2025/26 News Reports

04/05/2026

Massive title haul at county finals to wrap up indoor season 

The 2025/26 Lincolnshire mens, ladies and mixed county finals started with 2 matches on Thursday 23rd April and were then competed in full on Sunday 26th April, with Spalding Lightning players being represented in 13 of the 18 finals played (with 3 of the matches guaranteed a winner as 2 Lightning teams faced each other) and all being held at Sleaford IBC in what turned out to be the most successful event possible. 

Firstly, the 2 matches played early on the Thursday night because of duplications and other bowls commitments elsewhere saw the mens pairs between our recently crowned national champions Jordan Philpott & Dominic McVittie play against Nathan Dunnington & Jonathan West (Boston IBC) and had the first title won by our boys by 18 shots to 8 to hold both national and county glory at the same time. In the other match that evening in the ladies triples saw our internationals Ruby Philpott, Chelsea Spencer & Annie Dunham play versus Caroline Cullum, Ann Burchell & upcoming 2026 English Commonwealth Games indoor player Amy Pharaoh (Louth IBC) and after our ladies just missed out in the national final recently, they were never in trouble in this one winning by 16 shots to 1 and bringing this county title home.

With success in those 2 earlier matches, the other games were played all day over 4 sessions on the Sunday with the following results featuring our bowlers:

Mens Singles between 2 Lightning and international players in both Dominic McVittie and Stephen Harris and saw success for Stephen 21-17 for his first title in this event since 2018
Ladies Singles between Chelsea Spencer versus Helen Butler (Boston IBC) and another win for Chelsea, with the same scoreline 21-17
Ladies Pairs of Ruby Philpott & Chelsea Spencer versus Rene Walker & Barbara Heath (Dunholme IBC) and our ladies winning by 16 shots to 10 defending their title
Mens Triples of Martin Spencer, Mathew Orrey & Dominic McVittie playing Jake Johnson, Dean Stevenson & Kevin Rands (Lincoln IBC) and a Lightning win by 18 shots to 10 and again defending their title 
Mens Fours which saw an all Lightning affair between Graham Smith, Kevin Ekins, Simon Lilley & Jordan Philpott and Stephen Harris, Martin Spencer, Mathew Orrey & Dominic McVittie and won by Dominic’s rink by 20 shots to 7 to defend their county title 
Ladies Fours with Danielle Wild, Jessica Butters, Annie Dunham & Chelsea Spencer against Jayne Taplin, Karen Kirton, Judy Moody & Olive Wells (Horncastle IBC) and another win for our ladies this time by 23 shots to 12
Mixed Pairs with Julie Hicks & Dominic McVIttie versus Christine Ford & Neil Wright (Stamford IBC) and further victory for our bowlers by 20 shots to 7 and Dom defending this title after winning with Jean Patterson over the last 3 seasons
Ladies Under 25 Singles which saw Danielle Wild play Lucy Allerton (Boston IBC) and win well 21-5
Open Under 15 Singles between Jessica Butters and Jack Hoyles (Boston IBC) with a straight sets (2-0) victory for Jessica and her first individual county title
Open Under 18 Pairs with Lightning players in both teams of Jessica Butters & Harry Allerton (Boston IBC) against Aidan Brickles and Freddie Knapp (Boston IBC) with a close 2 sets to 1 success for Aidan & Freddie
Open Under 18 Triples of Jessica Butters, Freddie Knapp & Aidan Brickles versus Harry Allerton, Chloe Bland (Louth) and Jack Hoyles with a 14 shots to 10 win for Jessica, Freddie & Aidan

In conclusion, the Spalding Lightning players involved in these matches won every single discipline they were competing for in their finals with 13 successes, and a special mention for Chelsea Spencer who won in all 4 of the main ladies competitions this season (singles, pairs, triples and fours). In addition and what is believed to be the first time, the club also won all 4 of the main mens competitions as well as the mixed pairs title this year so brought back 9 out of the 10 events played by non-age restrictions (the set singles the only one missing with this won by Paul Oke from Sleaford IBC). This is a fantastic way to end what has been a superb indoor season especially considering the temporary home venue change to Long Sutton which our competitive players have dealt with on the whole excellently.

