Duncomb Shield Final 2026
Duncomb Shield Final: Sunday 30th August 2026
The final of the Duncomb Shield Competition was played at Bourne Town Bowls Club on Sunday 30th August. Eight teams took part in the final, which is played in a round-robin format, over 7 games each with 6 ends. The captains were George Barber (Carlby), Ian Cooke (Carlby), Peter Cozens (Greetham Valley), Don McGarrigle (Greetham), Ally McNaughton (Wittering), Lesley Simmonds (Stamford Town), Paul Smith (Greetham) and Shirley Suffling (Ketton).
And what a difference a day made! The forecast light showers became sunny intervals and late afternoon rain did not materialise.
George Barber’s team were leading the table with 26 points after winning their first 4 games (out of 7). The fifth game saw Shirley Suffling’s team catch up, with both teams on 28 points, and Peter Cozens with 27 points. In the sixth game, there was still with only 1 point between these three teams, with Shirley Suffling and Peter Cozens both on 32 points and George Barber on 31 points. Then, in the final game, disaster struck for George Barber, who lost by 9 - 0 points to Don McGarrigle, and for Peter Cozens, who lost by 7 - 2 points to Lesley Simmonds.
Meanwhile, Shirley Suffling won her last game by 6 - 3 points, bringing her team’s total to 38 points and making them the overall winners of the competition. Lesley Simmonds’ team had hovered around the middle of the table until two good wins, by 6 - 3 points and 7 - 2 points, in the last two games brought their total to 35 points and gave them their final position as runners-up. Full results are on the website.
The League would like to thank Bourne Town Bowls Club for acting as hosts for the final, which they have now done for a number of years. Congratulations to all the teams who took part; there was a great atmosphere in this keenly contested competition and the final result was not resolved until the very last game.
The outdoor bowls season is now close to finishing, 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
