Local Information
Newchurch Short-mat Bowls Club
New players are always welcome – any age and ability
Short Mat Bowls can be played by anyone of any age which adds to the pleasure of the social aspect of the game. It allows for a real team feel with support, encouragement and guidance.
The game provides a fun way to develop new skills which is rewarding and gives a real sense of achievement.
The only requirement initially are completely flat-soled bowls shoes (no tread) or slippers, or even just socks!
If anyone is interested in coming along to see what it is all about, please contact Contact Clive Owen 01233 730886 or complete the form below:
Competitions and Leagues
The club participates in both a Summer and Winter South East Kent League and a Summer and Winter Shepway league.
The South East Kent League matches are weekly, alternating home and away. In the Shepway League there are two matches a month, one home and one away.
Both of these leagues are for triples, the Shepway Winter League requires a pair of triples for each match.
Newchurch Short-mat Bowls club have won trophies in each of these competitions over the years, as well as in a number of charity competitions, which you can see here on our past victories page.
While these and the leagues are very competitive, they are invariably played in a friendly atmosphere. Clubs from as far apart as Hawkinge and Rye, and from Brenzett to Wye, take part in these competitions.
CLUB HISTORY
The club was formed in the early 1990’s, not long after the village hall was built. Initally two second-hand mats were purchased, and since then three more have been added.
Many of the founder members are still playing, with 10-12 players bowling regularly in the village hall on Friday nights, throughout the year.
LATEST NEWCHURCH VICTORY
Winners of the Inplay Competition 2018/2019
On Saturday 28th September Newchurch were one of a trio of triples selected to represent South East Kent Short Mat Bowls League in the ” Inplay Competition”. The top three teams in the Winter league in each of the main leagues in Kent compete for the trophy. The others in our trio were Wye and Smarden. Once again we were successful in our mission to regain the trophy after losing it last year. Our trio once again only dropping 6 points from a possible 24. Newchurch were the only triple to win all 4 of our games. Our team consisted of Amber Gardner, Trevor Apps and Lance Beeching. South East Kent have now won the competition 3 times in the last 4 years. In the photo it is Wye in black and yellow, Smarden in black and red and Newchurch are in light blue.
NEWCHURCH VICTORIES
Winners of the Shepway Summer League 2018
Winners of the Lyminge Bowls Competition
Newchurch B: Basil Head, Darren Moulding and Lance Beeching
On February 18th Newchurch Short Mat Bowls Club entered 2 teams in the Lyminge bowls competition.
Newchurch A comprising of Julian Scales, Amber Gardner and Trevor Apps didn’t get through their round robin but Newchurch B comprising of Basil Head, Darren Moulding and Lance Beeching won their mat and then proceeded to beat Whitstable in their semi final. They met a strong Capel trio in what was to be a very tense final. It was 4-4 at the end of normal play which meant an extra end needed to be played. Newchurch managed to win this end by 2 shots, making the final score 6-4 .