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The club AGM was held last Monday at Long Sutton and saw over 30 people attend this important meeting to again inform all members of domestic league, club, county, national and international successes as well as discuss the current financial accounts and elect committee members to run our club to the best of their abilities. The highlight on the evening was proposed by former chairman and life member Roger Perkins to elect Kevin Ekins, Graham Hicks & Simon Lilley to additionally become life members due to their hard work in both securing the temporary move to the Long Sutton venue and making the place a viable and effective alternative for the  club members to enjoy both the carpet and the facilities. This was seconded by all present and greatly appreciated by those new life members. 

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Finally, the summer domestic leagues & drives commence this week from Monday at Long Sutton, with the following days and times of events occurring over this period until late August / early September when the winter season starts again: 

Mondays - Maisie’s Australian Pairs league between 10am and 12pm
Tuesdays - the morning summer triples league between 10am and 12pm
Wednesdays - Maisie’s fun drive between 10am and 12pm
Thursdays - the evening 4321 triples league between 6:30pm and 8:30pm
Fridays - the 50+ morning league between 10am and 12pm and Maisie’s fun afternoon drive between 1pm and 3pm

The club will run on this reduced schedule and will be closed outside of those days and times above as well as other occasions known already to stewards and the management committee.

Also, the 2026/27 winter season domestic  league forms are now ready to collect and fill in at the club bar for those wanting to play and if any assistance is needed and queries needing to be answered, please ask the steward on duty or contact David Nunney (internal league secretary). The closing date to enter is the 24th August.

ENDS

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27/04/2026

Mens over 50s triples win national title to cap off fine championships

The final few days of this season’s national indoor finals were held at Nottingham IBC, and saw one final representation from Spalding Lightning this time in the mens over 50 triples competition.

This rink of Brian Martin, Simon Lilley & Graham Smith started their campaign on the Monday afternoon at the last 16 stage against John Cable, Steve Boswell & Rob Morphett (Falaise IBC) and won this match by 14 shots to 7 to progress through into the quarter finals. In the tie played that evening saw them take on Hughie Dunachie, Mick Tandy & Mal Follis (Solihull IBC) and succeed in this game relatively comfortably by 19 shots to 8 and so move forward into the semi finals.

On the last morning of the championships, our men participated in that semi final against England outdoor senior team manager Kirk Smith, Stephen McAlister & former outdoor England high performance director John McGuinness (Desborough Maidenhead IBC) and saved their best performance for this game winning by 19 shots to 9 and so moved forward to the grand final. This match saw them face a team from St Andrews IBC represented by Alan Bliss, Daryl Johnson & Lee Stocker on the Tuesday afternoon with this game sadly not being streamed on EIBA TV like many other previous finals. 

In conclusion, our boys never looked in trouble and won the final fairly convincingly by 15 shots to 6 in 15 ends taking the national mens over 50s triples title for the first time in their bowls careers. Although Graham has several national titles and many England international caps to his name over the years, this is the first individual indoor national title for both Brian & Simon and once again, the club are very proud of what was achieved by the 3 gentlemen.

To finish, this was a fourth individual national title in these finals for our great club as they now come to a close (as well as some very near misses), in addition to a first team mixed Egham Trophy success and several of our male players helping Lincolnshire win the county Liberty Trophy for the third time saw Spalding Lightning have such a remarkable and successful indoor national championships  which will be remembered for many years to come.

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Our 2025/26 indoor season club competition finals took place over the last week at Long Sutton, with the majority of games played on Sunday 19th April, with a further 2 more last Tuesday and the final match last Thursday night. 

The results were as follows:

Mens Singles - Dominic McVittie beat Kevin Ekins 21-12
Mens Pairs - Andy Dunham & Kevin Ekins beat Calvin Leuty & Dominic McVittie 15-13
Mens Triples - Andy Dunham, Simon Lilley & Kevin Ekins beat Scott Dunham, Rob Aves & Calvin Leuty 14-13

Ladies Singles - Chelsea Spencer beat Danielle Wild 21-6
Ladies Pairs - Jessica Butters & Ruby Philpott beat Mandy Parkins & Julie Hicks 18-9
Ladies Triples - Jessica Butters, Ruby Philpott & Chelsea Spencer beat Danielle Wild, Tracy Philpott & Maggie Wheatley 20-9

Open Under 25s Singles - Jessica Butters beat Max Butters by 2 sets to 1 (15-2, 9-10, 2-1)
Open Over 60s Singles - Ian Harwood beat Julie Hicks 21-6

