Welcome to the website of Harpenden Bowling Club.
For those new to the sport, please especially see the coaching tab.
Also the social and administration tabs have important information.
For those new to the sport, please especially see the coaching tab.
Also the social and administration tabs have important information.
Members:
The 2025 Fixture List is now available under the Activities Menu > Fixtures
The 2025 Fixture List is now available under the Activities Menu > Fixtures
CLUB NEWS
Welcome to the 2025 Season
PLAYING NEWS, update 8 July 2025
The Club Triples League got off to a terrific start this evening. Captains Sue Rose and Dave Kilvert took to the green with their fledgling teams with the first match. And what a close fought match it was with all players contributing to a good number of very tight heads. Dave with Tony Caffrey and Keith Armstrong edged ahead in the early ends securing a comfortable lead but slowly in the second half Sue with Johnny Cheng and Richard Powderham came back at them. After a close measure giving them shot, Dave’s team went into the last end with a 3 shot lead. Undaunted, Johnny and Richard handed over to Sue a 2 shot advantage which Sue extended to 4 shots with her first two woods leaving Dave one wood to bowl. Right on the money, Dave took the jack to get shot and the game.
What a way to kick of this competition in which 45 of our 120 odd players are taking part making it the biggest single competition the Club runs. Well done to Alan B for organising the competition with the back up of the Competition Secretary and the Captains.
The Club Triples League got off to a terrific start this evening. Captains Sue Rose and Dave Kilvert took to the green with their fledgling teams with the first match. And what a close fought match it was with all players contributing to a good number of very tight heads. Dave with Tony Caffrey and Keith Armstrong edged ahead in the early ends securing a comfortable lead but slowly in the second half Sue with Johnny Cheng and Richard Powderham came back at them. After a close measure giving them shot, Dave’s team went into the last end with a 3 shot lead. Undaunted, Johnny and Richard handed over to Sue a 2 shot advantage which Sue extended to 4 shots with her first two woods leaving Dave one wood to bowl. Right on the money, Dave took the jack to get shot and the game.
What a way to kick of this competition in which 45 of our 120 odd players are taking part making it the biggest single competition the Club runs. Well done to Alan B for organising the competition with the back up of the Competition Secretary and the Captains.
PLAYING NEWS, update 6 July 2025
Harpenden continue to progress through knock-out team competitions at County and London & Southern Counties levels.
In the County Team Ten, Harpenden followed up their second-round win at Potten End with a 3-1 win against Hemel Hempstead by winning the singles, pairs and triples legs whilst losing the fours leg. The win secures a quarter final fixture at home against Berkhamsted.
In the County Club Championship, Harpenden followed up their first-round win against Bushey, with a convincing 68-38 second round win at Harperbury. Harpenden travel to St Albans in the third round.
In the London & Southern Counties Challenge Shield, Harpenden followed up their first-round win against Herts (Watford) with a second-round win against Chesham. Harpenden’s 34-27 secured an area semi-final tie against either Gerrards Cross or Bletchley Town.
Harpenden also got their County League endeavour off to a decent start by taking maximum points against Harperbury in a 6-0 win but losing 2-4 at Welwyn Garden City. Harpenden play Welwyn & District, North Mimms and Oakhill in their remaining league fixtures.
Harpenden continue to progress through knock-out team competitions at County and London & Southern Counties levels.
In the County Team Ten, Harpenden followed up their second-round win at Potten End with a 3-1 win against Hemel Hempstead by winning the singles, pairs and triples legs whilst losing the fours leg. The win secures a quarter final fixture at home against Berkhamsted.
In the County Club Championship, Harpenden followed up their first-round win against Bushey, with a convincing 68-38 second round win at Harperbury. Harpenden travel to St Albans in the third round.
In the London & Southern Counties Challenge Shield, Harpenden followed up their first-round win against Herts (Watford) with a second-round win against Chesham. Harpenden’s 34-27 secured an area semi-final tie against either Gerrards Cross or Bletchley Town.
