ECBA NEWS
(2 Sep 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE U24 TEAM MANAGER - WHITE ROSE
Having arrived home after a long weekend in Leamington, it was a time for reflection
Losing in the final of the Balcomb Trophy was very disappointing, but it was great to be there.
Then, it was time for the U24s to show their mettle. I was very proud of the way we beat Kent in the quarter-final. Leading by 2 after the first session (Pairs, Triples), Essex Ollie Shearing beat Isaac Jenner in the Singles by 8 (Isaac went on the win the English Singles title later in the week) and the Fours held on to lose by 3. Overall score 45-38.
Unfortunately, the boys couldn’t continue in the same way in the Semi-final against Hunts, succumbing 48-33
Hunts were very good all day and won the final 46-33
Personal message from David
“Well done boys. I’ll still be around watching you and making sure you are looked after by the county.
Thank you to all the U25/U30 players who have played during my 15yrs as manager. I’ll be seeing most of you indoors”
Links to all rounds here Quarter-final Semi-final Final
(1 Sep 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
The results from the Minor Finals day yesterday at Romford BC may be found here
We offer our thanks to Andy Moore of Braintree, who kindly agreed to play his Unbadged Singles semi final early (as allowed in the rules)
These results allow us to issue the program for the Minor Finals on 14th September (at Braintree BC) - which may be found here
(23 Aug 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
Please note that the Minor Finals will be held at Romford BC on Sunday 31st August, commencing at 10:00
The programme may be found here
(21 Aug 2025)
NOTICE FROM ECBA SECRETARY
This week, Malcolm Stark has tendered this resignation as the County Team Manager after 15 years in office
(Malcolm's resignation letter may be found here)
During this period the County has won the Balcomb Trophy 3 times and have been losing finalists a further 3 times
I want to thank Malcolm on behalf of the Executive for all his hard work during his time as Manager
As a result, the position is now vacant and is open for applications - the duties of the Manager may be found here
Please email your application with a Bowls CV to the Secretary, Terry Mizen, by Friday the 19th of September 2025
Terry Mizen
ECBA Secretary
(18 Aug 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER - BALCOMB TROPHY RESULTS
In a revamped Balcomb Trophy (from double-fours to a total shots scored, 4 event format), Essex did very well to beat very stiff opposition in the Quarter and Semi-finals - both games being extremely close (74-67 and 74-68)
We than had to play the third of these format matches on the day against our recent nemesis Leicestershire
(who, arguably, had ‘easier’ wins 62-51 and 72-53)
Despite monumental efforts, Essex failed to repeat their performances from earlier in the day and succumbed 69-43 (complete match sheets here)
After the final, Malcolm congratulated Leicester on their win and wished all their players well in the upcoming events
(15 Aug 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER - BALCOMB TROPHY
The quarter-final, semi-final and final are all scheduled for 16th August at 11:30 , 14:30 and 17:15 respectively
The winner of each match will be determined by overall shots only
Essex Team for the quarter-final as follows
Singles :- Andrew Squire
Pairs :- Steve Gunnell & Edward Morris
Triples :- Conor Mathers, Jack Butcher & Dan Rodger
Fours :- Dan Hughes, Steve Dunn, Ray Bone & Jamie Holmes
Up to date scoring via the BE Competition Portal may be found here
Quarter-final, Semi-final and Final
(12 Aug 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE ECBA SECRETARY - AGM VENUE
Please note the change of venue for the ECBA AGM on 29th November 2025
RHP Bowls Club, Canterbury Way, St. Fabians Drive, Chelmsford, CM1 2XN.
