Repercussions after Long Sutton IBC closes

Post date: Mar 31, 2017 12:44:05 PM

The six-rink Long Sutton Indoor Bowls Club is to close after celebrating its 30-year anniversary.

The move has repercussions not only for the Lincolnshire Indoor Bowling Association reducing its membership from 13 to 12 clubs) but also for Stamford IBC whose teams were due to face the club next season in men's, women's and mixed competitions.

Opened in 1987, local entrepreneur Roy Smith has been its driving force. Its unique two-rinks at right angles to its four-rink structure attracted local players from Long Sutton and Holbeach communities and further afield and has always proved a difficult surface to handle for visiting players.

However, in recent years as its future became precarious, some of its players have drifted away or retired from the game. It registered only 157 players in 2014.

Said county competition secretary Simon Reeson: "It is with great sadness that I report that having spoken to Long Sutton this morning it will be closing at the end of the season. This will have implications on the make up of next season's leagues."

He said that the Men's Leagues will now change to two divisions - the first division with six teams and the second division with seven.

Division One will be Stamford A, Louth A, Spalding, Boston A, Lincoln and Sleaford or Scunthorpe. If Long Sutton A finish second in Division two Sleaford will retain their position; if Scunthorpe finish as runners-up, they will replace Sleaford.

The make-up of the Second Divison will be Sleaford or Scunthorpe, Horncastle, Grantham, Stamford B, Boston B, Louth B and Skegness.

The Men's Over 60 Division One will include Lincoln A, Scunthorpe, Louth, Sleaford, Boston and Stamford who defeated Dunholme regain promotion. Either Lincoln B or Spalding will join them.

Division Two will be Lincoln B or Spalding, Dunholme, Horncastle, Grantham, Lincoln C, Skegness and Boston B.

The Mixed Leagues will continue with their ' two-up, two-down' structure in both divisions.