Mixed Pairs - Jessica Butters & Jordan Philpott beat Chelsea Spencer & Dominic McVittie 19-8
Veteran Pairs - Eric Wakefield & Ian Harwood beat Julie & Graham Hicks 17-14
Family Pairs - Scott & Annie Dunham beat Lewis & Dale Parnell 15-14

Mixed Fours - Ruby Mycock, Ben Sharp, Chelsea Spencer & Dominic McVittie beat Carole Nunney, Julie Hicks, David Nunney & Graham Hicks 23-14

Many congratulations to all of this year’s winners and we also looking forward to seeing Dominic & Chelsea play in the national champion of champions singles events next season after winning their respective club singles titles.

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The Spalding Lightning mens over 60s team concluded their league season last Thursday morning at home against Boston ‘A’ after struggling for results for most of this campaign and sadly rooted to the bottom of their division 1 table. However, they did finish well to win this final match by 82 shots to 72 and collected 11 points from the maximum 14 available.

The team won on 2 rinks, drew on 1 rink and lost on 1 rink with the top winning rink skipped by Martin Simpson, with Tony Westland, Paul Turner & Terry Windsor who won 23-11. Consequently, the team captain Ian Stafford wanted to thank all his squad players who contributed and continually tried their best and there will be no relegation for the side as the league is reverting back to north and south divisions next season so am sure this will prove a more successful time. 

Rink Scores: Tony Westland, Paul Turner, Terry Windsor & Martin Simpson won 23-11; Mick Dolton, David Amess, Graham Hicks & David Nunney won 20-13; Mike Taylor, Keith Sellars, Gavin Staite & Robin Roffe drew 21-21; Cliff Lattimer, Mel Easy, John Teesdale & Anthony Cronin lost 18-27.

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Our club ‘Quintet’ event was played on Monday 20th April at our Long Sutton venue and saw 20 players (with a few subs who came on and helped during the evening for differing circumstances) play in 4 teams of 5 to participate in formats of singles, pairs, triples and fours over the 2 hour period.

After all games had been played and the results calculated, the winning team (with 37.5 points and 2 points clear of victory) was led by Calvin Leuty, with David Nunney, Tony Westland, Teresa Perry & Aidan Brickles in the successful group. Well done to both the winners as well as everyone else involved, and we look forward to running the fun event again next season hopefully with more players and qualifying events.

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Finally, the Presentation Night was held last Friday evening at Long Sutton and saw approximately 40 members come together to celebrate the achievements of this last indoor season both within the club in domestic leagues & competitions, as well as those who were successful at county & national level. The event also saw a mini Quiz to keep the competitive juices flowing and the same members enjoy the facilities with food being locally provided (catz kitchen) and other refreshments made by some of our ladies. A very well done again to all the winners and a special thanks to those who attended the evening.

Next week’s report will see the success gained at the final event of the indoor season, the Lincolnshire IBA mens and ladies county finals with a total of 13 titles won in all.

ENDS

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20/04/2026

2 more indoor national titles for Lightning players to bring home

The national finals at Nottingham IBC followed on into their third week, kicking off with both the mens and ladies pairs events which again saw Spalding have representation in for both of these competitions.

The mens pairs consisting of a new pairing for this season of Jordan Philpott & Dominic McVIttie qualified through their area relatively comfortably and started their efforts on the Sunday morning at the last 16 stage versus Jack Fairhall & David Hubbard (who had both been part of losing the national fours final earlier in the finals stages by just 1 shot) from Adur IBC and won this tie by 21 shots to 14 to move into the quarter finals. In the game that evening, they played against Bradley Prowle & Tony Webb (Riverain IBC) and again came out on top, with a 17 shots to 11 success.

The Monday morning saw the semi finals taking place, and our men participated against Daniel Pool & Martyn Rice (Cumbria IBC) and again were too strong in this match in a closer but winning scoreline of 18 shots to 14 and so moved forward to the grand final, with Dominic going for his second individual national title in just these championships after singles success and Jordan his first indoor individual win after 2 runners up places in the under 18 singles back in 2014 & 2015.