(9 Aug 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER
Essex were looking OK at 10 ends, not too bad at 15 ends but sadly fell away in last 6 ends, losing 98-116 to a very strong Buckinghamshire team
Final scores may be found here
(8 Aug 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER - MIDDLETON CUP
The Quarter Final against Buckinghamshire (Central Area Winners) will be played on Saturday 9th August commencing at 11:00
Venue is Welwyn & District BC, The Playing Fields, Ottway Walk, Welwyn AL6 9AS. The selected team may be found here
(3 Aug 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
Inter-group Knockout Final (3 Aug)
Group 2 108 – 118 Group 8
Group 8 Winners
Wally Ball Final (3 Aug) (updated 5/8)
Group 4 4 points (79 shots) v Group 9 4 points (76 shots)
2rinks drawn, each group won a rink
Group 4 Winners
(2 Aug 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
The results of the this weekend's finals of the County Championships may be found here
(28 Jul 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
The results of the this weekend's semi-finals of the County Championships may be found here
The playing schedule for the County Finals at Frinton BC on Saturday 2 August may be found here
Markers and Umpires will be supplied by the Umpires Association.
Dress code: Club Colours & or Whites.
Refreshments will be available to purchase.
Please attend 30 minutes prior to your appointed time to play.
(28 Jul 2025)
ASHFORD CUP FINAL
The final of the Ashford Cup was contested yesterday at Braintree BC between Group 1 and Group 4, the result as follows
Group 1 (10 Points / 133 Shots) - Group 4 ( 2 Points / 102 Shots)
2025 WINNERS - GROUP 1
(22 Jul 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
Congratulations on reaching the semi final stage of the County Championships
The schedule of games for this coming weekend may be found here
There are 16 players involved in more than one event, so I would be grateful for your cooperation with the timings
Please be available and ready to play at least 30 minutes prior to the start time shown on the schedule
Markers and Umpires will be in attendance
Dress Code: Whites/club colours with club shirts
Good luck and good bowling
INFO: We have been informed that Mark Royal will bringing his roadshow to Essex County BC on County Semi Finals Day
(20 Jul 2025)
TEAMS SELECTION - ISSUE 4
Team selections may be found here
(18 Jul 2025)
MIXED OVER 60 INTER-COUNTY revised 18th July
Disappointed to report a loss this week, despite a late rally by Essex to be only 8 behind after 18 ends, Norfolk found the extra gear required to get over the line. Score grid may be found here Many thanks to all of the squad, we will go again next season.
Regards
John Tully
(13 Jul 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER - MIDDLETON CUP - updated 14/7/2025
In yesterday's Middleton Cup game on a very tricky green at St Neots BC, Cambridgeshire (who had included 15 St Neots players), took an early lead. However, as soon as the Essex lads got to grips with the surface they came back and from 10 ends onwards, powered to a 6-rink, 43 shot win (134-91 and 22 points). Essex were 4 down at 5 ends, 3 up at 10 ends, 21 up at 15 ends, 31 up at 18 ends, 43 up at the finish.
The grid with team/results may be found here - Final League table here
The Quarter Final against Buckinghamshire (Central Area Winners) will be played on Saturday 9th August commencing at 11:00
Venue is Welwyn & District BC, The Playing Fields, Ottway Walk, Welwyn AL6 9AS
(11 Jul 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER
The team selection for the Middleton Cup game against Cambridgeshire (12/7) may be found here
(7 Jul 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
Inter-group Knockout semi-finals
Group 3 75 Group 8 135 (at RHP BC)
Group 9 115 Group 2 116 (at Grays Town BC)
Final at Essex County BC 3 August 10 am
Group 2 v Group 8
(7 Jul 2025)
MIXED OVER 60 INTER-COUNTY revised 6th July
The revised team selection for the second round of the Mixed Over 60 Inter County Championship v Norfolk on 15th July may be found here
Any team member unable to attend should advise John Tully (07970100634) as soon as possible
Regards
John Tully
(6 Jul 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER - EASTERN COUNTIES
The result details from the ECL v Bedfordshire on Saturday 28th June can be found here
Aside: Josh (12) & brother Jason (16) Hearn were last seen showing their Dad their well deserved County spoons and asking them how they got on! Brilliant! Definitely ones for the future.