Harpenden also got their County League endeavour off to a decent start by taking maximum points against Harperbury in a 6-0 win but losing 2-4 at Welwyn Garden City. Harpenden play Welwyn & District, North Mimms and Oakhill in their remaining league fixtures.
PLAYING NEWS, update 30 June 2025
A unique bowls encounter brings three teams for a historic event
The Centenary Cup established in 2008 is a very unique event that brings together three bowls clubs who were all formed in 1908. Harpenden, Dunstable and Tring played on 28 June to see who would claim the Centenary Cup. Tring came out on top with a score of 159, Harpenden finished with 143 with Dunstable a short distance back on 141.
24 players from each club played either at home or away. Tring, last year’s holders continued their winning run but each club had their moments and the result was close considering 24 players from each club took part; a total of 72 players. In an afternoon of accurate logistics to get the right players to the right club at the right time, everything ran smoothly.
Harpenden (right) and Dunstable (left) presenting the Centenary Cup to Tring Bowls Club:
A unique bowls encounter brings three teams for a historic event
The Centenary Cup established in 2008 is a very unique event that brings together three bowls clubs who were all formed in 1908. Harpenden, Dunstable and Tring played on 28 June to see who would claim the Centenary Cup. Tring came out on top with a score of 159, Harpenden finished with 143 with Dunstable a short distance back on 141.
24 players from each club played either at home or away. Tring, last year’s holders continued their winning run but each club had their moments and the result was close considering 24 players from each club took part; a total of 72 players. In an afternoon of accurate logistics to get the right players to the right club at the right time, everything ran smoothly.
Harpenden (right) and Dunstable (left) presenting the Centenary Cup to Tring Bowls Club:
PLAYING NEWS, update 30 June 2025
An Area Final beckons for Harpenden on Sun 13 July in the Tony Allcock Competition – Over 60s Mixed Two Fours (2 men and 2 women per rink).
Harpenden played Batchwood at home in the Semi Final. It was a great win for Harpenden who go through to the Area Final on 13 July.
The teams were: Viv Dale, Roy Polley, Linda Brooks, David Brooks – Skip.
Joe Festa, Sue Rose, Jennie Redford, Tony Redford – Skip.
On Mon 23 June in a Ladies County League match, Harpenden 1 playing away against North Mymms secured a draw, 17-17
An Area Final beckons for Harpenden on Sun 13 July in the Tony Allcock Competition – Over 60s Mixed Two Fours (2 men and 2 women per rink).
Harpenden played Batchwood at home in the Semi Final. It was a great win for Harpenden who go through to the Area Final on 13 July.
The teams were: Viv Dale, Roy Polley, Linda Brooks, David Brooks – Skip.
Joe Festa, Sue Rose, Jennie Redford, Tony Redford – Skip.
On Mon 23 June in a Ladies County League match, Harpenden 1 playing away against North Mymms secured a draw, 17-17
PLAYING NEWS, update 23 June 2025
A week of extreme temperature saw two enjoyable Club matches for Harpenden.
In extreme summer heat, a Club match of four mixed triples at King’s Langley finished with a convincing and clear-cut victory by 80-48 shots for Harpenden. Harpenden’s top rink comprised of Cynthia Man, Mike Bird and Men’s Captain Mike Arnold.
The men’s match played at Harpenden on Saturday against Potten End was shortened due to the hot weather. These factors did nothing to spoil the enjoyment of the afternoon, with Harpenden, captained on this occasion by Tim Dale, winning on two rinks out of three, but losing narrowly on the overall score by 40 – 44 shots.
A week of extreme temperature saw two enjoyable Club matches for Harpenden.
In extreme summer heat, a Club match of four mixed triples at King’s Langley finished with a convincing and clear-cut victory by 80-48 shots for Harpenden. Harpenden’s top rink comprised of Cynthia Man, Mike Bird and Men’s Captain Mike Arnold.
