Bowlers counting the days until they’re back on the green

The government’s road map for the easing of lockdown restrictions means the sport can prepare with confidence for the 2021 outdoor season – including a return of league fixtures after a year’s absence due to Covid.

“The Prime Minister’s announcement confirmed that outdoor affiliated bowls clubs will be able to open from Monday March 29,” said Mark Bircumshaw, the chief executive of governing body, the British Crown Green Bowling Association. “Our overriding objective is for as many bowlers as possible to enjoy our sport in a safe manner this summer.”

As soon as BCGBA officials have worked through official details they will issue more in depth return to play guidance for clubs, including best practice to support the safe running of clubs, promotional material and funding advice

One of Shropshire’s veterans bowls leagues is playing a waiting game before deciding on its 2021 programme in the face of the pandemic.

The Market Drayton Senior Citizens League was due to hold its AGM last week, using the Zoom conferencing app, but the meeting was called off.

“We contacted all our clubs to let them know as the committee feel everything is in place (for the coming season) from last year’s AGM,” said secretary-treasurer Wendy Icke. “If we can start we will see – it could be June or July. But clubs are not sure of the numbers they will have.”

The league boasted 29 teams playing in three divisions in 2019, fixtures for men and women aged over 60 being eight-a-side on Wednesday afternoons.

One of Shropshire’s elite bowls clubs is mourning the loss of one of its long-serving pillars.

Harry Thomas, the bowls section secretary of Wem USC for more than 30 years, died earlier this month, just after turning 60. Thomas served the Services in many ways, including as delegate to various leagues, and was widely respected and popular throughout the county.

His cousin, Wem USC legend Derek Wright, said that Thomas’s biggest playing honour was being a member of the team that won the British Parks club championship in 1994 – the first team from Shropshire to achieve the feat.

Wem were founder members of the Shropshire Premier League in the same year and Thomas played hundreds of games in both the Whitchurch and Tanners Shropshire (nee Shrewsbury) leagues.

The Whitchurch League has also sent its condolences to the family of Jim Evans, who has passed after serving as league president between 2007 and 2009.

Telford club Sinclair is also mourning the loss of stalwart Clarence (Clal) Luter, who died in January aged 92.