The final again being streamed live on EIBA TV saw Jordan & Dominic versus Adam Smith and senior international Andy Walters (Welford-On-Avon IBC) and although it remained close throughout the game, our men always maintained a lead and went into the last end 5 shots ahead (15-10). The Welford pair played a superb last end and laid at least the 5 shots they needed to go into an extra end with Dom having just one bowl to potentially save the match as Walters had one bowl left also. 

However in true Dom style, he found an absolute ‘worldie’ to lay second shot which the opposition could not remove and so our boys won the match and the title by 15 shots to 11. Once again, this is a fantastic accomplishment and backs up Dom’s success in the national mens singles as one of the very best in the country alongside the talent of Jordan making a superb and successful partnership and of course, another national title this season in the name of Spalding Lightning!

In regards to the ladies pairs and our players of Ruby Philpott & Chelsea Spencer, they started off against Val Hobart and Ellie Hamblett (Barwell IBC) in the last 16 on the Sunday afternoon and romped home winning by 24 shots to 3 to progress into the quarter finals. This tie that evening saw them play against Kay Ferguson & senior international Sian Honnor (Oyster IBC) and again they succeeded this time by 19 shots to 12 and so moved onwards into the semi finals to participate versus junior international Jorja Jackson & senior international Chloe Brett (Huntingdon IBC). This match held on the Monday morning was especially close with the lead changing hands a few times; however sadly for us the Huntingdon ladies edged the game by 12 shots to 14 and eventually lost the final by 3 shots to the Adur IBC ladies.

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After coming very close losing a tight semi final in the national mens under 25 singles earlier in the season, our member Owen Aspinall also qualified for the final stages of the open under 18 singles which occurred all in one day last Sunday again at Nottingham IBC and was looking for success in this event at his final opportunity before exceeding the age limit and after losing in the group stages last time around. 

As stated, the format is a little different in this competition with the 16 juniors being placed into 4 groups of 4 players, each playing 3 games of 2 sets to determine a group winner and who then play a semi final and final later on to initiate an overall national champion. In Owen’s group, he played against Vinnie Minter (Adur IBC), Dontai Joseph (Bodmin IBC) and Ollie Shearing (Barking IBC) and managed to qualify into the semi finals after a straight sets win against Minter, and 2 tied set matches against the other 2 players respectively. 

In the semi final, Owen faced off against Louie Hodges (MidGlos IBC) and after a first set success (5-4), the opposition came back to take the second set 2-8 and therefore a 3 end tie break was needed. Thankfully, Owen came through this 2-1 in that tie break and progressed to his first individual indoor national final to play Dylan Williamson, again from the MidGlos club. Like many other national finals over the period, the match was once more streamed live on EIBA TV and saw Owen start the strongest with a first set win (7-4). He then backed this up with a whitewash second set victory (6-0) to win the national open under 18 singles title for the first (and only due to age!) time in his young career. This is a superb achievement for Aspinall, who made the move to play his national competitions from Spalding IBC at the start of last season and both success & consistency has followed for the talented bowler, in addition to having a very bright future ahead in the sport. 

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The open pairs represented by Dan Mills & Kevin Ekins took place last Thursday, Friday & Saturday at Nottingham IBC and saw them start off their campaign at the last 16 stage against Lee Maughan & Mark Higgins (Hartlepool IBC) on the Thursday evening which they managed to come through in straight sets (14-7, 10-5) to progress through to the quarter finals.

In that match on the Friday morning, they competed against Neil Smith & Mikey Titcombe (Westlecot IBC) and although our men lost the first set 4-13, they bounced back to take a very close second set 7-6 which put them into a one end tie break to determine the winners. Unfortunately for our men, the Westlecot pair won this all important passage of play and qualified into the semi finals where they lost on the same last end tie break situation to the eventual finalists from Atherley IBC.

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The Spalding Lightning national under 30 open inter-club double rink team had to wait towards the end of the national championships for their chance of success, with the side looking for their third national title in four years in this competition. Therefore, the semi final took place last Saturday morning against Solihull IBC, with the opposition packed with national champions and internationals and what promised to be an enthralling encounter. 

However on this occasion, the Solihull players simply proved too strong for our side and won the match well on both rinks by an overall score of 24 shots to 39. The rink of Dan Mills, Owen Aspinall & Stephen Harris lost out in a close tie 14-17 against senior internationals in both Izzie White and Emily Kernick joined by Matt Grundy, whereas the other rink of Danielle Wild, Ruby Philpott & Jordan Philpott found it tough and were defeated 10-22 by junior international Hannah Smith, Callum Mitchell and former mens national singles champion Tom Holmes. In conclusion, Solihull did go on to win the overall competition sneaking past Norfolk BC by 2 shots in the final (33-31). 