The men’s match played at Harpenden on Saturday against Potten End was shortened due to the hot weather. These factors did nothing to spoil the enjoyment of the afternoon, with Harpenden, captained on this occasion by Tim Dale, winning on two rinks out of three, but losing narrowly on the overall score by 40 – 44 shots.
PLAYING NEWS, update 16 June 2025
Harpenden proudly host the SADLBA 50th anniversary
On 11 June, Harpenden proudly hosted a match celebrating the 50th anniversary of the St Albans District Ladies Bowling Association (SADLBA). 20 ladies from different SADLBA Clubs played 20 ladies representing Harpenden. Although it was a loss for Harpenden, everyone enjoyed the friendly competitiveness and the cream tea and Pimms following the match!
Two mixed triples Club Matches played in the past week in glorious weather for bowls nevertheless brought disappointing results for Harpenden. At Little Gaddesden on Tuesday they suffered a loss despite a convincing win of 23-11 by the team of Anne-Marie Stuart-Reid, David Keith and Mike Arnold on their rink. A closer match came against St Albans BC and although it was a loss of 68-53 it was very competitive. Harpenden lost on three out of the four triples rinks but the top rink on this occasion was Helen Westcott, Andrew Wallace and Gordon Burrow who won by 15-11.
Harpenden proudly host the SADLBA 50th anniversary
On 11 June, Harpenden proudly hosted a match celebrating the 50th anniversary of the St Albans District Ladies Bowling Association (SADLBA). 20 ladies from different SADLBA Clubs played 20 ladies representing Harpenden. Although it was a loss for Harpenden, everyone enjoyed the friendly competitiveness and the cream tea and Pimms following the match!
Two mixed triples Club Matches played in the past week in glorious weather for bowls nevertheless brought disappointing results for Harpenden. At Little Gaddesden on Tuesday they suffered a loss despite a convincing win of 23-11 by the team of Anne-Marie Stuart-Reid, David Keith and Mike Arnold on their rink. A closer match came against St Albans BC and although it was a loss of 68-53 it was very competitive. Harpenden lost on three out of the four triples rinks but the top rink on this occasion was Helen Westcott, Andrew Wallace and Gordon Burrow who won by 15-11.
PLAYING NEWS, update 15 June 2025
Harpenden continued their good form in competitive team games at County, London & Southern Counties, and National level.
In the second round of the National Top Club, Harpenden travelled to Potters Bar. Harpenden got off to a good start recording wins in both singles legs: John Osborn winning the two bowl singles 18-8 and Joe Festa winning the four bowl singles 21-4. With Harpenden leading the fours 18-2 (with Brian Moores, Andy Stephenson, David Brooks and Tony Redford) when heavy rain set in, Potters Bar conceded the game.
In the first round of the County Club Championship, Harpenden got off to a slow start and trailed Bushey across the three rinks by eight shots after five ends. Harpenden went on to win 68-29 overall with a convincing 24-9 win by the rink of Trevor Tharby, David Brooks, Carol Glanfield and Nick Muir bettered by a score of 30-5 by the rink of Joe Festa, Andy Rose, Tony Redford and Neil Herrington.
In the London and Southern Counties Challenge Shield, Harpenden played Herts (Watford) in the second round. Harpenden won both the home and away rinks to secure a third round tie with Chesham. The home rink of Joe Festa, David Brooks, Carol Glanfield and Nick Muir won 16-10 whilst the away rink of Trevor Tharby, Andy Rose, Steve Maynard and John Osborn won 20-15 to secure a 36-25 win.
Harpenden continued their good form in competitive team games at County, London & Southern Counties, and National level.
In the second round of the National Top Club, Harpenden travelled to Potters Bar. Harpenden got off to a good start recording wins in both singles legs: John Osborn winning the two bowl singles 18-8 and Joe Festa winning the four bowl singles 21-4. With Harpenden leading the fours 18-2 (with Brian Moores, Andy Stephenson, David Brooks and Tony Redford) when heavy rain set in, Potters Bar conceded the game.
