OXFORDSHIRE WOMEN’S INDOOR BOWLS ASSOCIATION

 

 

After three or four years in the doldrums the Oxfordshire Womens Indoor Bowls Association is fighting back against the impact of Covid.

 

Lockdown and the virus meant that the women’s County game had gone onto the back burner. Matches that had been cancelled because of the lockdown were slow to resume. Inevitably some of the players’ lives had moved on and they no longer wished to be involved in the sport at County level.

 

An emergency meeting was called  to see whether the Association should continue or be dissolved but new faces stepped forward to help manage the organisation  and now new (to county) players are stepping forward to play.

 

On Wednesday 20 March Oxfordshire had its first inter-county indoor bowls match for four years. This was against Bedfordshire and played away at Bedford. The result was close, two rinks all.  Oxfordshire lost by a whisker on shots difference , but its fair to say the room was buzzing, and the Oxfordshire players really enjoyed their afternoon away. Two players were given their Colts badges as it was their first time representing the county indoors.

 

The next match is on Tuesday 27 March, also away, this time at Leicester Indoor Bowls Club against Leicestershire County.

 

It is hoped that for the next 2024/25 indoor season we will have a full programme of intercounty matches.

 

 

The OWIBA AGM will be at 7pm on Tuesday 16 April at Oxford City and County Bowls Club. All women players from affiliated clubs within the County are welcome to attend. Come and have your say about your Association!

 

 

On Tuesday 19 March the OIBA County Indoor Open Pairs final was played at City & County. This final on paper looked to be the final of the season contested by four very good players: Will Parker and Andy McIntyre of Carterton and Dave Leighfield and Martin Shepherd of Chipping Norton. This was a very important game for Carterton because they were going for the grand slam in County bowls as they had won all the Competitions so far this year, so no pressure on Dave and Martin. The game started with Will (who was leading against Dave) and Andy winning the first three ends to be 4 – 0 up. Despite some very tight heads Dave and Martin started picking up shots and by end 8 they were 10 – 4 up. Will and Andy regained control and started coming back to pick up four shots in the next three ends to be 11 – 8 down. End 12 saw Will draw three woods within 12 inches of the jack, Dave fired and killed it. By end 14 Dave and Martin were 14 – 9 up. Will and Andy became focused and took the next three ends to be 14 – 14 on end 17. Going into the last end Will & Andy had the jack and Will again put three woods very close to Jack. Dave was unlucky despite getting very close to the jack; his woods kept passing through the head and out by a foot or so. It was now the turn of the skips, Andy’s first wood was short trying to block the firing shot. Martin’s first wood hit the shot wood and he now had second wood. Andy’s put his 2nd wood around the back to cover. Martin 2nd wood hit the head for another second. Andy’s third wood was positioned 8 inches short of the jack. Martin’s third wood was in the head and close but not close enough. Andy put another blocker in and Martin played his last wood producing another second wood leaving Will and Andy to win the game 14 – 15. Well done to Will Parker and Andy McIntyre on winning the OIBA 2023-2024 County Indoor Open Pairs and commiserations to Dave Leighfield and Martin Shepherd. This was one the best finals of the year with some exceptional bowling from all four players. The match was well supported by members from Chipping Norton and City & County. Congratulations to Carterton on winning the grand slam of Oxfordshire Indoor Bowls, having watched all the games no one played badly it’s just that Carterton this year had the edge and the killer instinct to win. Thanks to City & County for hosting this final and for Tony Wright’s assistance at the venue and for marking one of the singles finals.

Dave Lattimore

 

On Monday 18 March the OIBA County Indoor Over 60s pairs final was played at Chipping Norton. The final was contested by Tim Jupp and Paul Sharman of Carterton and Bernie May and Nigel Satchell of City & County. The game started well for Tim and Paul winning the first two ends with a five and a three to be 8 – 0 up. Bernie & Nigel picked up a one on end 3. Although Bernie and Nigel were not playing badly Tim and Paul were on fire and by the 10th end they were 27 – 1. Bernie & Nigel picked up 1 on the next two ends to be 27 – 3 down on end 12. Whatever Bernie & Nigel did Tim and Paul managed to get second wood if not shot. Bernie & Nigel felt that 25 shots in the next 6 ends was a hill too big to climb and shook hands. The match was well supported by members from Chipping Norton and City & County. Well done to Tim Jupp and Paul Sharman on winning the OIBA 2023-2024 County Indoor Over 60s Pairs and commiserations to Bernie May and Nigel Satchell. Thanks to Chipping Norton for hosting this final.

