Cunningham (Mayne) bt J.Carson (St. Josephs Donaghmore) 7-2
A.Corrigan (Drumgor) bt G.Conroy (Beragh) 6-5
T.Patton bt S.McSorley 8-7

Semi Finals:
M.Wilson bt R.Cunningham 7-2
T.Patton bt A.Corrigan 7-5

Final:
M.Wilson & Glen Smith bt T.Patton & M.Beattie 8-5

Thanks to all who supported our tournament. Thanks to sponsors and all who helped in any way. £1600 raised to go to the school from the PTA and £150 sent to Belfast Hospital MRI Scanner Appeal.
Neville Hagan

Donegal LADIES Deliver

2012-02-11T18:16:00.003Z

Donegal Ladies caused a huge shock in the ladies inter-zone competition not only with a superb win but also by the margin of victory

Donegal ladies have again shown their men how to do it.

The ladies always play the game in a tremendous spirit and were the 'almost' ladies zone having suffered disappointment in ladies finals on several occasions in recent years.

This was a repeat of last year's final but the Donegal Damsels demonstrated their determination winning by a margin of more than 30 shots.

Armagh ladies have set the standard in ladies bowls in recent years and will be disappointed to have lost but they will acknowledge the character and spirit of the Donegal ladies who on the day performed as a unit and to their ability.

Donegal are one of the unheralded zones who simply love playing the game and play it in the right spirit, winning while welcome is secondary to playing. It is good for ladies bowls and an incentive for other zones like Donegal who have knocked on the door several times and who now have knocked the door down and took their place at the top of the table.

Donegal 67 : Armagh 36

D Montgomery, R Graham, M McClintock, M Montgomery 04 : 13 E Hunter, E Lavery, R Cassells, E Smyth

P Lyttle, K Duggan, L Finlay, V Patterson 17 : 02 A Crozier, L Milligan, H Agnew, D Marshall

S Bell, L O’Kane, P Friel, A Gilfillan 10 : 09 M Wright, M Hobson, D Agnew, M Cassells

S Alexander, A McClintock, P Bustard, R Crawford 13 : 03 S Corrigan, E McDonald, I Doone, C McMillan

T Jacob, S Finlay, I Duncan, R McDonnell 18 : 03 A Crozier, S Whittle, L Straine, F McNally

M Beattie, R Hamilton, J Buchanan, E Doherty 05 : 06 S Garvey, S Minish, S White, P Beattie

Mid Antrim too strong in Shield

2012-02-11T18:01:00.001Z

Mid Antrim beat last year's men's inter-zone winners Northern in the men's shield.
After a tight first half Mid Antrim had a 2 shots lead. Their second half rinks came out firing and increased the lead to 16 shots enabling them to control the final ends and lift the trophy.
G Lithco 9 : C Jones 6
W Caldwell 7 : B McAlary 8
R Fleming 10 : I Ross 10
D Morrison 10 : A Steele 6
A Morrison 9 : E Irwin 3
A Duncan 15 : J Calvin 5

Duncan's rink come from 0-5 down to win in style
Mid Antrim will be delighted to have won a trophy but they and others will wonder 'what if' they had selected these formations at the start of the season.
Mid Ants when in a collective spirit have the talent to challenge for the main competition. Watch out for them next year.

Ladies latest
Monaghan ladies win their first silverware
Donegal Damsels show their men how to win major trophy

NEW - Donaghadee Triples

2012-02-11T12:52:00.001Z

It is good to see bowlers making a big effort to start a new tournament at a time when bowls tournies are finding it difficult.

One such competition is being run by Donaghadee Community, being it's first year it deserves support.

It is a triples competition and the organisers are starting on the right note by restricting the entries to 16 per night in order to finish at a reasonable time.

Nights of play: Monday 27th Feb, Wednesday 29th February, Friday 2nd March, Saturday 3rd March.

Finals night: Saturday 10th March 2012
Entry Fee: £9 per triple (to include light supper)

To enter contact: Erick Kennedy, 02891275727/07545861148, email ERICKKENNEDY@SKY.COM or Simon Cavan 07792740698

St Swithin's Pairs

2012-02-11T12:39:00.000Z

Qualifying Nights: tues 28^th wed 29^th Feb thurs 1^st march fri 2^nd march
finals night: Tuesday 6^th March
to enter contact Sammy Evans 02879632912

STST or MMM which will be first?

2012-02-09T14:30:00.003Z

Monaghan’s Merry Maidens take on the South Tyrone Scintillating Terrors in the ladies plate final.

STST are hot favourites having won this title on five previous occasions and despite it being a final they are at home. STST last won the trophy in 2007 and up to this season had decided to stay in the main competition in the intervening years. Effectively they are going for two in two. When it comes to the shield STST are one of the most consistent successful entrants.

Monaghan’s Merry Maidens may marvel in the final. This competition is all about zones like Monaghan giving them an opportunity to taste success and possibly win a trophy. It is always a very satisfying feeling to win your first silverware and that is what the MMM will be trying to achieve. If they do so they will have created a little history for their zone (no pressure then). MMM have the capabilities to win if they all have a merry day and relax, they played in a semi final of the main competition only last year so they have maidens who can marvel. MMM have mopped up their section of the draw with some magnificent wins and will be mighty hard to beat majestically winning their first round and semi final games by more than 30 shots.
The Merry Maiden’s caused mayhem on behalf of Monaghan in the first half of the semi final win with Angela’s Angels and Bernie’s Brigade particularly magnificent, they will be hoping for a similar performance. In the second period Stewart’s Stewards will be aiming to marshal in the win while Linda C will be singing the praise of her rink if they reach the high notes.

STST or MMM hard to call

Is bowls the only sport where a cup final can be played on home mats?

Mid Ulster Tournaments

2012-02-07T13:24:00.000Z

Christ Church Castledawson Pairs 14 - 17 February
Finals changed from Sat 18 due to Zone final and will be on Tuesday 21st

Upcoming
Kildress Charity Pairs 20 - 25 Feb
St Swithin's Pairs 28 Feb - 4 March

Shared Responsibility - Tournaments

2012-02-06T11:17:00.002Z

The recent IIBA proposal that a player must enter tournaments with club colleagues has received widespread discussion; the majority of which has not been favourable.

However the reason why the proposal was put forward must also be considered. The reason that this idea seems to have been proposed is ‘glory hunting’ entries i.e. some triples or rinks being made up of top bowlers from 3 or even 4 different zones.

The players who do this are equally to blame for the introduction of this proposal.

Going to a tournament and being constantly drawn against a pair, triple or rink from 2, 3 or 4 different zones will be off-putting for the club bowler who has entered the tournament for fun and the love of playing bowls.

There is a theory that many club bowlers have given up tournament play due to ‘glory hunting’ entrants. There are no facts or research to back up this theory and it is highly unlikely that this proposal will bring club bowlers flooding back to tournaments.

As has been stated before on this blog there is not one singular but a myriad of reasons why tournament entries are on the decline and it is the responsibility of the IIBA, organisers and players to do their bit to stop the decline instead of some sticking their heads in the sand and blaming others.

Tournaments need both the hardened competition bowler and the ordinary club bowler.

The competitive players who travel the length and breadth of the country to play are keeping some tournaments alive and should not be singled out as the main contributory factor for the decline in tournaments. The proposal as it stands seems to point the finger.

There are already competitions that have the criteria that entrants must come from the same club, they are called the National Championships. Entries for these have also been on the decline so introducing this proposal is likely to reduce tournament numbers further.

The idea of the executive should be to find a compromise, not further exclude/alienate players.

There is no doubt that decline in tournament numbers needs to be addressed however the executive are years behind in dealing with the issue. An executive and its hierarchy should be pro-active not re-active.

A possible solution would be to bring in the criteria that entry to the champion of champions pairs, triples and fours has to be by players from within the same zone.

This does not preclude players from different zones entering competitions. If a pair from different zones wins a competition one of them would still be eligible to enter the CoC with a sub who must be from their own zone. This also applies to triples and fours provided only one sub is used. This would not preclude players entering with friends/family from other zones which the present proposal seems to prevent.

