Page 37 - Summer 2012

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E.K.S.M.B.A. - Who we are? A potted history
Created in 1986 after
members of one local club
felt that there must be
more to short mat bowls
than just rolling up
amongst themselves, the
East Kent Short Mat Bowls
League, as it was formerly
known, grew from strength
to strength, eventually
changing its title from
League to Association.
Clubs have come
and gone as have many
members, but the Associa-
tion truly deserves a place
in the history of East Kent
where it has become such
an important part of the recreational facilities available in this area.
The Association has always been lucky enough to have a very supportive committee along
with an extremely keen membership, which in turn has enabled the leagues and competitions to
become very competitive, but, at the same time, an enjoyable pastime for both young and old
alike.
This year’s Oyster Cup was a special event, held to commemorate the Associations 25th
anniversary. The Sports Hall at Pfizer Sports and Social Club was set up with 10 mats on Saturday
evening and the 40 triples teams from league and associated clubs were welcomed early on Sun-
day morning by our President Jim Greatorex. A full day of bowling was promised working to a ma-
trix created by Hugh Bradbury who would help Competition Secretary Brian Castle run the event.
Each team would play 4 matches in the early rounds with Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and the
Final to follow. There would be a Chinese Raffle and Fun Bowling later in the day.
The event was a spectacular success with all 120 players, family and friends enjoying a fun
day of short mat bowling. Thanks go to the organising committee our sponsor Broomfield Express
Couriers and all who helped on the day.
In division one of the three division league, the Jumbucks were clear winners on 87 points
with the Swallows in second place on 57 points, just edging out the pearls who finished on the
same points. The second division has eleven teams and the winners were the cherries on 107
points with the Oysters in second place on 84 points. Division three also had eleven teams and
had a very close finish with two teams on 72 points, the on-song, who just edged out the winkles.