 

Dave Lattimore

 

On Wednesday 13 March the OIBA County Indoor finals moved onto City & County where the Over 60s final 2023 -2024 was played. The final was contested by Paul Sharman of Carterton and Dave Lattimore of Chipping Norton. The game started with Paul winning a one on the first end and after five ends the score was 7 – 5 to Paul. By ten ends it was still close with Paul just in front 10 – 9. It was nip and tuck throughout the next 5 ends with Paul keeping in front 15 – 12. At seventeen ends the winning post was in sight for Paul as he was leading 17 – 13. The 18th end Paul bowled three good woods however his last wood took a little rub off Dave’s wood to score a four and win the game. The match was well supported by members from Chipping Norton. Well done to Paul Sharman on winning the first OIBA 2023-2024 County Indoor Over 60s Singles. As I was playing in this final I bestowed the honours on Mick Andrew to present the prizes, Thanks Mick. Thanks to City & County for hosting this final.

Dave Lattimore

 

 

On Wednesday 13 March the OIBA County Indoor finals moved onto City & County where the Australian final 2023 -2024 was played. The final was contested by a team from Carterton: Andy McIntyre and Will Parker versus a team from Chipping Norton: Mick Boobyer and Chris Charles. Carterton were away from their own green however that did not affect them as Andy and Will stormed into 14 – 0 lead after 6 ends despite Mick & Chris playing well. Mick & Chris started to pull back to 19 - 6 after 11 ends although Will in his normal way attempted to spread all the woods over all six rinks with his firing. The next five ends Mick and Chris scored one and at 16 ends they were 23 – 7 down and decided enough was enough. The result did not reflect the overall play as all four players played well. The match was well supported by members from Chipping Norton. Well done Andy McIntyre and Will Parker on winning the first OIBA 2023-2024 County Indoor Australian Pairs and commiserations to Mick Boobyer and Chris Charles. Being a new competition and the fact that the prizes and cup were donated by Mick Andrew I bestowed the honours on Mick to present them. The winners Andy McIntyre and Will Parker won the Cup, individual trophy and OIBA glass plus £100 each. Mick Boobyer and Chris Charles received individual runners up trophy and OIBA glass plus £25 each. The prizes including the money prizes were donated by Mick Andrew who the OIBA and competitors owe a great deal of thanks for his generosity, thank you Mick. Thanks to City & County for hosting this final.

Dave Lattimore

 

 

The first 2023-2024 O.I.B.A. final was played on Monday 26^th February at Carterton. The County Indoor singles final was contested by two members of Carterton Paul Sharman and Will Parker.           This promised to be a good final and it did not disappoint. Will Parker got off to a good start and after four ends he was 6 – 2 up.  Paul Sharman fought back and after 8 ends it was all square at 8 all.  Paul pulled away and at 15 ends was 17- 10 up. Then Will became focused playing some excellent draw shots and pulled back to 17 – 17 at 18 ends. Paul picked up one shot on the 19^th end then Will won the next two ends to win the final 21 – 18. An excellent final supported by members of Carterton club.  Well done Will and commiserations to Paul.