County Antrim Pairs - NEW Tournament

2012-02-06T10:23:00.002Z

County Antrim Indoor Bowling Club, in conjunction with Antrim Lawn Bowling Club, is pleased to announce our inaugural licensed Short Mat Tournament, the County Antrim Open Pairs.
The competition will be held at the Jim Baker Stadium from Wednesday 22nd February to Saturday 25th February 2012.
The competition will see a prize fund exceeding £500
Qualifying nights will be held at 7.30pm sharp (16 mats in play to get games played quickly) on Wednesday 22nd, Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th February with a further two morning/afternoon qualifying sessions on Saturday 25th February.
Finals will then be held on the evening of Saturday 25th February at 7pm.
The cost of entry is £5 per pair.
To enter contact the stadium

Upcoming tournies
NEW: Donaghadee Community triples - 27th, 29th February, 2nd + 3rd March. Finals 10th March
St Swithin's Pairs - 28th, 29th February, 1st, 2nd March. Finals 6th March

TV Coverage Comment

2012-02-04T06:40:00.000Z

The following was received as a comment, any edits are in italics:

With the world bowls coming up in March and having known for quite a while that the event was taking part some tv coverage could have been arranged. Saying at the agm that its a minority sport and the bbc/utv wont be interested. If they were even approached i would be surprised. If you had the committee working on this from the day they knew the world bowls was being held here it was very achievable to obtain some tv coverage and sponsorship for the event. Don't spit the minority sport quote as that's nonsense. Motorbike racing,cricket,hurling,darts,snooker,pool ,are all sports that lag behind the mainstream ones. Look at snooker and darts which was nothing more than a pub game and now people are paying to watch it on tv. You have to start somewhere and not when the first hurdle is put in your way simply roll over. With persistence it was very achievable to have had this televised. I discussed this with a fellow bowler who a few years ago pulled of television coverage for another pastime which maybe even less people participate in and with his direction and persistence he got the BBC to do 2 30 minute programs and the BBC sponsored the entire lighting for the event which if you had been paying for it would have been 20K plus. It can be done and needs to be done but with the current ambivalent climate within the organisation to change into the modern era the game will die unless a dynamic youthful committee with people outside of the executive being eligible to hold these posts is set up with the sole purpose of making our game have a better image and higher profile in sports. I am sorry to say having played the game for quite a few years when people heard you played bowls when you were 18 or 19 people laughed at you and told you to wise up. Its this dinosaur image that has kept the game stagnant for the past 25 years. When something becomes stagnant say water for instance what happens it? It stinks and bowls is slowly dying a slow painful death, for the people passionate about the game its a painful death but for those making decisions who don't even play the game anymore its not painful for them as they aint been at a tournament in years.

Tearfund Invitational singles

2012-02-04T06:06:00.001Z

1st Magherafelt Presbyterian bowling club is once again holding its' prestigious short mat bowling competition with the aim of raising awareness of the work of the charity Tearfund. It is hoped to increase awareness by creating a unique singles competition by inviting 32 of the top bowlers in the country.

The quality of the entrants is possibly the best ever assembled for a singles competition. Defending champion Paddy Hanlon from Cooley will be back to defend his title and last years runner up Ryan O,Neill will be back to see if he can go one further. Last years final was a classic and ended up in the nerve testing shoot out and because it was the final it was best of three.

There will be 8 groups of 4 with the top two going through to the finals night. The 16 finalists will then compete on a knock-out basis for the first prize. The winners prize will be secondary for the players, the prestige of coming out on top of this quality field will have immense appeal to the competitive nature of those involved.

Dates of play are Tuesday 21st February, Thursday 23rd February with the knock-out stages on Friday 24th.

Entrants include a myriad of champions including 5 recent national singles champions, 6 recent champion of champions singles champions, current internationals and added to the mix will be some wildcards.

All are welcome to come along and support Tearfund and see top quality bowling.

Drumragh Triples Winners

2012-01-31T17:59:00.001Z

Andrew Duncan, Matthew Crawford and Andrew Morrison won the Drumragh triples beating Linda Carleton, George Berry and Stanley Carleton in the final.

Semi finals
A Morrison beat P Beattie in a tie end (7-6)
S Carlton beat M Wilson who was the defending champion, in another close game 7-5

Quarter finals
P Beattie beat R Hosseini
A Morrison beat C Shortt

S Carlton beat J Marshall

M Wilson beat J Morris

Prelims
C Shortt beat N Rutledge
M Wilson beat R Graham

The organiser who is also the IIBA Chairman thanks all who took part

The chairman set an example for other organisers and kept to a limit of 20 triples per evening. Some unfortunately had to be refused entry due to the quota being reached.

It is good to hear that more and more tournaments are limiting the numbers each evening even on the nights when they are over-subscribed. The organisers are doing their part to improve tournaments players also have their part to play by entering early.

Final

2012-01-28T20:45:00.000Z

Mid Ulster v Oriel (main comp)

Mid Antrim v Northern (bowl - best of the worst losers)

What are the best halls to play the finals in?

What a FINISH

2012-01-28T18:35:00.004Z

Oriel O's come from 8 shots down in the second half to beat Lisburn in the last end
Oriel win last three ends of the game to snatch victory and pull a rabbit out of the hat.
Lisburn pulled a tactical master-stroke by putting Gordon Stubbs' rink on in the first half and it almost worked to the maximum but the finish by Oriel in the high pressured final ends secured victory.

They play Mid Ulster who had a first half fright against North down but despite a rink down in the second period eased to a comfortable win

Shield
Mid Antrim do the business against Meath who put up a spirited second half show. Good experience for Meath who have a very small squad to select from. Mid Antrim treated the Meath men with utmost respect, taking nothing for granted and secured a victory
Northern win through with five rink wins at home to Monaghan reversing the result from 2008

Both finals should be excellent games with little between the teams
Hard to pick a favourite for either competition

This competition is an amazing team game. McMahon and Conroy's rinks beaten yet both skips deliver the vital bowls in the last ends of their respective matches. Villains to heroes in moments.
Lisburn will be disappointed but it takes too excellent teams to have a great game like the Oriel v Lisburn encounter. Spare a thought for the Reid rink best Lisburn rink on the day yet suffer as Kevin draws a precision bowl in final end leaving no shot.
Duff anf McCabe rinks take the plaudits for Oriel.

Etiquette
It does not matter how close the game is or how important the game is
foul language on the mat is totally UNACCEPTABLE. No exceptions.
Time for IIBA to take action

Rink scores on bowlsni
thanks to all for the info

Scintillating Semis?

2012-01-25T19:47:00.003Z

In the semi for the top half of the main draw gargantuan favourites Mid Ulsterians take on the colossal under-dogs of North Downers, there will be no doodling about in this game
while inconsistent Oriel take on up and coming individuals from Lisburn. The Lisburners are a significantly more experienced squad, but not at this level of this competition while the Oriel Os usually have too many O's in the whooooooooooops that they serve up in this competition.

The shield throws up another Goliath and David encounter with Mid Antrim monumental favourites at home to meek Meath.
In a mirror image of the main competition the second semi of the shield should produce a closer game with Northern at home to Monaghan. Both are experts in this competition. Northern were defending champions of the main trophy so will be out to make up for their narrow loss and elimination from that competition. Winning the shield will prove a point to all the knockers and doubters that come with winning a major competition. Monaghan like this competition having taken part for a minimum of 8 successive seasons. They won this competition in 2008 and in the semi final defeated Northern away from home.
Will revenge prevail or will Northern show that their champion credentials.

Mid Ulsterians will be spurred on by their bitterly poor showing in the main competition last year when they went down without a whimper to Donegal. A few minor alterations including the shock recall to third for a veteran golfer has give the team a renewed vigour and determination and shows that some decisions defy rhyme and reason when it comes to formula for success.
North Down at last have produced the performances on the mats that their talent deserves. Under-achievement and not talent is the reason they are outsiders. The Mid Ulsterians beat North Down in last season's competition but this will be a different challenge for the homesters and if they have any allusions of grandeur the North Downers are capable of knocking them off their pedestal.

