Bandit Bowls attract big numbers to Bicton

Sunday’s third round of the 2024-25 series set a new benchmark by attracting an incredible 115 entries to compete at Bicton.

And running 28 lots of 13-up round robin groups on the one green at the village club near Shrewsbury meant late running as the day wore on.

“We had another record attendance set of 115 at Bicton, with 45 bowlers in the first session, 48 in the second and 22 in the third,” said elated promoter Jamie Brookes. 

“Timing was pushed past its limits by the end of session two but, with tighter control, the team and I will manage these brilliant numbers.

“Wow, what a brilliant start to the Bandit winter series for 2024-25 – and my thanks go to all who have turned up.”

The trio who top the series points table on 75 – Jock Timlett, Gus Needham and Gerald Merry – were all group winners at Bicton, but Stuart Rutter beat Callum Wraight 13-11 to end his unbeaten run and top their table.

Winter regulars Alan Bailey, Cedric Bancroft, Jack Hewitt, Dave James, Sue Conneely, Daz Fielding, Andy Armstrong, Ade Jennings and Craig Jones were all table toppers on Sunday.

New names like Paul Beer, Graham Rogers, Rhys Marshall, Lee Walmsley, Ian Forster, Dan Corbett, Emmet McKinley and Angela Boot were successful too.

And the other group winners on a bumper day were John Stead, Aneuerin Venables, Tomas Wilkinson, Ged Brown, Paul Smith and Adrian Owens.

A settled forecast almost guarantees another huge turnout this coming Sunday for round four at Shifnal.