Club Competitions and Fixture List
This page contains all the information on arranged games, matches and opening times of the green. Please support the club and your committee by participating in all the domestic and friendly matches advertised on the notice boards located around the bowlshouse.
Club Competitions.The club runs a number of domestic competitions which are open to all playing members. Some of the competitions are designed to help new players learn the sport by playing with an experienced partner while others are aimed at the novice or older member. If you wish to enter these competitions, please append your name to the lists posted on the notice boards. The competitions are arranged by the Match & Ties Committee who will be very happy to assist you. The committee members are :
| Gents | Ladies |
|---|---|
| David Stephen | Isobel Drynan |
| Jim Kennedy | Joan McLean |
| Stuart Granger | Evelyn Smith |
| Finlay Drynan |
There are seven main competitons open to ladies or gents including the Club Championship The names of previous winners can be found on the honour boards located throughout the clubhouse.
ChampionshipThis is the most prestigious competition within any bowling club and entitles the winner to represent their club in district and national competitions. Because Glasgow has so many clubs within its juristiction, the Glasgow Bowling Association (GBA) competitions take precedence over the national competitions and only the club champion may represent their club in the GBA singles. The competition is open to any playing member and the winner is the first person who obtains a score of 21 shots.
Championship Medalion [1]
The first championship of the club was played in 1833 and won by Gavin Walker whose name is the first entry on the honours board in the bowls house. From 1833 a gold medal was the treasured proze of the champions. It is recorded however that the gold medal disappeared in 1861 when the winner for that year omitted to return it before emigrating to America.
President's PrizeThis is the second single's competition and is open to all playing members. The winners receive the President's Trophy and the honour to represent the club in the Scottish national singles competiton the following year.
Aggregate PointsThis is the main social competition within the club and is designed to encourage members to utilise the club facilities throughout the Open season. Members purchase a match token priced at £1.00 which entitles them to play on that night's game. Players then exchange the token for a rink token which identifies their team for the game. The winners earn 2 points and the highest aggregate score over the season receives the Points Trophy at prize giving in October. Gents hold their game on Monday evening, Ladies on a Thursday evening and last for approximately 2 hours . To avoid disappointment, please arrive no later than 10 minutes before start of play.
| Month | Start time |
|---|---|
| April | 6.45 |
| May - July | 7.00 |
| Aug - Sept | 6.45 |
This competition is open to all members and offers the opportunity to select (nominate)your partner. If you are new to the club and do not have a partner, please enter your name on the competition sheet and the Match & Tie committee will allocate a partner. Each game lasts 17 ends , players delivering 4 bowls alternatively (leads then Skips). An End is the completion of play in one direction. The winners are the team with the highest aggregate score at the end of the match. The competitition normally consists of 4 or 5 rounds and opponents are asked to complete their match within a specified time frame.
Balloted PairsThis competition is open to all members and is designed to provide novice players with the opportunity to be mentored by an experienced match play partner. Most games are played in a relaxed tempo with players receiving encouragement from opponents and partners alike. Pairs are allocated at random from the list of entrants and each match lasts for 17 ends.
Mixed PairsThis competition is open to all Gent and Lady playing members and provides the opportunity to build a closer social network within the club. Players may nominate their partner or add their names to the appropriate lists. Games are played over 17 ends and the winners are invited to represent the club in the SBA Mixed pairs competiton.
Marshall Ferguson (Vice President's)The vice president's is a single's competition open to novice players who have never won a single's competition in bowling . It is designed to teach tactical bowling skills required when representing your club at national competitions. The players play for the Marshall Ferguson Trophy which is without doubt the most attractive trophy at Willowbank prize giving. The winner is the player who scores 21 shots.
Club Fixtures List
The club fixtures lists for the Ladies and Gents sections has now been placed on their own pages. Please see the competitions sub menu for details.
Bowling is a very sociable sport and to encourage and maintain links with other clubs and fellow bowlers, the Match & Tie committee organize some friendly fixtures and open tournaments. All members are encouraged to participate in this process by appending the Team Sheets with your initials. If you are selected and unavailable to represent the club, please inform the match & tie committee members as soon as possible. Match notices are displayed on the notice boards in the clubhouse Foyer. The dates and times of the fixtures are noted below , however please refer to the team sheets for current information. The host club normally provides a light refreshment for their guests and members are asked to contribute to this cost by paying the appropriate match fee.
The ladies fixtures include a number of social events designed to raise the profile of the club and encourage visitors and family members to participate. All members are encouraged to support these events and raise funds for the club and other good causes.
The Charities Day includes stalls, home baking, tea room and games for the children. The Strawberry Fare is a family event offering the best of summer produce, tea room and games and is particularly popular with our retired community.
Ladies Day is an opportunity for the Gentlemen to acknowledge all the efforts made by our Ladies on behalf of the club so please support them in their efforts.
[1] Smith D(1985) Willowbank Bowling Club in Glasgow Sports News, Club News (undated)