Mid Antrim have made alterations to their team since their inept performance earlier in the season against Donegal. Those brought in will be out to prove a point that the changes should have been made last season. It is good to see one of the unsung zone players getting recognition at last. Wesley Caldwell has moved effortlessly from third to skip having been a mainstay of the Lithco rink for so long.
It is good for a zone like Meath to reach a semi final. This competition should be used for zones similar to Meath in that they can compete and win games. For years now the small fish have been neglected by the IIBA with little or no progress for the small zones who at times could be well beaten in the first round of the main competition and then be drawn against another big zone in the shield. How does this help the small zones?
Meath deserve a chance to play in such a big game and it should give them encouragement.

Oriel will be surprised that they have two games rolled into one. In the first half they take on Hillsbourgh plus others and in the second half they entertain Ballinderry all comers. This has to be a strong Lisburn set-up with 2011 Champion of champions triples skip Eddie Marsden at second.
He could come face to face with 2011 CoC singles winner Jim Fox who brings stability and calm to the engine room of the rink.
Lisburn or as some say Ballinborough or Derryhills have 5 sets of brothers in their team and 1 father-son. The brothers include the RGR triplets uniquely of different ages (not sure which is oldest) and the Hairey N'n'Ns

All Teams/squads published on bowlsni site.

thanks to all for providing the information

Omagh County PTA Pairs Tournament

2012-01-24T13:30:00.000Z

Omagh County PTA Pairs Tournament will be held in Omagh County Primary School, Campsie Road, Omagh across four mats

Qualifying dates: Mon 6th, Tue 7th, Wed 8th, Thu 9th, Fri 10th February

Finals: Sat 11th February

Entry: £5

To enter and for further details contact: RODNEY CUNNINGHAM, 80 Reaghan Road, OMAGH, Co. Tyrone, BT79 7TQ (Tel: 077 8327 1637)

BBC Pairs

2012-01-23T15:47:00.002Z

Ballymena Bowling Club (6 Old Ballymoney Road, Ballymena, BT43 6LX)

Annual Open Pairs Tournament

Nights of Play – Monday 6^th February 2012 to Thursday 9^th February 2012 inclusive.

Finals Night – Friday 10^th February 2012.

Maximum 24 Pairs per night.

All games played under IIBA rules.

Entry Fee £5 per Pair

Play will commence at 7.15pm sharp on each night.

For Entries please contact Michael Wilson (028 25655578 / 07753 386877)

Upcoming tournaments

NEW - County Antrim open pairs from 22nd to 25th February in CAIBC

NEW - Open triples run by Donaghadee Community, 27th, 29th Feb, 2nd, 3rd March

3 vacancies

2012-01-20T18:03:00.000Z

There are three remaining spots for the the inaugural Marcus Craig Memorial Trophy to be held at Jim Baker stadium (see previous main post for fuller details)

Anyone wishing to enter contact the stadium asap to avoid disappointment

Dunloy Charity Singles

2012-01-19T10:31:00.000Z

Dunloy Pres Church Indoor Bowling Club

Charity Singles Competition (All proceeds to British Heart Foundation - Northern Ireland Branch)
Remaining nights: Thur 19th, Fri 20th January
Finals Night 21st January

Thanks to all who have entered our tournament. All 6 nights have been full so far, only 6 places left for each of the last 2 nights.
Andrew Sayers 07736127447

Qualifiers to date

Andrew Morrison (Ahoghill)
Nigel Gamble (Loughanreagh)
Robert Allen (Limavady)
William Calvin (Balinrees)
Andrew Duncan (2nd Donegore)
Ian Dunlop (Killymurris Glarryford)
Ivan Craig (Michelin)
Martin Craig (Broughshane P.F.A.)
James Gaston (1st Broughshane)
Glen Wilson (Maghera)
Arnold Daly (Limavady)
Brian Russell (Cunningham Memorial)

Coleraine BC - Book

2012-01-19T00:45:00.000Z

Jordan Dallas is currently researching information to write a book about the history of Coleraine Outdoor bowling club from it's beginnings in 1903 to the present day.
If anyone has any information or photos it would be greatly appreciated. They can contact Jordan at jordan_dallas@hotmail.com

Carrickmacross singles

2012-01-16T11:41:00.000Z

Carrickmacross Singles: qualifying running from 22nd January to 28th and also 30th
Finals night: 31st January 2012

If interested contact Diarmuid McMahon on 00353870654191

Drumragh Triples tournie

2012-01-16T09:22:00.001Z

Drumragh bowling club are holding a triples tournament in St Columba's hall commencing Monday 23rd January.
Qualifying Nights of play: Monday 23rd Jan, Tues 24th, Wed 25th, Thurs 26th and Friday 27th
Final night: Monday 30th January 2012

Entry fee £9
To enter contact David Sterritt 02881661482 or 07909595996
The chairman of the IIBA will give all a warm welcome

Other tournaments:
St Matthew's, Richhill Pairs Mon 30th Jan - Sat 4th Feb
Ballymena BC pairs Monday 6th February - Friday 10th Feb (fuller details to follow)

Please remember early entry aids good organisation

Pairs Tournament - Richhill

2012-01-16T09:10:00.001Z

St Matthew's Bowling club, Richhill is holding it's annual open pairs tournament commencing Monday 30th January
Dates of play:
Monday 30th January to Friday 3rd February 2012
Finals night: Saturday 4th February
Entry fee: £5

To enter contact Flo McNally, 02838393669 or 07834423482, 07715109153

Remember early entries aid good organisation
Upcoming tournament:
Ballymena bowling club Pairs runs week starting Monday 6th February

MIZ quarters

2012-01-14T16:26:00.015Z

Mid Ulsterians play giant killers North Down
Oriel at home to Lisburn
Rink scores of quarter finals on bowlsni site.
thanks to all who forwarded the info

Shield semis, Mid Antrim v Meath; Northern v Monaghan
North Down put out Mid Tyrone winning by 8 shots
Mid Ulsterians lead Donegal at half time by 16 with Damien McElroy's rink leading the way with the new revitalised yet veteran third. Mid Ulster win by 25
North Downers continuing their excellent form this time at home as they lead Mid Tyrone by 11 shots at the interval. North down extend lead to 16 shots at halfway stage of second half. ND 14 ahead with only 6 individual ends left.
Oriel win. Oriel 26 shots ahead of North West at the break. Semi final spot should be in the bag with Oriel Os 19 up with 6 individual ends to play. Paddy Hanlon's rink take centre stage with an 18 shot rink win.
Lisburn beat North Eastern by 7 in six very tight games with Ray Stubbs rink having the biggest win by 6
Northern ahead at Mid Down by 11 at interval. Northern win. Jonny Calvin rink of J Elder, G McCloy and C Jones claim an eight
Mid Antrim 13 ahead at home to East Antrim at the break. Mid Antrim extend lead to 20 shots. Mid Antrim win by 24
Monaghan 58 - 43 St Down
Meath shock Foyle winning by 3

Teams - which can produce?

2012-01-12T02:36:00.001Z

Teams for the men's inter-zone quarter finals are on bowlsni site.
Players can see the final ahead but can they perform in what promise to be pressurised situations.
Such is the desire to win and the tension of these games that the selectors of Mid Ulster and Oriel are still mulling over their final line-ups.
Mid Ulster have named their 24 but the selectors continue to deliberate over the right formula and may spring a few positional surprises that Donegal may find unsettling. Donegal have taken a brave step and keep faith with the 24 who progressed with the help of many from Mid Antrim. This is a gamble as the majority of their rinks could and should have been beaten.
Oriel know the magnitude of the task they face against North West and are therefore giving their final line-up the utmost consideration.
North West have made changes and are confident of success. It will depend on which North West turns up. Hot and cold is an understatement, as hot as one rink can reach another could be as chilly.
North Down created one of the biggest upsets in MIZ when they defeated Armagh royals. Provided they do not become content to have beaten Armagh and reach this stage they could upset Mid Tyrone.
Mid Tyrone are under new management this season and one of the main issues to be addressed is inconsistency. They have plenty of it, they need to get rid it.
The fourth quarter final between North Eastern and Lisburn is intriguing in that both teams have tremendous individual talent but have yet to harness it into a feared team unit. This is an excellent opportunity for both teams to claim a rare semi final berth. Lisburn have a menacing look about them but looks can be deceiving while North Eastern have players who know how to win big games.
One of the most interesting games could take place in the shield when Mid antrim take on East antrim. The Mid have had a few narrow wins over their less illustrious neighbours and have never dominated the way they have expected. It is time that the bowls ran the way of the East to prove there is little between the zones.

