Winter League
Recently we opened up entries to the first-ever holding of a Pairs KO competition in the Winter League. We now have 29 entries (58 bowlers) and we know that there are more in the pipeline so we expect to at least double that number before the first qualifying round is staged on Friday 6 December.
We are also aware of a potential clash with the Milnsbridge Friday League although the 20 December is a blank date in the Friday League's fixture programme which we are using as the qualifying round for Division 1 bowlers. Note that each division has its own qualifying competition with a straight knock-out to find two qualifiers to progress through to the Last 16 which is where the potential clash could occur.
The Pairs KO playing dates were advertised before the Friday League's fixture programme was extended by 2 weeks to cater for the delayed start date due to further work required on the Milnsbridge green. The Round of the Last 16 and Finals Day have been advertised as the 14th and 21st of February which are now playing dates for the Friday League and 24 pairs have already entered the competition knowing the playing dates.
The decision has been made not to change our advertised dates and then it is up to the two Division 1 pairs that qualify through to the Last 16 to select their preference. Many of the Division 1 bowlers in the Winter League do not play in the Friday League so that does not present a problem for them.
There are different match dates and closing dates for each division's qualifying round as shown in the table below.
All rounds of the competition including Finals Day will be played at Thorpe Green
Just a reminder ....
Each division will have its own Qualifying Round with the top two pairs from each division progressing through to the Round of the Last 16. All matches will be played at Thorpe Green. Pairs are competing for the Robert Hitchen Cup which has been donated to the League by Elland WMC in respect of their stalwart club member.
They are different for each Division to allow the maximum amount of time to receive entries. Bowlers must have played at least two League matches to qualify to enter the competition. The clock is ticking on the qualifying end dates, so make sure that you get your two games in so you have the option to play in the first-ever staging of this new competition.
Before entering make sure that you and your partner are available to bowl on the Qualifying Round dates as well as the 14th & 21st February which are the dates of the Last 16 and Finals Day.
With two qualifying pairs from each of the eight qualifying rounds we then move on to the Round of the Last 16. This will be played at Thorpe Green on Friday 14 February 2025. The eight winners will then progress through to Finals Day which will again be held at Thorpe Green on Friday 21 February 2025.
Here are the main pointers as to what this competition is all about.
Each of the 8 divisions will hold its own qualifying round
The top two pairs from each qualifying round will progress through to the Quarter-Finals
The top 8 will then progress through to Finals Day
All matches will be played at Thorpe Green
The qualifying rounds will start in December and be held on 8 Fridays
The Division 1 qualifying round will be held on 20 December to avoid a clash with the Friday Milnsbridge League which has a blank day on that date
Pairs bowlers must bowl for the same team in the League
Bowlers must have played a minimum of 2 Winter League matches before the date of the qualifying round to qualify to enter
Entry fee of £3 per bowler
Division-based handicaps will come into play from the Quarter-Finals
Handicaps will apply to all rounds for Inter-District and County bowlers
Handicaps will apply to all rounds for Thorpe Green club bowlers
All matches up to the Last 16 will be 15-ends or 21-up whichever comes first
The handicap system is primarily Division-based and provides the following results:
Inter-District and County bowlers - start on Scratch 0
Divisions 1 & 2 +1 handicap
Divisions 3 & 4 +2 handicap
Divisions 5 & 6 +3 handicap
Divisions 7 & 8 +4 handicaps
Thorpe Green bowlers are minus 3-2-1 handicaps
The Entry Form below can be used to complete your entry for any division bowlers. If you wish to pay by BACS then the details are included in the email forwarded to you upon completion of your entry.
The Winter League WhatsApp Group is open for members to share views and comments on the new competition. You have to be a HuddWeb member to be invited to join the WhatsApp Group. Become a HuddWeb Member Ask to join the WhatsApp Group
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