News
(From Bob Worley, E&DBA President and Secretary)
Back in March, when we were sent into lockdown, Bowls England and Middlesex, along with many other associations took the immediate decision to cancel all competitive bowls for 2020. We, in Ealing & District decided to adopt the "wait and see" approach - with many bowlers in isolation until mid-June, we felt that we could hold off making any snap judgments until we got in to June, in the hope that things would have progressed enough to make our competitions and leagues viable. Unfortunately, with us now into June, whilst there has been some recent movement, we are still a long way from normality, with play only possible on alternate rinks with now pairs or even triples being possible. Please keep watching https://www.bowlsengland.com/coronavirus-guidance/. It is of course up to clubs how they apply the Bowls-England guidance. In addition clubhouses and changing rooms remain off-limits. For this reason, after consulting Rob and Monica, I have made the sad decision to cancel all of our normal competitions for 2020 (including Victory Shield, 321 and Monday Night League). In addition, our proposed 75th anniversary celebration match against Middlesex CBA has also had to be put off, hopefully just until next year. Whilst this is disappointing, the safety and health of our members must be our primary consideration. As a light at the end of the tunnel, if things keep progressing, we are hoping that we may be able to arrange some form of event(s) on the dates originally allocated for the Victory Shield and Competition semis and finals (9th and 15th August, 13th and 20th September). Obviously though this depends on how the situation develops. This has affected bowlers and their families within the E&D and in Middlesex CBA. It might impinge on the viability of clubs to exist next year and the future the future of bowls in this county. A second wave of infection could be catastrophic for bowls. E&DBA are saddened to receive news of the recent passing of Ray Wilkinson of Springfield as a result of Covid-19. Ray was previously a member of Perivale BC and it was during this time that he served as the 2006 President of Ealing & District BA.
The members and committee of the Association send their condolences to Ray's family at this difficult time. It is with great sadness that we report that Gunnersbury Park has been forced to close.
The club was formed in 1930 and was a founder members of E&DBA in 1945. Through their history they have won many outside honours, with E&DBA and Middlesex, along with various other associations. The loss of clubs is something we have become used to seeing (one look at the history section of this site will indicate how many have gone over the years), their loss is usually down to insufficient members. However, whilst not over-burdened with numbers, Gunnersbury Park BC had enough to continue. Their loss seems to be down to the greed of the quango that runs the park on behalf of Ealing and Hounslow councils. It is unbelievable that a park of that size cannot find the relatively small area required for a long-standing (and self-supporting it must be said) club to continue. It seems to make a mockery of the pledges of both councils to support exercise for all, irrespective of age. When will people who have this power recognise that bowls is an ideal way for people OF ALL AGES to exercise and have social interactions? E&DBA wish the Gunnersbury Park bowlers every success for the future, and hope they continue to bowl. We also hope they continue their links with E&D via their new club(s). New Club
Hounslow Conservative have joined the Association (subject to confirmation at the AGM). We welcome them to E&DBA. Victory Shield The draw for the groups for 2020 is as follows: Group A - Ealing Central, Featherstone, North Greenford, West Ealing Group B - Brentham, Gunnersbury Park (**), Isleworth, Springfield (** See later post) Clubs must arrange a fixture against the other clubs in their group, on which date they will play one rink home, one rink away. These group games MUST be played by Sunday 2nd August. Before the season, clubs must advise the V.S. Secretary (Rob Green) of their fixtures. During the season, clubs must advise V.S.Sec of their results. CLUBS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THEIR OWN RESULTS ARE SUBMITTED. Winners and runners-up in each group will qualify for the Semi-Finals (to be played on Sunday 9th August). Semi-Finals winners will qualify for the Final (to be played on Saturday 15th August). Venues for the Semis and Final will be confirmed before the start of the season, with the following pencilled in - Semi-Finals @ Springfield and Finals at Ealing Central Clubs are reminded that the Victory Shield is a fully mixed competition now. 3-2-1 After promotion/relegation, the following are the divisions for the 2020 3-2-1: Division 1 - Brentham, Ealing Central, Featherstone, Isleworth, Springfield Division 2 - Gunnersbury Park (**), North Greenford, Pitshanger, West Ealing, West London Clubs must arrange home and away fixtures against the other clubs in their division. These can be played at any time during the season (obviously evening games are more tricky in September owing to light). Before the season, clubs must advise League Sec (Rob Green) of their fixtures. During the season must notify League Sec of their results. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH CLUB TO ENSURE THEIR RESULTS ARE SUBMITTED. Clubs are reminded that the 3-2-1 is essentially an men's competition, but a woman can be included in an emergency, but must play lead in the Triple (this is to mirror the rule in the women's Monday Night League). Clubs are further reminded that in the event of one (or both) of the teams being short on the day, only one element can be played with reduced numbers - if you are one player, short concede the singles; two players, concede the pairs; three players, concede the triples; more than three short would not constitute a game. In all cases, the points are conceded but no shots. This assumes the opponents have a full team. Failure to implement the above will result in the outcome being voided and clubs having to replay the fixture (or if this is not possible owing to the date, the defaulting side conceding the full 8 points). Monday Night League It is expected that Ealing Central will rejoin the MNL for 2020. Details of fixtures, etc, will be available closer to the new season. Competitions Semi Finals will be played on Sun.13th Sept at Brentham and Finals on Sun.20th Sept at West Ealing. |
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