Stamford face Spalding in Denny Cup opener

Post date: Jun 24, 2018 6:34:59 AM

Paul Bailey faces a tough baptism as team captain of Stamford Indoor Bowls Club men's team, drawn against local rivals Spalding in the first round of the national inter-club championship - two rinks at home, two away played simultaneously.

The Spalding club is littered with senior and junior internationals and next season will have the added talent of Stamford-based Stephen Harris, who has switched his allegiance to the influential south Lincolnshire club in individual national competition in a bid to establish himself at a higher level.

Harris, who successfully defended his Lincolnshire indoor singles title in April, will continue to play in domestic leagues at Stamford.

Louth or Lincoln will await the winner of this intriguing Denny Cup tie on Saturday, October 20.

In the over 60s men's double rinks - one at home, one away played at the same time - on Tuesday, November 6, Stamford A will play Grantham with Stamford B taking on Horncastle.

For the first time in several years Stamford has entered both the Top Club competition - which demands all round discipline in men's and women singles, pairs, triples and fours (a title currently held by Spalding) - and the Egham mixed rinks.

They face Boston in the Egham, on Sunday, October 28, while the Top Club date has yet to be announced, alongside the Under 25 inter-club triples.

Stamford women will play Melton in the women's inter club competition on Saturday October 20, for a chance to play Leicester and in the seniors (Masons Trophy) event on Friday, December 7, their A and B teams play, respectively, March and either Peterborough or Spalding.

LEAGUE ENTRY DEADLINE APPROACHES

Deadline for entry into Stamford IBC domestic leagues is just about to expire (June 30). Anyone wishing to submit a team into daytime, evening or weekend (Sunday morning pairs) leagues, should contact the league secretary John Holroyd immediately.