Invitational Singles

2012-01-12T01:27:00.000Z

The invitational singles in aid of Tearfund will run again for a second year
Dates of play tues 21st thurs 23rd and finals 24th Feb

Here we go again - CONFUSION

2012-01-09T02:17:00.001Z

A new rule will be brought in next year regarding tournaments.
However there is already confusion as to whether or not it will be applied universally to tournaments or whether it only applies to the Champion of champions.
Will the IIBA learn from their mishandling of rule 37 and make the wording crystal clear?
Hopefully someone has bought the secretary a new pen for Christmas to replace the quill that caused so much smudging of rule 37 which turned out to be the heinz variety rule.

The new proposed rule relates to having to play with players from the same club.
Will it relate to every tournament whereby friends from different clubs cannot play together?
or
will it relate to the CoC and thereby all tournament winners?

Part of the IIBA objectives is to promote and foster the Short Mat game. Is denying players the opportunity to play with friends on an adhoc basis truly promoting and fostering the game?

Are the executive dictating who players can/cannot play alongside?
Is the executive in total agreement with the new rule, do they all have the same interpretation?
Are the IIBA transparent?
Will they explain the reasons for their new rule?

Will the wording be brought to and approved by the executive council before it goes to print, unlike the heinz variety rule?

To the IIBA, clear the issue up sooner rather than later, do not hide and leave it till the rule book comes out
is the rule to be applied to all tournaments?
if so how will organisers police the rule?
or
will the new rule only apply to the CoC?

Competition Circuit - Honour

2012-01-06T15:00:00.003Z

Late withdrawals from competitions at times may be unavoidable however it is a matter of courtesy to forward the entry fee to the organiser.
Organisers should not be left out of pocket nor should they have to write to clubs or entrants to chase up unpaid entry fees.
The entry fee is not dependent on whether or not a player partakes in the competition. It is not discretionary but it is an obligation.
If a player enters a tournament and is unable participate the player should forward the entry fee.
There is also no excuse for not showing without having notified the organiser.

Organisers and players should show mutual respect to each other to reduce the number of competition closures
Players enter early and on all occasions pay the entry fee even if you have to withdraw
Organisers - finish at appropriate time, stick to specified numbers each night and do not alter the draw.

Prestigious singles retained

2012-01-04T01:44:00.001Z

Stevie McKinley has won the PTIBC Singles for the second consecutive year
What a tremendous feat.

Singles Rd 1

S Dunlop Glarryford beat J Beattie St Marks W/O
G Moen Monaghan 7 M Mc Aleese St Colemans 5
M Sproule St Marks 11 G Quigg Ballylagan 3
Q-Finals
G Moen 9 S Dunlop 6
S Mc Kinley Mossley 10 M Sproule 7
M Beattie Strabane 11 T Workman Moneydig 6
R Beattie Conlig 11 B Kane Benvarden 3
S-Finals
S Mc Kinley 11 G Moen 4
M Beattie 8 R Beattie 4
Final
S Mc Kinley 8 M Beattie 6

Pairs Q-Finals
R O Neill L Harrison United Services 9 : G Mc Cloy I McClure P.T.I.B.C. 4
J Lynn J Jamesion Ballymena G.C. 11: D Brian G Brian Magheracross 5
G Wilson R Clarke Maghera Pres. 7: C Gilmore R Allen P.T.I.B.C. 6
B Smyth B Kane Benvarden 10@ A Hunter J Gaston Ballymena Utd S.C. 8
S-Finals
R O Neill L Harrison 9 J Lynn J Jamesion 4
R Clarke G Wilson 8 B Smyth B Kane 6
Final
R O Neill L Harrison 11 R Clarke G Wilson 3

(thanks to Dodgy FH for info)

One night fun pairs

2012-01-02T13:50:00.000Z

Castleton bowling club are running a fun pairs tournament on Friday 13th January

Unlicensed, it's only a fun tournie!
Fri 13th, 2 bowl pairs,
£5 per pair
Starts 7pm
Prize £100 (if entry filled)
Played to finish on night
Contact Michael Chambers 07835792496 any day after 2pm

NEW Stadium Triples tournament

2011-12-30T00:46:00.000Z

The Jim Baker Stadium is delighted to announce the inaugural Marcus Craig Memorial Trophy proudly sponsored by C&H Electrical. The competition will be held at the stadium on the weekend starting Saturday 28th January 2012.
With prize money exceeding £1000 it promises to be a thrilling competition.

Format
two bowl open handicapped triples event consisting of a round robin group stage on the Saturday which will then see 12 of the triples returning for the knock out stages and fighting it out for the £600 first prize.

The cost for entry is £15 per triple and is open to both ladies and gents, and not just stadium bowlers but outdoor, shortmat bowlers and beginners a like. To enter please use the form on our dedicated
section of our website (link below) or complete an entry form (also available on the website or at all 3 stadiums in the coming days) and return it to the stadium on or before Wednesday 25th January.

We hope to see you there for a memorable competition.
More information and to entry at http://www.jimbakerstadium.com/mcmt/"

Christmas

2011-12-24T10:50:00.001Z

A time of peace and goodwill
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke chapter 2 verse 14)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah chap9 v6

Once in royal Davids city,
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby,
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ, her little Child.

He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall:
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Saviour holy.
Once in Royal Davids City by C.F. Alexander

A happy and joyous Christmas to all

Dunloy Pres Charity Singles tournie

2011-12-23T12:44:00.000Z

Dunloy Pres Church Indoor Bowling Club

Charity Singles Competition (All proceeds to British Heart Foundation - Northern Ireland Branch)

Dates Of Play
Mon 9th, Tue 10th, Thur 12th, Fri 13th,
Mon 16th, Tue 17th, Thur 19th, Fri 20th January

Finals Night 21st January

to enter contact Andrew Sayers 07736127447

Junior Stadiumers

2011-12-22T13:41:00.000Z

The junior international team for stadium is on the bowlsni site.
Series commences on 7th January in Nottingham.

Best wishes to all especially the new caps

Ballymoney Stadium - NOT Closing

2011-12-21T13:48:00.000Z

The President and management of the Provincial Towns Indoor bowling club would like to make it clear that the Stadium in Ballybrakes is NOT closing.
Contrary to a magazine article and subsequent rumours there are no plans to close the venue.
Management are looking at ways to become more cost effective and enhance bowls, closure of the stadium is not one of the considerations within those plans.

Provincial Towns annual SHORT MAT tournaments

2011-12-20T14:12:00.001Z

The Provincial Towns Indoor Bowling Club are running their annual SINGLES and PAIRS tournaments over the new year period in Ballybrakes

Probably the biggest tournament in the country the titles are among the most prestigious.
Dates of play Tues 27th, Wed 28th, Thurs 29th, Fri 30th and Monday 2nd
Finals: Tuesday 3rd January
Entry fees: Singles £4 ; Pairs £6

Order of play
Tuesday 27th: afternoon Pairs; evening Singles
Wednesday 28th: only evening play Singles
Thursday 29th: only evening play Pairs
Friday 30th: evening Singles
Monday 2nd: afternoon Pairs; evening Singles
To enter contact Denis on 02827664097, 07594550228 or Joan 07544778494

For those travelling a distance make a day of it on the Tuesday.

St Marks Pairs

2011-12-19T18:57:00.000Z

St Marks Portadown open pairs tournament.
Play starts Mon 09 Jan - Fri 13 Jan.
Finals Sat 14 Jan.
To enter contact May Cassells at 028 38331323 or Pauline Beattie at 07921508878.

All welcome!!

