'REGIONALISED' COUNTY LEAGUES START IN OCTOBER

Stamford IBC bowlers will be involved in a one-off season of inter-club league matches from next winter season, after the Lincolnshire Indoor Bowling Association decided to suspend its traditional fixtures in favour of a regionalised programme because Covid travel restrictions.

Representatives of clubs in the LIBA, including Stamford, met virtually and agreed that matches for the 2021-22 season will consist of four rinks of four players in each instead of five rinks and be subject to any Covid restrictions in place at the time, such as social distancing, sanitizing and masks being worn.

From October, Stamford will again be competing in the men's league, Over 60s and mixed competitions. Stamford A & B men will play against Boston A & B, Spalding and Grantham and in the Over 60s against Grantham, Sleaford, Spalding, Skegness and Boston A & B.

In the mixed league Spalding, Boston, Grantham and Skegness A & B will be the opponents.

Fixture secretary Tony Barwell is currently completing the schedule of match dates from September to April.

Individuals who entered LIBA competitions for 2020-21 will still have their entries honoured for the coming winter season. Those who plan to join/re-join the club still have a chance to compete but must advise Bob Warters their intended entries, ideally before the end of May.

With the entries for the 2020-21 Lincolnshire Women's IBA competitions having been cancelled and re-funded, Christine Ford is the contact for those wishing to compete in the 2021-22 championships.

The semi-finals of the Lincs county individual competitions from 2019-20, due to be staged at Spalding have been scrapped because of the pandemic. The 2022 semi-finals will be hosted by Stamford on April 3.