(1 Jul 2025) - updated 4/7
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER
The much revised team selection for the last Eastern Counties League game against Bedfordshire (5/7) may be found here
(29 Jun 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER - EASTERN COUNTIES
The result details from the ECL v Suffolk on Saturday 28th June can be found here
(25 Jun 2025)
MIXED OVER 60 INTER-COUNTY
The team selection for the second round of the Mixed Over 60 Inter County Championship v Norfolk on 15th July may be found here
Any team member unable to attend should advise John Tully (07970100634) as soon as possible
Regards
John Tully
(22 Jun 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER
The team selection for the Eastern Counties League game against Suffolk (28/6) may be found here
(22 Jun 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
Wally Ball
Area A
Group 4 4 points v Group 6 4 points
Group 1 4 points v Group 8 4 points
Table
Group 4 - 17 points
Group 6 - 12 points
Group 1 - 11 points
Group 8 - 8 points
Area B
Group 5 5 points v Group 2 3 points
Group 3 2 points Group 9 6 points
Table
Group 9 - 20 points
Group 3 - 12 points
Group 5 - 9 points
Group 2 - 7 points
Final at Essex County BC 10am on Sunday 3 August - Group 4 v Group 9
(22 Jun 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER - MIDDLETON CUP
Yesterday's Middleton Cup game at home to Suffolk, proved to be a very close affair
Essex were 1 up at 5 ends, 13 down at 10 ends, 4 up at 15 ends, 3 up at 18 ends, then with a late rally Essex finished winning by 10 shots (4 rinks won, 2 lost). The grid with team/results may be found here
(19 Jun 2025)
MIXED OVER 60 INTER-COUNTY
Result from first round of the National O60 Mixed team championship Essex 118 v Suffolk 98
Full details may be found here
Regards
John Tully
(18 Jun 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER
The team selection for the Middleton Cup game against Suffolk (21/6) may be found here
(16 Jun 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
Wally Ball
Area A
Group 4 5 points Group 1 3 points
Group 6 4 points Group 8 4 points
Table
Group 4 13 points
Group 6 8 points
Group 1 7 points
Group 8 4 points
Area B
Group 5 2 Points Group 9 6 Points
Group 3 4 Points Group 2 4 Points
Table
Group 9 14 Points
Group 3 10 Points
Group 5 4 Points
Group 2 4 Points
(10 Jun 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE U24 TEAM MANAGER - WHITE ROSE
Over the weekend of 31/5-1/6, Essex U24s took part in the regional finals of the White Rose at Hadleigh BC, Suffolk. Unfortunately the B squad was a player short and were loaned a lad from Norfolk, but sadly that didn’t help their cause
The A Squad fared much better winning all their games to qualify for the National Finals at Leamington Spa on 17th August
Apologies for the delay in reporting but we have been waiting for the images to arrive from the photographer present on the day
All these photos can be in the '2025 Squads' in the Galleries dropdown
(10 Jun 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
Wally Ball
Area A
Group 6 4 points Group 1 4 points
Group 8 0 points Group 4 8 points
Table
Group 4 - 8 points
Group 1 - 4 points
Group 6 - 4 points
Group 8 - 0 points
Area B
Group 2 0 points Group 9 8 points
Group 3 6 points Group5 2 points
Table
Group 9 - 8 points
Group 3 - 6 points
Group 5 - 2 points
Group 2 - 0 points
Inter-group Knockout
Group 3 116 Group 1 114
Group 8 125 Group 4 69
Group 9 124 Group 5 100
Group 2 122 Group 6 114
Semi finals 6 July - on the green of the first named
Group 3 v Group 8
Group 9 v Group 2
(9 Jun 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER - MIDDLETON CUP
In our Middleton Cup game on Saturday away to Norfolk, Essex had a great start to lead by 24 at 5 ends, 23 at 10 ends, 23 at 15 ends but then Norfolk hit back. Despite that late rally, Essex finished winning by 6 shots (3 rinks won, 2 lost and one tie).