Competition Circuit - Honour

2011-12-19T15:18:00.006Z

Late withdrawals from competitions at times may be unavoidable however it is a matter of courtesy to forward the entry fee to the organiser.
Organisers should not be left out of pocket nor should they have to write to clubs or entrants to chase up unpaid entry fees.
The entry fee is not dependent on whether or not a player partakes in the competition. It is not discretionary but it is an obligation.
If a player enters a tournament and is unable participate the player should forward the entry fee.
There is also no excuse for not showing without having notified the organiser.

Organisers and players should show mutual respect to each other to reduce the number of competition closures
Players enter early and on all occasions pay the entry fee if you have to withdraw
Organisers - finish at appropriate time, stick to specified numbers each night and do not alter the draw.

Triples Tournie - Hillsborough Pres

2011-12-14T20:10:00.000Z

Hillsborough Presbyterian and Hillsborough Social Bowling Clubs are holding a triples tournament in commencing Wednesday 28th December to Tuesday 3rd January 2012
Qualifying nights Wed 28th, Thurs 29th, Fri 30th, December 2011, Monday 2nd January 2012
play commences at 7.15pm each evening in Hillsborough Presbyterian church hall.
finals night: Tuesday 3rd January 2012
Entry fee - £9

To enter and for any further information contact Tom Haire 07759173938 or Nick Haire 07850039674

AIIB Champions - National Stadium Champions

2011-12-12T00:37:00.000Z

Open singles: M McPeak beat R Coleman
Pairs: G McElroy, P McEwan lost to M Bickerstaff, D Corkill
Triples: S Gibson, J McCullough, M Merritt beat P Prunty, D Corkill, P McEwan
Fours: D McElroy, G Moore, G McElroy, S Adamson beat T Colvin, A Nother, S Colvin, G McCloy

U25 singles: R Allen beat C Brogan
2 bowl pairs: D Atkinson, A Coleman beat S Coleman, B Thompson

Mid Tyrone singles

2011-12-10T22:47:00.003Z

Wednesday night full up now
spaces on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th only left
ring Barry on 07834175313.

Stadium championships - Finals

2011-12-10T22:40:00.001Z

open singles: M McPeak v R Coleman

pairs: G McElroy P McEwan v M Bickerstaff, D Corkill
triples: S Sibson, J McCullough, M Merritt v P Prunty, D Corkill, P McEwan
fours: S Adamson v G McCloy
U25 final: C Brogan v R Allen
pairs 2 bowl: S Coleman, B Thompson v D Atkinson, A Coleman

D McElroy and P McEwan beat B Hughes and W McCaw

M Martin, S Martin, B Quinn lost 15-16 to S Gibson, J McCullough, M Merritt
M Bickerstaff + D Corkill beat C Eadie + M Merritt
R Coleman 21 : A Coleman 19
G Kelly 19 : R Allen 21 (u25)
S Coleman (jr), B Thompson beat P McEwan, P Prunty in 2 bowl pairs

Stadium championships

2011-12-09T14:25:00.006Z

The semi-finals of the AIIB championships commence this evening in Ballybrakes with the pairs and triples starting at 6.45pm

D McElroy and P McEwan beat B Hughes and W McCaw

M Martin, S Martin, B Quinn lost 15-16 to S Gibson, J McCullough, M Merritt

all spectators are welcome

Michael Merritt is also through in the pairs with Chris Eadie leading against M Bickerstaff + D Corkill v on Saturday morning.

It is a family affair in one half of the singles with Alister Coleman playing Rod Coleman who is flying the flag for the oldies. Gary Kelly is up against Mark McPeak in the other singles semi.

Paul McEwan and D Corkill are also doubling up in the triples and pairs, the same as Michael, they team up alongside P Prunty to challenge S Falls, N Robinson + I McClure.

Fours: Darren McElroy (another going for a double), G Moore, G McElroy, S Adamson v M Buchannan, T Robinson, N Booth, A Kyle

T Colvin, J Martin, S Colvin, G McCloy v the more senior rink of J Kerr, B Daly, F Murdoch, J Nutt

Juniors Singles: G Kelly v R Allen, K Padgett v C Brogan

Senior senior fours: J Baird, F Anderson, J Caldwell, R McCune v S Moore, M Beattie, S Hegan, S Elliman, M Martin, J Kerr, R Walker, J Nutt v S Walker, A.Robinson, A Scott, J Irwin

2 bowl pairs: S Coleman (Jr), B Thompson v P McEwan, P Prunty : M Bickerstaff, J McCullough v D Atkinson, A Coleman

Minimal changes - Stadium

2011-12-09T09:53:00.000Z

The stadium selectors gave some players an early Christmas present when they selected the international team yesterday. Unfortunately there are always those who miss out.
One surprise omission was Barry Quinn, after years of persistence he finally got selected last year and stepped in at third to bail out the selectors when unavailability took its toll on the back end. However his reward this year is to be removed from the team.
The selectors seem to yet again have their untouchables and special ones.
As expected from the final trial some of those rinks remain the same and those skipped by I McClure, G Kelly and S Coleman last year remain intact. Coleman's rink had the best record last series of three wins.
Good to see Clifford Craig brought straight back in with the management having now forgiven him and ended his disciplinary exile. They did not offer the same to others.
They have resisted bringing Neil Booth back in at skip and have selected him third to Andy Kyle. It can be concluded that there was something which the selectors did not like about the Corkill/Kyle combination as the veteran has been moved to a whole new rink skipped by B Thompson.
Simon Martin has finally persuaded the selectors (perhaps it was his fellow players who opened their eyes) that he deserves an opportunity and he will make his international debut. Congratulations to Simon who while having the support of many players has been over-looked for many years.

Narrow Northern Miss

2011-12-06T19:16:00.001Z

Northern had an intriguing nerve jangling, edge of your seats finish in the top team event however they missed out with the last bowl of the competition as Cheshire held on to win the title.
Cheshire won due to levelling the overall score in the final end of the game to claim 5.5pts and a hard earned title triumph.
Scores courtesy of S Proctor are available on bowlsni

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOUvW812xAY
Here's a link to the last 2 bowls delivered.

Donegal flattered by Mis-firing Midants

2011-12-05T03:13:00.002Z

Donegal may have exorcised some demons from their Northern Nightmare (or Ardboe Assassination, or Final Fiasco) when they travelled to Mid Antrim but they are knocking at the door ready to enter larger than before.
The Dons look vulnerable and but for some help from a Mis-firing Mid Antrim could have lost.
Peter McGee saved multiple shots in the first few ends sending the Midants front end of David Duncan and SS Scuba home wondering how they were on the losing side.
Andy Morrison is still checking the hall searching for the shots that seemed to disappear into thin air. Andy's rink will play a lot worse and win comfortable.
The best Midants rink on display was Willie Fullerton, Rickie Rogers, William Morrison and David Morrison they could have won by more.
Midants while still having the bulk of the squad that won the title years ago are only a shadow of that team and very few of their main players are playing anywhere near their optimum level.

Donegal have the players to mount a challenge but they may not be in the right combinations. The Curran/Alexander combination seems to gel but only time will tell if the other new combinations will compliment each other. On first showing young Geoffrey is a good prospect and could bring the best out of Derek but the other combinations may be best thrown in the air and see whom pairs up with who.
The Dons good points:
the form of the Curran rink, FFFF may be too old and grey for international duty but put him in a team environment and he is worth his weight in gold. Anybody know which batteries he runs on?
'Straight in at skip' had a good game after he was wakened up by Tattie hitting him for 5 bells in the third end although it was possibly more down to the honed bowls of a steele.
A fully fit Peter cleared all the hurdles in front of him.
Sleepy PJ will be able to put his finger on better game management next game.
Michael G in his first game looked composed and produced a top performance.
The really good news for the Dons is that there is so much scope for improvement by so many.

Arghhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Armagh

2011-12-05T02:15:00.001Z

Seasiders Scuttle the Armada.
North Downers squash rotten apples.
Has to be the biggest upset since Cork beat Mid Tyrone in 2006

What is happening to Armagh!
In fighting?
Team spirit?
Arrogance?
Complacency?
Too many imports?
No young ones allowed?
Off form?