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For the first time, there was a friendly match between our ladies Trudy Bates team and the mens over 60s team that took place last Tuesday afternoon at Long Sutton to finish their respective indoor seasons.

In the end, the ladies led by their captain Julie Hicks managed to take the match on 3 out of the 4 rinks and by the overall score of 61 shots to 42 against the men and their captain Ian Stafford, with the game played in good spirit throughout. The match was then followed by a buffet supplied by the local cafe (catz kitchen) and other refreshments made by some of our members.

Both Julie & Ian wanted to thank those that turned out and participated and hope this starts a regular tradition between the 2 teams, with the men looking to fight back next season. 

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The club do plan to hold our Presentation Night on this coming Friday 24th April, 7pm start at the temporary facility at Long Sutton. Alongside presenting the well-earned money for success in domestic leagues, competitions and revelling in the national titles obtained by club teams and individuals this season, there will be a mini Quiz to take part in and free food locally provided to make the evening even more entertaining and sociable.

In addition, this year’s AGM will take place at the club in Long Sutton on next Monday 27th April, 7pm start. This is where our members can review financial accounts, the report on activities over the past season is fed back and the ability to elect committee members to run our club occurs so is an important date for the diaries for those interested.

ENDS

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13/04/2026

National ladies triples just miss out on third title glory on final end

The national finals continued at Nottingham IBC last week following the Easter break and started back with the mens and ladies triples events which once more the club had representation in for both competitions.

The ladies triples consisting of Ruby Philpott, Chelsea Spencer & Annie Dunham had won this event twice before in the 2019-20 and 2023-24 indoor seasons and started their campaign for a third title on the Tuesday morning at the last 16 stage against Sue Knowles, Susan Clarke & Bernie Pring (Tilbury IBC) and got off to a strong start winning by 19 shots to 3, putting them through to the quarter finals. In this tie that evening, they played junior international Hannah Smith and senior internationals in both Izzie White and Emily Kernick (Solihull IBC) in an exciting encounter which our ladies won by 16 shots to 12.

Moving into the semi finals on the Wednesday morning saw them participate versus former 3-time national champions Paige Dennis, Sandy Hazell & Wendy King (Swale IBC) but again our ladies were far too strong on this occasion with a 18 shots to 7 success and so moved forward to the grand final and a chance of that third title. This last match was largely a repeat of the final played 2 years ago against Sarah Gove (previously Chloe Palmer), Lauren Finbow & England ladies international Anna Noble (Lakenheath IBC) and was again streamed live on EIBA TV. 

The game was very close all the way through with Lakenheath taking the lead until Ruby, Chelsea & Annie picked up 7 shots on the 14th end to go 15-10 in front. Lakenheath then fought back to go into the final end 15 shots all where sadly, the Lightning ladies just missed out and lost the game finishing runners-up on the narrowest of margins by 15 shots to 16. Congratulations to the Lakenheath ladies though on their success and we are sure Ruby, Chelsea & Annie will go again next year and be determined to succeed in this event once more. 

In regards to the mens triples and our players of Martin Spencer, Mathew Orrey & Dominic McVittie, they played against Andy Squire, Jack Butcher & James Rippey (Colchester IBC) in the last 16 and unfortunately lost this tie to the eventual semi-finalists by 12 shots to 18. 

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The mens and ladies 2-bowl singles at Nottingham IBC took place last Friday and Saturday and saw the former 2017-18 national champion in this event Graham Smith and England ladies international Ruby Philpott represented from our club in these competitions.

To begin with for Graham, he played his last 16 match on the Friday afternoon against Ian Jenkins (Egham IBC) and came through 21-15 to proceed to the quarter final that evening to play Ryan Prosser (Solihull IBC) where unfortunately he came unstuck to the eventual finalist and lost 11-21. 

Consequently for Ruby, she started her event with a last 16 tie on the Friday afternoon against Alice Phillimore (Falaise IBC) and won 21-16 to move forward into the quarter finals that evening to face Yasmina Hasan (Egham IBC) where again sadly she lost out to the eventual finalist by the same score (11-21).