In the first round of the County Club Championship, Harpenden got off to a slow start and trailed Bushey across the three rinks by eight shots after five ends. Harpenden went on to win 68-29 overall with a convincing 24-9 win by the rink of Trevor Tharby, David Brooks, Carol Glanfield and Nick Muir bettered by a score of 30-5 by the rink of Joe Festa, Andy Rose, Tony Redford and Neil Herrington.
In the London and Southern Counties Challenge Shield, Harpenden played Herts (Watford) in the second round. Harpenden won both the home and away rinks to secure a third round tie with Chesham. The home rink of Joe Festa, David Brooks, Carol Glanfield and Nick Muir won 16-10 whilst the away rink of Trevor Tharby, Andy Rose, Steve Maynard and John Osborn won 20-15 to secure a 36-25 win.
PLAYING NEWS, Update 10 June 2025
It's congratulations to the men’s Harpenden County Four team for reaching the County finals.
Joe Festa, Trevor Tharby, John Osborn and Nick Muir overcame their Royston counterparts 19-14 to clinch a County Final and also to experience the unique excitement of playing at the BowlsEngland National finals held at the home of lawn bowls, Royal Leamington Spa. The team would love to hear Club members cheering them on at both the County Finals held at Bishops Stortford on 3 August against Garston and the BowlsEngland Final on 21 August. It promises to be great entertainment and comprise some exciting play.
New visitors provide new competitors and friends for the future.
Despite yellow weather warnings, Saturday 7 June saw new visitors at a Club fixture who hopefully will provide great future matches. Luton Co-op a came to Harpenden and, even with two stoppages for rain, the match was finished with a level score of 64-64. The Mixed Triples Club Match on 4 rinks resulted with both clubs winning and losing two rinks.
Harpenden played at old adversaries Hatfield BC for a Club match over four mixed rinks on Tuesday, 3 June just about escaping the rain until the very end of the match. The result was two rinks each, but a convincing win for Harpenden by 75 -54. This was emphasised by a very strong performance from the top rink of Johnny Cheng, Sandy Bisland and skip Steve Pariser. The club was pleased to include new players to play against other clubs and indicates a new generation of new bowlers will be a regular inclusion in futures.
Sunday 9 June saw Harpenden ladies overcome WGC in a home Top Club fixture. Four disciplines were played and surprisingly, the sun appeared as a bonus.
It's congratulations to the men’s Harpenden County Four team for reaching the County finals.
Joe Festa, Trevor Tharby, John Osborn and Nick Muir overcame their Royston counterparts 19-14 to clinch a County Final and also to experience the unique excitement of playing at the BowlsEngland National finals held at the home of lawn bowls, Royal Leamington Spa. The team would love to hear Club members cheering them on at both the County Finals held at Bishops Stortford on 3 August against Garston and the BowlsEngland Final on 21 August. It promises to be great entertainment and comprise some exciting play.
New visitors provide new competitors and friends for the future.
Despite yellow weather warnings, Saturday 7 June saw new visitors at a Club fixture who hopefully will provide great future matches. Luton Co-op a came to Harpenden and, even with two stoppages for rain, the match was finished with a level score of 64-64. The Mixed Triples Club Match on 4 rinks resulted with both clubs winning and losing two rinks.
Harpenden played at old adversaries Hatfield BC for a Club match over four mixed rinks on Tuesday, 3 June just about escaping the rain until the very end of the match. The result was two rinks each, but a convincing win for Harpenden by 75 -54. This was emphasised by a very strong performance from the top rink of Johnny Cheng, Sandy Bisland and skip Steve Pariser. The club was pleased to include new players to play against other clubs and indicates a new generation of new bowlers will be a regular inclusion in futures.
Sunday 9 June saw Harpenden ladies overcome WGC in a home Top Club fixture. Four disciplines were played and surprisingly, the sun appeared as a bonus.
