Witney Town Open Short Mat Triples League
Winter 2025/26 Rules of Play
General information
- The competition is a 3-wood triples short mat bowls league for any combination of men and women. The winning team will receive the David Cooper Memorial Trophy. Prize money will be paid to the top 3 teams.
- There will be one league where each team plays each other an equal number of time/s. Each team is to be a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 7 registered players, of either gender. Players do not have to belong to the same club.
- A match postponement will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
- A substitute can only be used when a team can only raise 1 player. Non team member must lead. Only one substitute per game. Playing order below.
- A team unable to raise 3 players (and a postponement has not been agreed) shall play as follows.
2 Players; to be played as a Pair (6 bowls v 9 bowls) Playing order below.
9 bowl mat (bowling order… lead 9, lead 6, second 9 for three times, then skips bowl alternatively
6 bowl mat (bowling order… lead 6, lead 9, second 9 for three times, then skips bowl alternatively
- Dress for the competition will be team colours; club shirts are preferred shorts are permitted.
- The league will be played on Wednesdays however, when and if needed a different day of the week may be used.
- Sessions will start at 9.30am and 11.15am and 1.30pm. Matches will consist of 18 ends or 90 minutes, whichever comes first.
- The rink fee is £3.50 per match per person including any missing players. Scorecards will be issued on payment of rink fees. Refreshments will be available from 10.45 and is free to all players.
- Any team failing to appear within fifteen minutes of the time fixed for starting shall forfeit the game, lose 10 shots and pay the rink fees for both teams of £21. Their opponents will be awarded 2 points and 10 shots.
- There will be 2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw. League winners will be decided by points won, then shot difference, then shots won.
The Game
- If the lead player is to control the head, they must be nominated before the start of the game.
- Only 1 shot will count on the first 2 ends
- The head must be cleared and the lead bowler ready to bowl with the jack set before the final bell goes.
- When the jack goes off the side of the rink there is a penalty of 2 shots. The end will count. Skips may not visit the head and will leave the head together,
- The completed score card showing the names of all players, should be deposited in the post box in the Pavilion with the rink fees.
- Apart from the above ESMBA rules apply.
- In cases of dispute the League Secretary or the Officer of the day decision is final.
Players, please turn up a few minutes early so that matches can start on time.
***League Secretary: - Alan Scholan –rules approved 03/08/2025***