The unavailability of Marty Trainor and Andy Hughes has not helped and Tony Bell apparently being unwanted makes the situation worse but to go from two finals and a semi-final to a second round defeat against North Down is a huge demise.
It could only be a blip but Armagh should fear the alternative which is considerably worse - becoming the new North West.

Ask your ladies for advice and some coaching lessons

Singles Comp in Mid Tyrone

2011-12-05T00:49:00.000Z

The Mid Tyrone Zone are running their open Licensed singles event in St Josephs Hall Omagh on the following dates.
Wed 14th, thurs 15th Dec 2011
Friday 16th December 2011
Finals Saturday 17th December 2011
This tournament is open to all other zones and please get your entries in early to facilitate smooth running of the event.
This is one of the most coveted singles titles in the bowling calendar played at the superb venue of St Josephs Hall Omagh. With 8 mats in operation every night on one of the best floors around it promises to be a superb event.
As always there will be prizes for all finalists and the event is one of the biggest singles tournaments in the bowling year.
Entry fee £4
Full IIBA Rules apply

To enter and for further info contact Barry Brannigan 02882252796/07834175313/07900286712

North Down Special

2011-12-03T18:59:00.003Z

North Down had a superb victory away to Armagh Apples.
They squeezed they crunched they bit and they claimed the cream defeating Armagh by 5 shots
PC minor, the campbell kind shocked their hosts by rushing out to a 15 -0 shot advantage and with Warrior Hastings leading 6-0 North Down took an early lead.
The apples bore some fruit and reduced the deficit to 1 by half time but North Down second halfers came out to harvest and gathered up another bumper crop as they led by 15 with a handful of ends left.
They held their bite to the end to win by 5 shots.
Incredible performance, this must rank as one of their best in the competition

Donegal Demons exorcised with a dozen shot win away to Mid ants

Mid down almost created a downers double as they pushed the Oriel Os all the way. Oriel scraped through by around four shots

Mid Tyrone beat foyle in another close encounter by 2 shots

Mid Ulster beat Western by 20
Rink scores on bowlsni site

Lisburn win by 7

North Eastern thru by 2

East Antrim, Meath and Monaghan thru in the shield

Take your pick

2011-12-01T19:13:00.001Z

The round of 16 in the main MIZ together with the three games in the plate could produce the most competitive day for a significant while in mens’ bowls. Out of the 11 games there is only one in which there is an odds on favourite, Armagh who entertain North Down. All the other games could go either way.

Mid Antrim take on Donegal. The homesters have failed to live up to their own expectations but perhaps they have learned that potential and expectation win nothing and that performances not talk wins games. They face another team who had higher expectations that reality. Will the mighty crash back down to reality that took place in March add a resilient edge to their game or will the Donegal Disappointers crack further under pressure?

There could be a classic cowboys and indians encounter when the MUlsterians take on Western. Western have not had the ammunition fully loaded in the past few years and have run out of artillery during games. However if they can win a few more skirmishes and the cavalry arrive on time they could be travelling to the homestead victorious. The MUlsterians have plenty of sharp arrows but can they make the cowboys quiver. If the accuracy is there then the MUlsterians should be too explosive for Western but if they don’t cover all fronts the Westerners will shoot them down.

The Armagh Royals are clear favourites to oust North Down however the orchard men will be aware that it takes only one bad apple to ruin the whole barrel. ND have their main conqueror back in Hastings but the core of the team will need to be in sweet form or they will be skinned and will be taking the pip home. Old McDonald returns to skip for the Royals and the only noise he will want to hear is the roar of success. Armagh have gone all scientific and produced a GAMA rink which will be full of high energy and hard hitting.

Mid Tyrone has been going in reverse for a couple of years and it is questionable whether or not their golden oldies can be sufficiently cunning to put together a run in the competition or will they be Foyled? Trevor’s Terrors will hope they do not come up short but advance. Again two teams that are well matched, one attempting to get out of reverse the other trying to get it into gear.

Mid Down host the Oriel Os and with the artful dodger at the helm the Mid Downers may throw in a few twists and fowl in an attempt to pickpocket the visitors and make off with the spoils before being caught. The Oriel Os Haire off from the start they will know that they can build a solid foundation for the win. Beware Mid Down the Gerrys are coming.

West Down the over-achievers invite the king of the under-achievers North West to battle. The visitors more often than not implode at some point in the season and perhaps like a few other zones believe their in their hype rather then getting on the mats and proving their worth. After a few defections West Down are steadily re-building team spirit and if they get their formula right King Harold will be in his Chambers with Richard the Lionheart Kidding the opposition into a false of security as they try to bank the win with the DJ playing hitting the high notes.

South Tyrone and North Eastern are well matched so neither side will expect a Kaning although Campbell will want to hand out a Keiraning to the visitors.

South Down versus Lisburn Luvvies is potentially another close game and while in the past South Down were tough to beat they are not the force they were. The Luvvies are expected to prove they are on the up and at this time of the year it could be a ‘Noel’ time for them if they Reid the right lines and all sing of the same chorus sheet. The South Downers will want to put some Haires on the supper menu.

In the shield the Corkers are making East Antrim wait for their timing and while the visitors have been denied a quick getaway they will be content to have a late drive to the win. The mighty Monaghan Moens have the Larners test ahead of them while the equally matched Meath and SandE Belfast will do battle for the wooden spoon.

North Belfast couldn’t make the start line so they are none runners giving Northern a free run into the next round in their quest to do the double of main competition and the shield in successive years.

Northern will have their own challenge at the top team event where they will be attempting to Steele the trophy. Will the Gamble pay off and will Martin be a giant in the singles?

Available teams at www.bowlsni.co.uk

Cancelled Tournie

2011-12-01T18:28:00.000Z

Unfortunately 2nd Kilrea pairs has had to be cancelled

To those who who play the tournament circuit it is becoming more and more essential to forward your entries early. Those running tournaments have to plan in advance, they cannot rely on last minute entries.
This topic has already been raised on this blog together with the responsibility of organisers to run the tournament in an efficient manner with no late nights.
Without these two essential criteria more and more tournaments will fall by the wayside.
An example to all is Belfast. Look how quickly thriving tournaments have disappeared.

Under-achievers

2011-11-30T11:31:00.001Z

Which zone is the greatest under-achiever?
the team that has wasted or not fulfilled the talent at it's disposal?
Mid Antrim
North West
Oriel
Western

Which zones have exceeded expectation?
Two that come to mind in recent years are
West Down and
Donegal
both have reached two recent finals
However could Western or Mid Antrim be over-achievers rather then under-achievers?

Lisburn to Unleash?

2011-11-30T00:26:00.002Z

The Lisburn zone team has been released with this year being their best opportunity in recent times to reach at least the semi-final. Given the draw and the team they have now assembled anything less than a semi-final berth will be an under-achievement.

Their squad has been enhanced in recent years with some astute signings and some returnees. Recently Neil Mulholland has returned to the team after a lengthy absence while Nigel Hamilton and one of the best players ever produced by Ireland, Dessie Hamilton, have been signed on free transfers from neighbouring West Down. Lisburn have continued to add to their squad with Noel Graham returning to zone bowls after what seems a couple of centuries. All four are class back-end bowlers and will add strength in-depth.

The selectors meanwhile have made significant changes to the original squad of last year the hope that the team will attain their potential these changes include taking the unusual step of changing five leads. The ever reliable Nigel Hamilton has been moved up to skip. Both he and Dessie are in their second year so much will be expected from the experienced pair. The strength of the side is shown in that recent stalwarts have been moved from their regular positions. Eddie Marsden has been moved to second and should be a mainstay for Paul Reid. Keith Morrison is in at third on this rink so a decisive win will be expected.

Some of the players who have moved position or not squeezed into the team will be disappointed but the competition for places is most intense. Those in reserve will be ready and able to fill any void that may arise.

Have Lisburn progressed from no-hopers to contenders?

Available teams will be posted on bowlsni later in the week.

Exiled?

2011-11-02T00:16:00.000Z

The stadium selectors have named a 36 man panel from which the international team will be selected.
Full squad on bowlsni site.

