Gerrards Cross Bowls Competitive Bowls

COMPETITIVE BOWLS

We enter teams in a number of competitions to give all our members the opportunity to compete at a level suitable for them.

We have some extremely good players, successful at national and County level, so it is difficult to get into our Top Club teams; and at the other end of the scale we have a Bucks League team which is designed for players who are new to competitive bowls.

This page lists the competitions that we enter.

We also hold competitions within the club of course - information about them can be found here.

Leagues

Ray Keen League

The Ray Keen league is played as as series of fours matches. They are mixed - no restrictions on numbers of men or ladies. They are organised geographically, with a play-off in the finals between the winners of division one in each region.

We enter six teams in the Ray Keen League. Five or six teams in a division, play home and away, so 8 or 10 games per season. A 4-person team is chosen for each match from a team squad of about eight.

In May each year club members will have an opportunity to put their names down to play in the Bucks Leagues. All skill levels are catered for.

Erasers: In 2021 won the league. They played in division 1 (Red section)

Swans: In 2021 played in division 1 (Blue section)

Allsorts: In 2021 played in division 2 (Red)

Rowers: In 2021 played in division 2 (Blue)

Pick & Mix: In 2021 played in division 3 (Red)

Maltmans: New in 2022 and is intended for new and novice bowlers

Chiltern & Thames

3 mixed triple competition played on a round robin basis up to quarter finals, then knock out to become the winner.

Each triple must include at least one lady and at least one man.

The current team manager is Duncan Gauld, A notice goes on the club board in May. Players can add their names to be considered for selection. The men in the squad currently have handicaps of 9 or better; the women 7 or better.

Regional Knock-out Competitions

Mid Bucks Cup

Mixed knock out competition comprising of a single, pair, triple and four, playing other clubs in the County.

The current team manager is Keith Patrick. A notice goes on the club board on which players can add their names to be considered for selection. Those selected usually have a handicap of 9 or better.

Watford and District

For men only.

Griffen Cup: 8-man club side that competes on a knock out basis

Ray Cup: 12-man club side that competes on a knock out basis

A notice goes on the club board on which players can add their names to be considered for selection. Those selected usually have a handicap of 8 or better.

London and Southern Counties

A prestigious organisation. The club committee appoints a selector for the competitions: in 2022 it is Duncan Gauld. All competitions are knock-out.

Gold Badge singles: Usually the club singles champion entered to represent the club.

Lonsdale singles: Usually the club handicap singles champion entered to represent the club.

Pairs: Selected pair entered to represent the club on a knock out basis. Usually County players.

Triples: Selected triple entered to represent the club on a knock out basis. Usually County players.

Fours: Selected pair entered to represent the club on a knock out basis. Usually County players.

Two Fours: In 2022 we will enter two Two-fours teams
A notice goes on the club board at the start of the season on which players can add their names to be considered for selection. Players will normally have done well in the Bucks Cup or in individual National competitions.

National Competitions

Representing the County:

Male: Middleton Cup:

Female: Johns Trophy

In both of these Bucks plays against the other counties, hoping to compete in the finals at Leamington.

Selection is by invite from the County Manager. The club can nominate players that wish to be considered for selection.

Representing the Club:

Male: Top Club: 11-man club side.

Two Fours: 8-man club side

Women: Top Club:10-lady club side.

Mixed: Tony Allcock: 8-person club side, all aged 60 or over

In all of these GXBC plays against the other clubs, hoping to compete in the finals at Leamington (and, in 2019, mostly succeeding).

Selection is by invite from the club selector, normally based on success in county and national competitions.

Home Counties League

Male: County Side that plays other Home Counties on a league basis.

Selection is by invite from the County Manager. The club can nominate players that wish to be considered for selection. A notice goes on the club board on which players can add their names to be considered for selection; they will normally have shown their ability in county and national competitions.

County Competitions

Male: Bucks Cup: Premier men's 12-man club side that plays other clubs in the County. League basis up to quarter finals, then knock out to become the County Champions. We won it in 2021. A notice goes on the club board on which players can add their names to be considered for selection; they will normally have shown their ability in club, county or national competitions.

Female: Vi-Trundell: Premier Ladies club side that plays other clubs in the County. 6 ladies. League basis up to quarter finals, then knock out to become the County Champions. We won it in 2021. A notice goes on the club board on which players can add their names to be considered for selection; they will normally have shown their ability in club, county or national competitions.

Female: Burnham Plate: 4-lady club side, for smaller clubs and second team of larger clubs. League to Q/F, then KO. A notice goes on the club board on which players can add their names to be considered for selection;.

Friendly Matches

We also play a lot of friendly matches against other local clubs, though they are social rather than competitive occasions. The fixtures list is here.