The grid with team/results may be found here
(2 Jun 2025)
ASHFORD CUP UPDATE
The scores and league positions after the final week may be found here
Congratulation to Group 4 and Group 1, see you both at the Final at 10:00, Sunday July 27th at Braintree Bowls Club
(24 My 2025) - updated 1/6/25
MIXED OVER 60 INTER-COUNTY
The revised team selection for the first round of the Mixed Over 60 Inter County Championship v Suffolk on 17th June may be found here
The team and reserves are invited to attend a squad day at 11 am on Sunday 15th June at Braintree BC.
Any squad member unable to attend should advise John Tully (07970100634) as soon as possible
Regards
John Tully
(29 May 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER
The team selection for the Middleton Cup game against Norfolk (7/6) may be found here
(29 May 2025)
ASHFORD CUP UPDATE
The scores and league positions after week 2 may be found here
(24 My 2025)
MIXED OVER 60 INTER-COUNTY
The team selection for the first round of the Mixed Over 60 Inter County Championship against Suffolk on 17th June may be found here
The team and reserves are invited to attend a squad day at 11 am on Sunday 15th June at Braintree BC.
Any squad member unable to attend should advise John Tully (07970100634) as soon as possible
Regards
John Tully
(21 May 2025)
ASHFORD CUP UPDATE
The scores and league positions after week 1 may be found here
(20 May 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER
The team selection for the Eastern Counties League game against Norfolk (24/5) may be found here
(18 May 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER - BALCOMB TROPHY
A fantastic weekend for the County's Balcomb Trophy Squad this weekend
Wins over Middlesex 18-6, Hertfordshire 24-0, Kent 21-3 and finally Suffolk 21-3 to have the perfect record of played 4 won 4 puts us through to the last 8 at Leamington on Saturday 16th August
Singles : Andy Squire 3 wins from 4,
Pairs: Jack Butcher / Ed Morris 3 wins from 3, Steve Gunnell / Ed Morris 0 wins from 1
Triples: Conor Mathers / Dan Rodger / Mark Nullmeyers 3 wins from 4
Fours: Steve Mitchinson / Steve Dunn / Ray Bone / Jamie Holmes 3 wins from 4
Big thanks also to Dan Hughes, Karl Lodge & Nigel Smith - squad members supporting the team the whole weekend
Full details of all regional results are available on the Bowls England website here (click "Essex' tab for our results)
Malcolm Stark
Team Manager
(13 May 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER - EASTERN COUNTIES
The result details from the ECL v Cambridgeshire on Saturday 10th May can be found here
(13 May 2025)
TEAMS SELECTION - ISSUE 1 and 2
Team selections may be found here - ISSUE 1 (13 May - 13 June) ISSUE 2 (12 June - 8 July)
(30 Apr 2025)
CHANGES TO THE ECBA HANDBOOK
Changes highlighted in red
Page 110 Colchester West End BC
Match Sec IAN REEVES Email: idreeves@hotmail.co.uk
Page 110 Frinton BC
Secretary GAVIN COWELL Email: gavinteachdriving@hotmail.com Tel: 07901 822023
Treasurer ADRIAN MANN Email: adrian_mann@sky.com Tel: 07375 910650
Page 129 Prittlewell BC changed to Prittlewell Bowling and Croquet Club
(25 Apr 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE TEAM MANAGER
The team selections for the first two Eastern Counties League games may be found here Herts (3/5/25) Cambs (10/5/25)
(9 Apr 2025)
NOTICES FROM THE TEAM MANAGER
The teams for our first three figures may be found here
The ECL games v Hertfordshire on Saturday 3rd May (10:30 start) at Radwinter BC and
Cambridgeshire on Saturday 10th May (10:30) at Kings Chase BC and
Middleton Cup trial v Kent (11:00 start) at Horton Kirby BC, South Darenth DA4 7AX
Balcomb Trophy at Essex County BC Sat 17th and Sun 18th May
To confirm Balcomb Trophy Squad for the above weekend (Red/Blue kit)
Ray Bone, Jack Butcher, Steve Dunn, Steve Gunnell, Jamie Holmes, Dan Hughes, Karl Lodge, Conor Mathers, Steve Mitchinson, Ed Morris,
Mark Nullmeyers, Andy Squire, Dan Rodger & Nigel Smith.
