League News
Stamford League: Final Positions - 15th September 2026
Congratulations to Blackstones D who, having come top of Division 1 with 188 points, are this year’s Stamford League Champions. They narrowly beat Blackstones C, who have been champions for the last three years, by just 2 points overall, on 186 points. Oakham A were third with 169 points. Greetham Poachers face relegation at the bottom of the division, as do Langtoft and Greetham Valley Eagles; Market Overton Tornadoes just managed to avoid going down after finishing 2 points ahead of Eagles, who failed to score in their final match of the season.
In Division 2, Bourne Eau held on to the lead for most of the season, ending up as champions with 170 points. Only 10 points separated the next four teams in the division, but a late run of successes gave Carlby Corgis second place with 151 points and Blackstones A third place with 147 points. These three teams will all be promoted.
The Stamford & District Bowls League experimented this year with playing in two divisions instead of three, with the aim of extending the season. Loss of teams since Covid had resulted in the season ending in mid-July last year, leaving 4-5 weeks in July and August with no league games. A few matches had to postponed because of the extreme heat and, unusually, the last of the league matches which had been postponed were not played until after the competition finals, in early September. The final league positions were not decided until the last match on Wednesday 9th September.
The Stamford League will have to determine, at their AGM in November, whether this experiment was successful or whether they want to revert to three divisions in 2027. This will also depend on the number of teams playing in the league. The outdoor bowls season has now finished apart from some individual club events, but if you think you would be interested in this great sport next season, check on the website to find out more about what we do and where there is a bowls club near you. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Website: stamfordbowlingleague.co.uk
President's Gala: 2nd August 2026
This year's Stamford League President, James Henderson, held his Gala at Wittering Bowls Club this weekend. Fourteen teams competed for the cup on a gloriously sunny day which was enjoyed by everyone.
The Gala started with the unveiling of plaques on two memorial benches placed in front of the club house. These were in honour of two much-missed members of the club who have passed away - Dean Wilkinson and John Hare.
The competition was won by one of the two Wittering teams: Ally McNaughton, Mitch Willoughby, Hannah Nikolich-Willoughby and Louise Harris, with 29 points, after winning all four matches. The runners-up were one of the three teams from Blackstones: Wayne Morris, Darren Middleton, Darren Russell and Dusty Miller, with 28 points. In joint third place were Don McGarrigle’s team from Greetham and John Holroyd’s team from Stamford town, both with 24 points.The Gala, together with other fund-raising throughout the year, has raised over £1000 for the President's chosen charity, the Stroke Association, so a big thank you to everyone for their support.
The Stroke Association is a charity which was formed in 1992 to focus exclusively on stroke. It works to support everyone affected by stroke, fund research, and campaign for the rights of stroke survivors of all ages.
Events like this don't happen without the support of a multitude of people. The League Secretary, Nina Rawlins, ably assisted by Glenys Edwards, was responsible for all the marking and for the organisation of the teams during the competition. The teams enjoyed an excellent barbeque lunch, with additional refreshments provided throughout the day by the tea and cakes stall. There was also a raffle and a “Name the Highland Coo” competition. In a special appearance, ‘Spiderman’ supplied the jack for the 'spider competition', which was won by Sue Richardson from Carlby Bowls Club.
Last, but not least, a big thank you to all the Wittering bowlers for their efforts in getting the green and the surrounding areas looking so attractive and welcoming, and to all the bowlers who played in the competition for their support.