The OIBA County Indoor Triples final 2023 -2024 was played on Monday 11 March at Carterton. The final was contested by two teams from Carterton: Bradley Squires, Andy McIntyre and Paul Sharman versus Jake Gibson, Tim Jupp and Remy Clanfield.   As Craig Morphet was not well Tim Jupp came in as a sub having not played in any other triples team. Like the singles this promised to be a good final and it did not disappoint.  The first end Bradley and Jake put all six woods within 12 inches of the jack. Tim and Andy followed up with some very close woods as did Paul and Remy, with Paul winning one on the first end. Remy and his team took the next three ends to lead 5 – 1. End 6 Paul’s team picked up a three. The next seven ends Paul’s team only managed 3 shots which resulted in Remy’s team leading 16 – 7 by end 12.  Paul Sharman’s team fought back picking up a two on end 13 only to drop a five on end 14.  End 15 Remy’s team picked up a one and was in the lead 22 - 9 at which point Paul’s team threw in the towel. An excellent final. All six players played well. The match was supported by members of Carterton club and Tony and Dulcie from City & County.  Well done Jake Gibson, super sub Tim Jupp and Remy Clanfield on winning the OIBA 2023-2024 County Indoor Triples and commiserations to Bradly Squires, Andy McIntyre and Paul Sharman. Thanks to Carterton for hosting this final.

 

 

OXFORDSHIRE INDOOR BOWLING ASSOCIATION COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPSFINALS  2023-2024

COMPETITION	FINALIST	CLUB	FINAL AT	DATE & TIME                 RESULT
OPEN SINGLES	Paul Sharman	Carterton	Carterton	Monday 26th February at 1815	18
	Will Parker	Carterton			21

 

OVER 60s SINGLES	Paul Sharman	Carterton	City & County	Wednesday 13th March	21
	Dave Lattimore	Chipping Norton			13

 

OPEN PAIRS	Andy McIntyre Will Parker	Carterton	City & County	Tuesday 19th March at 1815	15
	Dave Leighfield Martin Shepherd	Chipping Norton			14

 

OVER 60s PAIRS	Paul Sharman & Tim Jupp	Carterton	Chipping Norton	Monday 18th March at 1815	27
	Bernie May Nigel Satchell	City & County			3

 

AUSTRALIAN PAIRS	Andy McIntyre Will Parker	Carterton	City & County Oxford	Wednesday 13th March at 1815	23
	Mick Boobyer Chris Charles	Chipping Norton			7

 

TRIPLES	Tim Jupp Jake Gibson Remy Clanfield	Carterton	Carterton	Monday 11th March at 1815	22
	Bradley Squires Andy McIntyre Paul Sharman	Carterton			9

All matches to be played in club colours or whites & club shirt.

 