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The Lincolnshire mens county Liberty Trophy team took part in the national final at Nottingham IBC last Saturday afternoon versus Essex CIBA who were looking for an unprecedented third success in a row after wins in the last 2 indoor seasons against Norfolk & Northamptonshire respectively. 

In a very competitive and lively atmosphere, the match remained close with Lincolnshire often holding the overall lead whereas Essex were always close enough behind. After the opposition took their chance to go ahead by 2 shots (85-87) around the 16-17 end mark, Lincolnshire finished very strongly and won their fourth national title in this competition (after wins in 1981, 2018 and 2022) by 13 shots (115-102). After the match, the captain / manager Graham Smith announced he had played his last game for the county after many years but will remain in charge of this side for one more season.

Rink Scores (our players unless mentioned): Graham Smith, Kevin Ekins, Martin Spencer & Jordan Philpott won 27-11 (top rink); Paul Bark (Horncastle), Lee Boucher (Horncastle), Paul Roberts (Sleaford), Dominic McVittie lost 18-19; Dan Mills, Dean Stevenson (Lincoln), Kevin Rands (Lincoln), Matt Whyers (Boston) lost 12-18; Jack Emmerson (Grantham), Martin Pulling (Grantham), Dion Auckland (Grantham), Mathew Orrey lost 20-21; Paul Oke (Sleaford), Darren Trapmore (Horncastle), Nathan Dunnington (Boston), Jonathan West (Boston) won 21-19; Sam Ashton (Lincoln), George Draper (Lincoln), Richard Ashton (Lincoln), Stephen Harris won 17-14.

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The Spalding Lightning mixed county league team finished their season in division 1 at home last Sunday versus Sleaford and although they could not compete in challenging for their league title, a strong performance was wanted to finish on a high. This was certainly achieved as the side enjoyed a comprehensive win by 149 shots to 40 and they gained 12 points from the maximum 14 available to them. 

The team won on 3 out of the 4 rinks with the top winning rink skipped by Robin Roffe, with Christine Williamson, June Taylor & Rob West who won 57-1 (albeit against only 3 players). This means the side finishes in third place behind Lincoln ‘A’ and Louth (who could still win the league), and the team captain Maisie Belding wanted to thank all her players who contributed to the playing squad after a fine campaign.

Rink Scores: Christine Williamson, June Taylor, Rob West & Robin Roffe won 57-1; Ann Newbury, Ben Sharp, Carole Nunney & James Teesdale won 41-4; Tony Westland, Maisie Belding, Maggie Wheatley & Graham Wright won 42-12; George Deaton, Gill Haydon, Betty Deaton & David Nunney lost 9-23.

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Finally, the Spalding Lightning friendly team played in their last match of their season which took place away from home last Sunday afternoon against Lincoln IBC and whilst the event would be played in the best traditions of a friendly tie, both teams were looking for victory. The game was hotly contested by both sides with Spalding leading up to the last 5 ends; however, Lincoln pulled out all the stops to finish the game winning by 8 shots (95-87) in the end.

We won on 1 rink, drew on 1 rink and lost on 4 rinks over the 6 rink fours played with the winning rink skipped by Alan Tokley, ably assisted by Shelia Chamberlain, junior member Danny Griggs & John Selwyn who won 24-7. The friendly team coordinators Alan & Hazel Tokley wanted to thank all the players who participated for them this season in many enjoyable and competitive fixtures and look forward to another strong programme of games next year.

ENDS

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06/04/2026

McVittie wins national mens singles for the second time

After success in this competition 2 indoor seasons ago (2023/24), our very own Dominic McVittie qualified for the national finals again in the mens singles at Nottingham IBC and was looking to have another deep run in this event.

Dom started his campaign last Wednesday afternoon in the last 16 stage versus Garry Warrender (Tye Green IBC) and got off to a strong start, winning 21-13 and so advanced to the quarter finals. In this next match that evening, he faced fellow England international Martin Heitzman (Falaise IBC) and in an expected close tie got home 21-17. 

Onto the semi finals the following morning saw Dom play against Ryan Prosser (Solihull IBC & who helped contribute his club to national Top Club success the previous weekend) but Dom was again too strong, winning comfortably 21-8. This meant another national final and although it could have been a match up against former World Indoor Singles Champion and upcoming Commonwealth Games representative Nick Brett, he lost his semi final to Mark Hughes (Selby IBC) and so last Thursday afternoon saw Dominic play Hughes in that final. 

