Knockout Competitions

Club knockout competitions provide members with the opportunity to test their skills over the course of the season. Players progress through each round, with the finalists earning the opportunity to compete on the club's Finals Day in September.

The road to finals day

Knockout competitions provide members with the opportunity to test their skills in a season-long competition. Played on an individual basis, three formats are available: Two Wood Singles, Four Wood Singles and a Handicap Singles competition, offering opportunities for bowlers of all abilities to compete.

Competitions are played on a knockout basis, with participants arranging matches with their opponents as the rounds progress. Successful players advance through each round, gaining valuable match-play experience and the opportunity to challenge themselves against different opponents throughout the season.

All finalists earn the opportunity to compete on the club's Finals Day in September. One of the highlights of the bowling calendar, Finals Day brings members together to celebrate the season's achievements, enjoy some excellent bowling and crown the club champions.

  • There are three competitions to enter, each with their own rules, which are listed below.

  • Entries for the season-long knockout competitions must be submitted using the official entry form at the start of the season, prior to or at the Annual General Meeting.

    Competition draws will be made following the closing date and displayed on the club noticeboards. Competitors are then responsible for arranging their matches within the timescales set for each round.

  • For season long knockout competitions, participants arrange dates and times for individual matches by mutual agreement.

    Matches are often played before scheduled roll-ups, providing flexibility for competitors. To ensure fairness, the rink for each match is determined by the throw of a dice before play begins.

  • Knockout competitions: Casual

    Finals Day: Full Uniform

  • £3 per member per competition

  • Competitions Secretary: Judith Ford

Could you be our next champion?

The Brace Cup

Senior men’s competition, with games played to 15 shots up (final - 21 shots).

2 wood

The Blanksby Handicap Trophy

Senior mixed competition, with games played to 15 shots up (final - 21 shots).

  • Players to be handicapped by the Competitions Committee.

  • Handicaps will be based on club competition singles and pairs winners over the previous three seasons, with one handicap shot awarded for each win up to a maximum of three shots.

2 wood
4 wood

The Redfern Four Woods

Senior mixed competition, with games played to 11 shots up (final - 15 shots).

  • Roving jack, which must finish a minimum of two metres from the string.

  • Strings to be set prior to the commencement of the game.

  • Rounds to be played over 11 ends, with the final played over 15 ends.

  • In the event of a tie, one extra end to be played.

2 wood

The Bill Dawson Cut Glass Bowl

Senior ladies competition, with games played to 15 shots up (final - 21 shots).

Competition Rules

Before you Play

  • All singles competitions culminate on the club's Finals Day and members entering these competitions must be available to play.

  • If a player subsequently becomes unavailable, they must withdraw from the competition and no further matches may be played. Their next scheduled opponent will receive a bye.

  • The first-named player is responsible for offering their opponent three possible dates. Players should agree a mutually convenient time and arrange for an umpire, known locally as a “stickman”..

  • The rink should be selected by mutual agreement or, if necessary, by drawing a rink number with the umpire present.

  • The umpire will record the score after each end and complete the competition sheet at the end of the game. The umpire's decision on measurements and scoring is final, although they may indicate the shot wood if requested.

  • Should unforeseen circumstances prevent a finalist from playing on Finals Day, both finalists may agree an alternative date. This must be approved by the Competitions Committee and displayed on the clubhouse notice board. Club dress regulations will apply.

  • Any claim arising from a failure to arrange or attend a match should be referred to the Competitions Committee for consideration.

  • Any player wishing to withdraw from a competition should notify a member of the Competitions Committee as soon as possible. Should the usual contact be unavailable, another Committee member may be approached. Players are asked to be patient while awaiting a response.

Match Rules

  • Rinks for all matches will be determined by the roll of a die. Refusal to play on the allocated rink will result in the match being forfeited.

  • Players should take care not to move the jack or any woods until both competitors have agreed the score for the end. Any player doing so will forfeit one shot for that end, and refusal to accept the penalty will result in the loss of the match. The decision of the official is final.

Match Procedures

  • Players should toss for the jack before the start of the match.

  • Jacks must be played between 23 and 36 metres.

  • Any jack that passes the T but remains on the green will be placed on the T.

  • Jacks that fail to reach 23 metres, or leave the rink at the side or end, will be handed to the opponent to cast.

  • Roving jacks must finish at least two metres from the edge of the rink.

  • Jacks carried into the ditch remain live, although woods carried into the ditch do not.

  • Dead ends will be recorded as zero for both players.

Duties of the Umpire

  • Umpires may not officiate for a spouse, partner or regular bowling partner.

  • They should wear grey trousers or skirts together with a club polo shirt or other agreed attire.

  • Before the start of play, the official will set the mat and two-metre mark for the first end.

  • During play, the umpire should not provide information unless requested and must not disturb the head until both players have agreed the score.

  • They are responsible for removing woods that leave the rink and should only record scores once both players are in agreement.

  • On completion of the match, the umpire will record the result on the club notice board.