National Competitions for men and women are run by Bowls England and the competitions for 2025 will be managed from here later this year.
County competitions for men are run by Kent County Bowling Association and for the women by their new website here . Entry dates and rules can be found on their respective websites. The Club organises entries on behalf of members through the Secretaries of the Men's and Ladies' Sections.
The KCBA divides the historic County of Kent into 4 Divisions. An interesting map shows it nicely.
County competitions, as well as producing champions of the County in a particular discipline, also provide entry qualifications for the National events held in Leamington.
County Competitions 2025 - Men
The draws have now been made for the 2025 outdoor season. Once again Canterbury has a significant number of entries across the range of competitions.
There are some cracking matches in prospect for spectators starting as early as 19 May. As in previous years we will track the fortunes of our players as (hopefully) they play their way to the finals.
The scheduled dates for playing are:
Singles
The draw has slightly favoured Canterbury bowlers in the Singles (played on a Monday). Alan Cornfoot, Steve Wells, Darren Ellis, Mick Fisher, Mark Collison and Bryan Nicholson start off their campaign at Home, whilst Matt Rich, Isaac Tompkins, Colin Strouts, Paul Causer and Pete Foster have to travel.
Pairs
The pairs of Isaac Tompkins, Bryan Nicholson and Joe Vandepeer have a bye in the first round (played on a Tuesday) while the pairs of Mick Fisher, Pete Foster and Tony Dobson are at Home and the pairs of Paul Causer, Matt Rich and Andy Ferguson are away.
Triples
The triples of Mick Fisher, Steve Wells, Andy Ferguson and Isaac Tompkins all have a bye in the first round. Mick and Steve start round two at Home, while Andy and Isaac have to travel. Pete Foster starts the first round at Home and has the challenge of a match against the triple of Jason Avery. All matches played on a Wednesday.
Unbadged Singles
Canterbury bowlers have the rough side of the draw in the unbadged with Colin Strouts, Tom Attaway, Bryan Nicholson, Darren Ellis, Dean Ellis and Damian Hone all starting their Thursday matches away. Luckier have been Andy Ferguson, Mark Collison and David Charlton who start at Home.
Fours
Andy Ferguson's four have a bye to round two. Pete Foster is at Home, but Alan Cornfoot and Joe Vandepeer start away. All matches on a Friday.
Over 55 Fours
This competition goes outside Division 4 so the travel can be quite a problem. Alan Cornfoot's four have a bye in round one, but will be away when they get involved in round two.
Cox Cup
Canterbury A have a bye in round one but are then away in round two against Folkestone Park B. Canterbury B have to travel to Herne Bay in round one.
Good evenings to be a spectator?
Monday May 19 at 6pm - with six of our members playing that evening it should be a good watch.
Tuesday May 27 at 6pm - three of our pairs start their journey.
Wednesday May 28 at 6pm - any match between a Pete Foster triple against a Jason Avery triple is bound to be entertaining.
Thursday May 29 at 6pm - Andy, Mark and David might welcome a bit of support as they start their unbadged quest.
County Competitions 2025 - women
Singles
Yvonne Gambrill and Lin Riches are both drawn away in the Preliminary Round on 9 June. Mandy Catt is at home in the First Round to be played on June 16.
Pairs
Chrissie Barr's pair is at home in the Preliminary round on 30 May. The pairs of Mandy Catt and Karen Owen are at home on June 6 in the First Round.
Triples
Chrissie Barr's triple is at home in the Preliminary Round on 29 May. Mandy Catt's triple is away in the First Round on 5 June.
Fours
Both our fours start their campaign away. Chrissie Barr in the Preliminary Round on 28 May and Mandy Catt on 4 June in the First Round.
Senior Fours
Both Christiane de Weduwe and Yvonne Gambrill have been drawn away on 3 June.
Maude Woods
In these singles matches there are play by dates. Lin Riches is at home, as is Sue Close and Mandy Catt. Yvonne Gambrill is drawn against Alison Macdonald (all in the Preliminary Round). All ties to be played by 16 May. Karen Owen is away in the First Round.
Mollie Cleggett
This double fours sees Canterbury pitted against Betteshanger.
Rules
Rules for the above Ladies competitions can be found here.
National Competitions 2025
Most National draws have now taken place.
Men's Singles Over 60
Jeff Vane and Steve Wells are both away to be played by 28 May
Andy Ferguson and Alan Cornfoot are at home to be played by 14 May
Men's Pairs Over 60
Alan Cornfoot (by 7 May) and Jeff Vane (by 21 May) are at home.
Colin Strouts is away (by 21 May)
Women's Singles Over 60
Mandy Catt (by 11 June) and Alison Macdonald (by 25 June) are at home
Women's Pairs Over 60
Mandy Catt and Lin Riches are at home by 18 June
Mixed Pairs
Paul Causer (by 5 May) Isaac Tompkins and Andy Ferguson (by 19 May) are at home
Tom Andrews and Steve Wells (by 19 May) are away
Mixed Fours
Alan Cornfoot is at home (by 13 May)
Isaac Tompkins and Andy Ferguson are away (by 22 May)
Foundation Pairs
Darren Ellis is at home (by 26 May)
Dean Ellis is at home (by 9 June)
Champion of Champions
Men
Steve Wells is at home (by 20 May)
Women
Lin Riches is at home (by 13 May)
Yvonne Gambrill is away (by 13 May)
Family pairs
Darren Ellis, Colin Strouts and John Andrews are at home (by 15 May)
Paul Causer is away (by 15 May)
National team events
Men's Top Team
Canterbury A are at home against Victoria Park (by 25 May)
Canterbury B are at home against Folkestone Park (by 25 May)
Two Fours
Canterbury A are away to Queenborough (by 18 May)
Canterbury B are away to Tonbridge (by 18 May)
Women's Top Club
Canterbury are away to Maidstone (by 8 June)
Over 60 Mixed Two Fours
Canterbury A are away to Lenham B (by 18 May)
Canterbury B are away to Ashford Rail (by 1 June)