This is the final update 

Dave Lattimore

OXFORDSHIRE INDOOR BOWLING ASSOCIATION COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS

OXFORDSHIRE MEN’S INDOOR BOWLING

ASSOCIATION COMPETITION RULES  2023-24

1. For the season of 2023 – 2024 Oxfordshire Indoor Bowling Association will hold the following County Competitions:
   • Singles for the Brian M Standen Trophy
   • Over 60’s Singles
   • Pairs for the Cooper Autos Trophy
   • Australian Pairs for the Mike Andrew Trophy
   • Over 60’s Pairs
   • Triples for the Tom Stewart Memorial Trophy
2. In all Pairs competitions and the Triples competition, notwithstanding any names shown in the draw, the competitors taking part in their initial round in that competition constitute the original team. Only one (and the same) additional competitor of the same Club may be used as a substitute for any other competitor in the team at any other time afterwards provided the substitute has not already played in that competition for another team and providing, they are eligible competitors. A substitute or the substituted competitor can therefore play in more than one round and plays as a substitute for the team rather than for an individual competitor & may also play in any position.
3. Rink fees are to be shared between the competitors
4. The draw will be random and will determine which competitors are “challengers” and which competitors are the “opponents” in each round. The competitors whose names appear above those of their opponents in each round will be the “challengers”.
5. The first-mentioned player in the draw is the challenger. On receipt of notification from the Competition Secretary of his opponent, or by reference to the website he must arrange with him to play the tie on his home green on or before the play by date. The only exception is the Finals, which will be played on the dates stated and on a green nominated by the O.I.B.A.  If the "challenger" has not made contact 2 weeks prior to the play by date, then the "opponent” should then contact the "challenger". Best attempts must be made to play the match.
6. No extension of the closing dates for each round will be granted for any reason whatsoever. Holidays are not accepted as a reason for non-attendance.
7. If the player/team (opponents) fails to appear and be ready to play within 30 minutes after the agreed time for the tie, the player/team (challengers) may claim a ‘walk over’
8. All competitors in the O.I.B.A. competitions must belong to an Oxfordshire indoor club affiliated to the English Indoor Bowling Associations, for the current year.
9. For all singles the challengers will be responsible for arranging that a marker is available.
10. The O.I.B.A. Committee reserves the right to alter any of the dates if, from any cause, it is found necessary
11. Game stoppages: If a game is stopped because of illness or any other valid reason; the game must be continued by mutual agreement either on the same day or on a different day before the next scheduled round. If a team or player in a singles game is unable to offer any dates, the defaulting team/player will forfeit the game. Scores will be as they were when the game was stopped.
    Winners must inform their next opponent and the Competition Secretary immediately after the completion of the game.  If an end has started but all the required bowls have not been played, it must be declared dead. (The end must be declared dead even if one or more players choose to remain on the green during the stoppage). If all the required bowls in an end have been played but the process of deciding the number of shots scored has not been completed, the number of shots scored must be decided before the game stops.
12. In a game that is being continued after a stoppage, if any one of the original players in a team is not available, one substitute will be allowed and can play in any position other than skip.
    If no eligible substitute is available, the defaulting team will forfeit the game to their opponents.
    Two trial ends may be played when the match is resumed on another day.
13. Score cards must contain the surnames of all players of both teams. Substitutes should be clearly marked on the scorecard. Winners must keep all their scorecards, duly signed and timed by both skips, and bring them to the finals.
14. Results must be notified to the O.I.B.A. competition secretary by email or text within 24 hours after the match has been played. Competition Secretary is: Dave Lattimore, email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or on 07795 174886. If that fails ring 01608 684540.
15. All bowls used in the County Championships must bear a legible stamp, which has an expiry date of 1985 or later. When no umpire is present the onus of checking the date stamp on bowls rests with the opposing player or players concerned.
16. In all rounds leading up to the finals, dress shall be grey trousers and white, or club registered shirts with flat-soled bowling shoes. Dress for finals is as above with the exception of grey trousers which shall be replaced by white trousers. In addition single player and teams may comply with the following:
    1. Club apparel may be worn provided that all members of the side or team wear the same and provided the design of such apparel has been registered to the County.
    2. County approved apparel (e.g. shorts) may be worn provided that all members of a side or team wear the same colour above and/or below the waist.
    3. Tracksuits, shell suits and jeans are not acceptable.
17. Any dispute arising during a Competition should be sent, in writing, to the O.I.B.A. Competition Secretary immediately after the close of the game.
    The O.I.B.A. Committee reserves the right of full powers of decision, which must be final.

O.I.B.A. County Competitions Format

Singles (Singles and Over 60’s Singles)

Each game shall consist of 21 shots – four bowls each player. Two trial ends may be played

Pairs - for the Cooper Autos Trophy & Over 60’s pairs

Two players from the same club. Each game shall consist of 18 ends four bowls each player. Two trial ends may be played. The Lead’s to play their four bowls before the skips. In the event of the scores being equal when all ends have been played, and extra end or ends shall be played until a decision is reached.

Australian Pairsfor the Mike Andrew Trophy

Two players from the same club. Each game shall consist of 18 ends four bowls each player. Two trial ends may be played. The format for Australian Pairs is 2 – 4 – 2.   Australian Pairs allows both people on a team to play Lead and Skip. In the first end of the game the Leads start off with 2 bowls each. Then the Skips play their 4 bowls. Then the Leads complete the end with their final 2 bowls. Thus, the Leads act as Lead and Skip in the same end. In the Next End the roles are reversed. The Skips playing first with their 2 bowls then the Leads play their 4 bowls. Then the Skips complete the End with their final 2 bowls. This alternating pattern continues throughout the game.  "Aside from the extra walking, in the Australian Pairs, the rules are the same as a normal Pairs Game." 

Triples for the Tom Stewart Memorial Trophy

Three players from the same club. Each game shall consist of 18 ends – three bowls each player. Two trial ends may be played. In the event of the scores being equal when all ends have been played, and extra end or ends shall be played until a decision is reached.