PLAYING NEWS - update 26 May 2025
Two good results at Club level
Harpenden had two good results as this year’s friendly club matches start to gain momentum. On Tuesday 20 May Harpenden fielded a mixed triples team against Luton West End away and won with a total score of 88 to 69. The top rink comprised Angela Favell, Deirdre Smith and Michael Barnes as skip.That was followed by another mixed triples win, this time against Dunstable at home on Sunday 25 May. It ended with a win for Harpenden, 66 – 56. Harpenden and Dunstable both won and lost on 2 rinks. Both matches were played in a great spirit.
Harpenden National Team Competitions Underway With Successful Debuts
Harpenden are off and running in the National team knock-out competitions. Harpenden's men were victorious in the preliminary round of the National Top Club against Herts (Watford) winning all five disciplines. John Osborn won the two bowl singles 18-13 whilst Nick Muir won the four bowl singles 21-5. The pairs was won 21-14 by Roy Polley and Steve Maynard. Joe Festa, Brendan Madden and Neil Herrington won the triples 26-8 and the rink of Brian Moores, Andy Stephenson, David Brooks and Tony Redford completed the rout with a 21-12 win.
Harpenden also defeated a team from Herts (Watford) in the preliminary round of the National Two Fours with both rinks winning. The rink of Trevor Tharby, Trevor Glanfield, Neil Herrington and Nick Muir won 21-11, whilst the rink of Joe Festa, David Kilvert, Tony Redford and John Osborn won 16-10.
Harpenden's first round match in the National Two Fours against Potten End came down to a very close finish. The rink of Joe Festa, Andy Rose, Tony Redford and John Osborn won 17-14. With the other rink of Brian Moores, Roy Polley, Neil Herrington and Nick Muir trailing going in to the last end, they needed to pick up at least three shots to level the match overall. After a close measure, Nick Muir's rink picked up two on the last end leaving Harpenden one down overall on 27-28.
These three matches have seen three National team competition debuts for Dave Kilvert, Andy Rose and Brendan Madden with each being part of a winning rink or triple.
Two good results at Club level
Harpenden had two good results as this year’s friendly club matches start to gain momentum. On Tuesday 20 May Harpenden fielded a mixed triples team against Luton West End away and won with a total score of 88 to 69. The top rink comprised Angela Favell, Deirdre Smith and Michael Barnes as skip.That was followed by another mixed triples win, this time against Dunstable at home on Sunday 25 May. It ended with a win for Harpenden, 66 – 56. Harpenden and Dunstable both won and lost on 2 rinks. Both matches were played in a great spirit.
Harpenden National Team Competitions Underway With Successful Debuts
Harpenden are off and running in the National team knock-out competitions. Harpenden's men were victorious in the preliminary round of the National Top Club against Herts (Watford) winning all five disciplines. John Osborn won the two bowl singles 18-13 whilst Nick Muir won the four bowl singles 21-5. The pairs was won 21-14 by Roy Polley and Steve Maynard. Joe Festa, Brendan Madden and Neil Herrington won the triples 26-8 and the rink of Brian Moores, Andy Stephenson, David Brooks and Tony Redford completed the rout with a 21-12 win.
Harpenden also defeated a team from Herts (Watford) in the preliminary round of the National Two Fours with both rinks winning. The rink of Trevor Tharby, Trevor Glanfield, Neil Herrington and Nick Muir won 21-11, whilst the rink of Joe Festa, David Kilvert, Tony Redford and John Osborn won 16-10.
Harpenden's first round match in the National Two Fours against Potten End came down to a very close finish. The rink of Joe Festa, Andy Rose, Tony Redford and John Osborn won 17-14. With the other rink of Brian Moores, Roy Polley, Neil Herrington and Nick Muir trailing going in to the last end, they needed to pick up at least three shots to level the match overall. After a close measure, Nick Muir's rink picked up two on the last end leaving Harpenden one down overall on 27-28.
These three matches have seen three National team competition debuts for Dave Kilvert, Andy Rose and Brendan Madden with each being part of a winning rink or triple.
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