Best regards,
Malcolm (Team Manager), Mitch Brenner, Nigel Smith & John Stewart (Selectors)
(21 Jan 2025)
NOTICE FROM THE COUNTY COACH - UPDATED 20/1/2025
Details of the 2025 Open Meeting on Sunday 26th January may be found here
(20 Dec 2024)
ESSEX COUNTY BA TOUR 2025
There are a few spaces available for the 2025 Tour to Hampshire where the party will be based at FARNHAM HOGS BACK HOTEL & SPA,
from 4th May to 9th May inclusive. Male applicants may be badged or unbadged. For more information or to apply, please contact the Tour Secretary, Ken Clarke either by email or telephone kjclarke5391@gmail.com / 07395 046014
(20 Dec 2024)
NOTICE FROM COLLEEN MOSS - ECWBA PRESIDENT 2025
I would like to wish all Essex Bowlers a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year
See you on the green!
Colleen Moss
ECWBA President 2025
(1 Dec 2024)
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMPETITION SECRETARY
Please be advised that competition entries for the 2025 season are now open on the Portal
NOTE: Changes of club can only be actioned by a Portal Administrator, so if you have moved clubs since last season, it is imperative that you inform me or Dave Jarrold BEFORE you enter as otherwise your entries will be submitted from the old club/group as per Regulation 1(d)
(19 Nov 2024)
COUNTY REGISTRATION FORMS
The ECBA Secretary has emailed a copy of the Handbook form to every club secretary - they are to be returned by 31st December 2024
NOTE: Bowls England have made it a requirement of Affiliation that every club must have a named Safeguarding Officer by April 2025
The Treasurer's affiliation form is now available via the 'Forms' page of this website
Anyone wishing to download the forms they are also available here
(19 Nov 2024)
MESSAGE FROM DAVID STARKEY - PRESIDENT 2024
It has been a privilege and an honour to be your President. I would like to thank all the executive members for their help and hard work
A big thank you to all the County Bowlers and their wives for their generosity in helping me to raise £961.72 for the Guide Dogs Charity
Congrtulations to Dave King playing 100 County Games and to Keith Riley & Ken Clarke playing 250 County Games
My best wishes go to the new County President for 2025, Paul La Plain - I hope you have a great year
Good news - my mislaid wristwatch (reported on this website) has turned up
In closing, I would like to wish all bowlers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year - I hope you all winter well
(7 Nov 2024)
ESSEX BOWLS COACHES ASSOCIATION WEBSITE
Due to increased costs, we have decided to close our website at www.essexbowlscoaching.org (on Wix) and move to a new site on Hugofox
BIG THANKS to Karen Thompson who has done a great job in quickly getting our new site up and running and will continue to monitor and improve the site going forward
Have a look at the new site (and feel free to send feedback) - Essex Bowls Coaches Association
Trevor Plank
(12 Oct 2024)
NOTICE FROM THE EBCA SECRETARY
Trevor Plank is stepping down from his position as Essex County Coach early next year
The advertisement for his replacement may be found here
Tony Ellis
Secretary Essex Bowls Coaches Association
(22 Sep 2024)
NOTICE FROM THE COUNTY SECRETARY re SAFEGUARDING
As a direct result of the Bowls England directive regarding Safeguarding, the Essex Bowls Coaches Association has put together courses for Club safeguarding officers and Coaches, details here. Also attached here is a list of all upcoming EBCA courses