Missing from the squad are Gary McCloy and John Boyd.
It is blatantly obvious that Boydie has been sent into exile but what for.
Last year he and Clifford Craig missed out on selection and it was regarded by all that this was disciplinary reasons. however the reason will never be made officially known. This is pure bad management.
It is good to see that Clifford has served his dues and is back in the panel however the exclusion of John Boyd has yet again been left open to conjecture. Again the selectors/management have to take a good look at themselves and ask if their decision is justifiable or simply due to emnity and spite.
Who will be next for international exile?

Similar questions have to be asked regarding Gary McCloy. Last year Gary could not commit to the Wednesday nights but explained his position and it is understood that he would be have been available. Why was no compromise reached with Gary last year.
He was honest and up-front. However being left out for not being available on Wednesday evenings seems harsh. Was there a specific number of nights he would of had to attend? Selection and the Wednesday connection was a debacle last season, did every player selected for the last international series attend regularly, did the selectors. Gary was honest and forthright and for that he was penalised.
So why has he been left off the squad for 2012 series?
Did any of the selectors/management approach Gary and ask if he was available this year?
If players only have to attend 3 practice matches before the end of this year and then attend Wednesday evenings one would think that this would have been made clear to Gary and all those in contention for the panel.
Is there any criteria associated with attendance on Wacky Wednesdays or is it all hearsay?
Stadium officialdom you need to get your act together.
Players need to make a united stand and force transparency within the selection process.

Who will be next for international exile?

Wacky Wednesdays - What's the point?

2011-10-26T18:51:00.001+01:00

Have the stadium toons learned from the comical Wacky Wednesdays of last season?

Is there any benefit for the stadium international panel to be brought together every Wednesday evening?

What is the connection between international selection and a Wednesday night?

Are there clear rules on attendance or is it one rule for one and another rule for another?

Are all players treated the same?

Many players interpreted attendance at WW nights to be essential for international selection.

This seemed a reasonable idea to show commitment but it simply impracticable, not everybody would be available ever Wednesday.

If attendance at WW was and is essential

Did all players who were committed to WW get on the team?

Did any players get on the team that did not attend WW ever week?

What is the criteria for WW?

Did the selectors show commitment and attend WW to assess the players?

Did the management attend consistently?

Did the management have rinks and positions pre-planned to assess individuals and groups?

Is there a plan for this year?

Will it be better structured than last year?

When the Wednesday night bowling session was introduced for the elite squad of players it was mainly welcomed as a good initiative. There may have been teething problems through lack of communication as to how often a player had to attend. On the whole it seemed a good idea in practice it is reported it was shambolic.

It should have been made clear to the players how often a player had to attend.

The biggest injustice last year was the lack of respect that the officials had for the players. It is reported that not all the selectors/management would turn up on the same night nor attend on a regular basis. This undermines the whole point of having a regular assessment session that was perceived to be a precursor to selection for the international team.

Players give a lot of commitment in time and expenditure to attend and deserve better than what they have experience at the Wacky Wednesdays.

Competition Circuit - Organisers

2011-10-17T11:40:00.001+01:00

Short mat tournaments are on the decline with some organisers making the situation worse rather then trying to help.

There have been many players who have stopped returning to tournaments due to the late finishing times. This may not drive away the hardened tournament junkie but it will keep the grass roots and life blood of short mat bowls away.

Eventually when organisers are only left with the tournament junkies entering they suddenly realise that there are insufficient numbers to run a tournament. Organisers abdicate any responsibility they may have had in contributing to the tournament decline.

Tournaments need both the hardened competitors and the local grass roots to survive.

Organisers should abide by the recommendation in the IIBA yearbook which states that play should be concluded midnight.

They should not be taking any entries which arrive on the night without any notification nor should they be taking too many entries making it impossible to conclude play at a reasonable time.

The responsibility on times rest solely with the organisers however the IIBA should be actively monitoring the situation along with zone conveners.

Some zones are actively addressing the matter by either speaking directly to the organisers or issuing guidelines for the running of tournaments.

These initiatives should be applauded as these zones realise that a problems exists. These zones are being pro-active not re-active, they are attempting to enhance the game for players.

Selectors - The Untouchables

2011-10-08T00:55:00.001+01:00

Why are selectors a protected species?

Why do some selectors take credit for doing a good job when the team win but when the team lose or do not play well the selectors never hold their hands up and admit their mistakes?

The following year they can lay the blame on players by dropping them yet selectors are untouchable.

Some say selectors have a difficult job. Is it not true that it is a job in which they are always winners?

The team wins the selectors can take the credit: win win for selectors

A team/rink have an ‘off’ day and the selectors sit back let the blame rest with the players and make changes for the next team: again win win for selectors.

Has there ever been a selector who has analysed their own position admitted that they made errors in judgement and thought it prudent to resign? Is that scenario similar to a player having a bad game and being dropped?

Surely there should be a forum where the selectors should have to answer for their selections.

Why are players’ performances under scrutiny yet not the performance of the selectors?

Have the selectors got any specific criterion for selecting players?

Do they apply the same criteria to each player?

So many questions yet no answers. The untouchables do not have to give answers they are never to blame.

Law 37

2011-09-26T13:43:00.000+01:00

The new law 37 of the IIBA which may have 37 different and 37 correct interpretations has been clarified as follows:

If in singles the first two bowls delivered by each player, or if in pairs, triples, rinks the two bowls delivered by the lead on either side, touch the jack and end up in the ditch they are removed.

This does not stop any touchers, delivered by such players, which did not reach the ditch area from subsequently being pushed into the ditch by any player. If a lead delivers their first bowl on the end in question and it touches the jack but remains in live area their second bowl can push their first toucher into ditch and the bowl is not removed.

This law relates to the first 4 bowls of an end.

further clarification which seems to make one exemption is:

If in singles either of the first two bowls delivered by each player, or if in pairs, triples, rinks the two bowls delivered by the lead on either side, goes into the ditch and falls back to touch a live jack, even though the whole bowl is in the ditch then the bowl is not removed

This exemption may appear in contravention of law 37 but at least it is clarification. A rule within a rule.

This rule is NOT about ditching the jack it is about ditching the bowl after hitting the jack. A player can still ditch the jack irrespective of whether or not the bowl goes into the ditch. If the bowl ditches the jack and stays in the live area it is not lifted off.

However a bowl which touches the jack and does not propel the jack into the ditch will be declared dead if the bowl (not the jack) goes into the ditch.

It is assumed that if a bowl touches the jack and breaks the ditch line then it is dead. Not all the bowl (whole) has to be in the ditch.

Remember this rule only applies to:

(1) the last end of a game or a tie end. In all other ends the jack can be ditched

(2) only the first 4 bowls delivered in those specified ends.

Perhaps next year a different rule will be introduced for the first end of a game and another for all odd ends.

It appears that the reason for the new rule is to stop people winning a game by ditching the jack with the first bowl.

It is not to uphold the ethos of the game.

Thanks again to the executive member and staff umpire who took the initiative to address this issue for players.

Ridiculous Rule

2011-09-20T12:34:00.001+01:00

The ridiculousness of the new DTJ rule (ditching the jack) is not the wording. The wording may be down to genuinely attempting to cover all angles. Words can be interpreted in different ways by many people. This blog on many occasions has been misinterpreted the most recent example being the Kilrea Klutz who seems to have deliberately misrepresented an article for his own ulterior motive. The wording is not the main issue, errors occur; one only has to ask TC how many there have been on this blog [if he had a pound for ever mistake he would be a very rich man].

The absurdity of the rule is that it has only allegedly been brought in for the last end of a game or a tie end. In other words you can ditch the jack with the first bowl of an end for more than 90% of a game but after the majority of the game has been completed the rule is changed.

Preposterous.

What sport changes a rule during a game? In golf it would be likened to not being allowed to use your putter (or perhaps woods) over the last few ends or players are not permitted to have a hole in one from holes 16-18. In any sport it would be like saying you are allowed to use any tactics throughout the game but in the last crucial stages you have to change tactics, you are not allowed to use the tactics that you employed for the majority of the game.

Quite simply it is ludicrous to change the rules of a game during the game itself.

Rules that are used at the start of a game, should be used during the game and at the end of the game.

