WTBC open triples league Summer 2026 Rules of Play
- The competition is a 3-wood triples bowls league for any combination of men and women. The winning team will receive the Champions Trophy. Prize money will be paid to the top 2 teams of both leagues or the top 3 if only one league.
- There will be one or two leagues depending on the number of team entries. Teams will play each other an equal number of time/s within their league.
- 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 bowl team, lead 6 bowl team, second 9 bowl team for three times, then skips bowl alternatively. 6 bowl mat bowling order… lead 6 bowl team, lead 9 bowl team, second 9 bowl team 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 Mondays however, when and if needed a different day of the week may be used.
- Sessions will start at 10.30am and 13.30pm. Matches will consist of 18 ends.
- 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 at 10am for the morning session, and after 9 ends in the afternoon session.
- 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
- If bad weather stops play after 9 ends have been played the score at the last completed end shall count.
- 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 Bowls England 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 16/02/2026***
