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The Competition is from May to August 2019

Website - Bowls England

Dates

Prelim to be played by 28th May

Round 1 to be played by 11th June

Round 2 (Regional Final) to be played by 23rd June

Quarter Finals (Regional Final) to be played by 23rd June

Semi Finals to be played by 25th August

Final to be played by 25th August

Bowls England Rules for the Balcomb Trophy

General

The Balcomb Trophy is a National Competition run by Bowls England with each team consisting of 2 rinks of 4 players, this competition replaced the 'County Top Four' competition.

Rules

1. The competition shall be open to all County Associations who are members of Bowls England.

2. Every County shall be represented by a side consisting of two rinks of four players.

3. Failure to field eight players will result in a walk-over.

4. All Counties will be assumed to have entered unless they otherwise notify Bowls England before the completion of the previous year’s competition.

5. The draw will be made by Bowls England.

6. The preliminary round and the first round will be played by mutual arrangement on or before the closing date. The competition will be played on a knockout basis, with the early rounds in geographical areas. Each rink of a side shall play 21 ends, two bowls each player. The County Secretary or Challenging side will make all match arrangements. Matches to start at 2pm unless mutually agreed.

7. Before the start of the match, the nominated managers will toss a coin for choice of jack (first end), the winner having the choice of keeping or giving the jack away. Then toss a coin to nominate which rink will play the extra end. The winner to nominate the name of the skip to play the extra end. This must be declared prior to the match commencing. A further toss of a coin for choice of jack (extra end) should one be required. The winner has the option to make the choice immediately after the 21st end has been played. The total number of shots on both rinks will determine the winner. In the event of a tie after 21 ends then an extra end will be played by the nominated rink to determine the overall winner.

8. Inclement weather See Appendix J

9. Counties must inform the Regional Selector of date/time and venue of preliminary/first round matches. The result must be submitted to Bowls England immediately using one of the approved notification methods.

10. Final Stages

10.1 The final stages consisting of the Regional Finals, Semi-Finals and the Final shall be played on a knockout basis at a time set by Bowls England. The draw for the Regional Final, Semi-Finals and Final shall be made by Bowls England.

10.2 Each county qualifying for the Semi-Final stage will supply to Bowls England the names of two rinks and two reserves no later than the Monday of Week 29. The Semi-Final and Final shall be played during the National Championships. A maximum of 10 National Competition badges will be presented to players involved at the National Championships.