What is next a new rule for every end?

Almost impossibly the rule was shown in a good light when someone put forward an irrational, nonsensical, farcical, daft alternative that the rules should be different in the last end for each side. Perhaps an april fools joke but it was in the middle of September!

Due to the large response to the very mention of this rule in a previous article the author is loathe to include further comments on this topic. The hierarchy were genuine in trying to enhance the game for all by addressing the issue however the execution/implementation has not endeared them to the short-maters.

As most of the hierarchy scrutinises this blog perhaps they could use the blog in a positive manner by contacting the author, either by phone or email, so that clarification of the DTJ rule can be posted. By doing so they can show that the game, not their reputations, is the most important issue.

Competiton Circuit - You can Help

2011-09-14T15:34:00.000+01:00

No doubt there will be many shortmaters who have been on the circuit for a couple of weeks now and are competition hardened yet to some the season has not yet started.
Whichever camp you belong to it is asked that you would give consideration to entering tournaments with the maximum advance notice.
It has long been debated as to why shortmat tournaments are on the decline. There are numerous variables but not one short specific cause for the reduction in tournament numbers.
One major problem that organisers have is planning ahead and whether or not they will have the numbers to run a tournament. Some tournaments in the past have been cancelled through fear of only having one or two nights filled. This is understandable and often the following year the tournament is not re-scheduled. In the majority of cases once a tournament is cancelled it has gone forever not to be replaced.
It may be possible to avoid tournament closures/cancellations if competitors could give at least one weeks notice to the organisers before the tournament start date that they will be entering. Many enjoy the tournaments and wonder why some disappear.
This is only a small step but it is one act that all competitors could comply with and thereby have a positive impact on safeguarding tournaments.

Jeremy Henry - National Champion

2011-08-25T13:59:00.000+01:00

Jeremy Henry has excelled again on the biggest bowling stage in the world, Australia.

Not content with winning one of the most prestigious outdoor singles competition the big man has won the Australia National indoor singles title.

In an enthralling game Jeremy had to come from one set down to win a dramatic tie break.

Congratulations to Jeremy who continues to impress the Aussies.

He becomes the first international winner of the Australian title which is a tremendous feat considering the number of top international players who play in Oz.

Is the wee country taking over the bowling world?

First Jonathan Ross win the Scottish outdoor singles then James Talbot wins the world Cup singles (down in Oz) now Jeremy wins the Australian indoor singles.

Ordinarily the winner of this title qualifies for the World Cup singles. It will be interesting to see how the sometimes controversial Aussie selectors react.

It is time the selectors from these shores take the initiative and include Jeremy in the team for the world championships in 2012

Jeremy Henry wins prestigious singles title

2011-07-21T21:13:00.000+01:00

Jeremy Henry has won the RICHEST open singles event in Australia held in Park Beach bowling club.

In addition to this prestigious singles tourney Jeremy followed this win up two days later in the Illawarra zone triples which puts him through to the state championships.

Each game was first to 25 with and played in section format up to the knock-out stages starting at the quarter finals.
Jeremy won 9 out of 9.
His closest match was won by 5 shots. In the quarters he won by 18 shots, in the semi he defeated Wayne Turley by 9 and finished as champion by beating Claire Duke by 15 shots.

All in all not a bad few weeks and great to see Jeremy continuing to make his mark in the fiercely competitive arena that is OZ.

The World Championships will be held next year, Nov-Dec 2012, in Australia would it be possible that the big man would make himself available if the Irish selectors asked?
He has proved his form and has the added benefits of
having experienced the conditions in oz
and played at a higher competitive level more consistently
he would be an ideal choice for one of the disciplines.
James Talbot another prime candidate.
Jeremy and James have proven pedigree winning major singles titles down under.

True Leadership

2011-03-24T08:18:00.001Z

The bowls season is concluding for some formats while another is preparing for its commencement. Now is an appropriate time to take stock which should result in difficult but progressive decisions being taken. This topic refers to all level of bowls starting from the skips through to club officials, league officials, regional, right through to the governing bodies.

Longstanding skips should assess where in the rink they will best serve the team putting aside past achievements. At this point in time more relevant to outdoor skips.

True leadership, especially in governing bodies, can be gauged by a person realising the right time to step aside.

Too often years and years of dedicated work are ruined by people clinging to power.

The true character of the person will reflect in the timing of their handing on the reins.

Often because it has become the custom they stand for re-election but delude themselves with self-importance being put before the good of the game. The legacy of long serving officials can be destroyed by inflated egos.

Individuals clinging to power could result in a major backward step for the relevant organisation. It can lead to long drawn out power struggles over a few years that do more harm than good.

Leadership is about making the difficult decisions. The most difficult decisions relate to a close colleague or oneself. When an official becomes the talking point for the wrong reasons then the time for change has already gone, damage has been done to the good name of the organisation.

The next few weeks will tell who the true leaders are. It is feared there will be very few.

Conclusions will be drawn that this topic is aimed at certain individuals (depending on what format you belong to). The truth of the matter is that this topic has been on the agenda for several weeks and the intention was always to publish it on this day. Similar reasoning was applied to the Wacky Wednesday feature which was never going to be released until after the stadium international series and obviously on a Wednesday.

Any matters that have come to light within the past 6 weeks have had no bearing on this post. However it is conceded that recent events/opinions in both stadium and short mat prove the relevance of this topic.

Moderation of blogs

2011-02-14T18:26:00.001Z

This topic as with the ‘manipulation’ topic arises from comments that have been received but not posted.

Blogs should be moderated to stop personal attacks. Something has to be done the matter has been getting worse from the start of the short mat season.

On some blogs comments do not have to be checked or they leave the posts up for 2 days and the damage has been done.

Personal attacks are making people lose interest in bowls. It is often sustained abuse and in no way could be excused as banter. [The commenter went on to explain that they have lost complete interest in the game that they love because of personal attacks.]

There was a blog a few years ago that the ip address was posted along with the comment. It enabled people to know if a person was making multiples comments.

This blog needs more moderators to speed up the posts as that is why so many are posting on other sites.

So while anon posts are grand for allowing people, who are wary of the system, to make a controversial point etc. surely it is easier to allow people to only post as registered users under a username. Nobody would know their identity except the blog administrator who could bring in a rule of 3 abusive strikes and you’re out.

Puppet on a string

2011-02-12T22:19:00.000Z

Is the blog bashing article a case of manipulation?

If so, who carried out the manipulation and who was unwittingly manipulated?

Could it have been:

(1) Author manipulating the governing body?

(2) Individuals within the governing body manipulating the author?

(3) A blog administrator manipulating either/both of the above?

Author manipulating the governing body

Is the author using inside knowledge to advance personal opinions under the cover of a governing body?

Governing body or Individuals within manipulating the author

Are the governing body or individuals within using the author to get across their personal opinion and attitude towards bloggers. Is there such contempt for those who comment anonymously that they are attacked (not advised) in a public article?

Is it reverse psychology? Are they using the issue to goad and dare those who comment not to use anonymous with the ultimate aim of silencing their members especially those who have the audacity to disagree?

A blog administrator manipulating either/both of the above

Has another blog administrator goaded a public reply out of the governing body? If that is the case; the administrator(s) have out-schemed the schemers. That would be true Irony.

The fact is that the governing body has not covered itself in a good light.

They could have acted in a more responsible and detached manner setting a higher standard rather than lowering their standard to what could be perceived as mudslinging.

Blog Bashing

2011-02-07T19:36:00.000Z

Apparently it’s blog bashing time again

Can someone please explain the difference between an anonymous comment on a blogsite and an unsigned article on a closed website?

Highly ironic that an article that criticises anonymity is in fact ANONYMOUS

The blog basher mentions presenting a public argument yet the article is on a CLOSED site where the reader has NO RIGHT of reply. After all, can’t have the ordinary folk expressing opinions.

There are multiple ironies within the article. A prize will be awarded to the person who highlights the most. Answers on a postcard to,

Blog Basher

Closed site

No right of reply

Postcode – MA (Middle Ages)

This blog reserves the right of reply to every irony and insult whether specific or implied.