The encounter was live streamed on EIBA TV and saw Dom start well and hold a good lead in the middle of the game but never quite being able to shake Hughes off. However in the end, our man got to the magical 21 shots total first (21-13) and so win his second national mens singles championship in the last 3 years. This is an amazing achievement for a superb player that we are very proud represents our club and continues a great start to the national finals period for Spalding Lightning after success in the mixed Egham Trophy at the beginning of proceedings. 

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The individual competitions did actually start at Nottingham IBC last Monday and commenced with the mens and ladies fours which the club had representation in  for both events. 

The ladies fours consisting of Danielle Wild, Ruby Philpott, Annie Dunham & Chelsea Spencer played their last 16 match that Monday morning against Sue Knowles, Michelle Squires, Bernie Pring & Elaine Score (Tilbury IBC) and got off to a secure start winning by 16 shots to 7, moving them through to the quarter finals. In this game that evening, they faced Samantha Richardson, junior international Amica Fordy, Bev Lynch and Dani Martinson (Hartlepool IBC) and cruised through winning by 17 shots to 5. 

In the semi finals on the Tuesday morning saw our ladies participate versus Clare Stevens, Doreen De Silva and 2 senior internationals Katherine Hawes and Lorraine Kuhler (Adur IBC) which finished 15 shots all after the played 18 ends and therefore went to an extra end to decide the winner. This was played 3 times and unfortunately, the Lightning ladies just missed out and lost the game 15 shots to 16. Whilst of course heartbreaking, Ruby, Chelsea & Annie will all have chances to go for glory in later individual competitions and Danielle will be part of the under 30 inter club double rink team that again play later in the event. 

In regards to the mens fours and our players of Stephen Harris, Martin Spencer, Mathew Orrey & Dominic McVittie who were national runners-up last season in this, they played senior international and World Bowls Tour top 16 player Aaron Johnson, Richard Summers, James Segolo and another international Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) in the last 16 and sadly came unstuck at this early stage, losing by 16 shots to 20. Once more, Martin, Mathew & Dominic (who then went on to win the singles after this) still have chances to succeed later in the finals and Stephen will be part of the under 30 inter club double rink team that once more play later in the event. 

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The annual Presidents Match (held between some of our male & female bowlers) was led by our club Mens President Kevin Ekins & club Ladies President Julie Hicks last Tuesday afternoon at the club in Long Sutton. 

Although the men won the game in the end by 85 shots to 46, the afternoon was enjoyed by all with the match followed by refreshments supplied by the local Co-Op and cakes made by some of our lady members. 

Both presidents (Kevin & Julie) want to thank those that played and helped out throughout the event and look forward to the tie being played again next season, with the ladies looking for revenge.

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The ever popular ‘Quintet’ event consisting of 5 players (one seeded player & four unseeded players) in one team playing a hour of singles & fours, and another hour of pairs & triples returns at the end of this season for our club members.

Initially, the qualifying dates are due to be held on Wednesday 15th April & Friday 17th April, with the final of the competition taking place on Monday 20th April for those who get through (those interested must be available for the final night). It is only a £1 to enter in addition to the usual rink fee.

If any club member wants to enter, please put your name on the fixtures noticeboard at the club and any further information can be obtained from the organiser Graham Smith if required.

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Finally, the Lincolnshire mens and ladies federation indoor entry form competitions for the next 2026/27 season are now on the notice boards at the club for our members. Please support both the EBF and the club by entering these competitions if you so wish.

In addition, the Lincolnshire womens IBA county entry forms for next season are on display on the ladies notice board, with the closing date for these being the 10th April 2026. Again, please support these if you wish. Further information if required can be found from Julie Hicks.

ENDS

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30/03/2026

Lightning succeed in national Egham Trophy for the very first time

It was a momentous occasion last Sunday  afternoon when our Spalding Lightning national mixed Egham Trophy team took to the rinks at the national finals stage at Nottingham IBC to take part in the club’s first final in this particular competition in their history. They were facing a side from Ilminster IBC in Somerset who like Spalding were looking for their first taste of success in this trophy.

After 5 ends, Lightning got off to a good start but it remained close (22-17) but by 10 ends across all rinks, this lead had been increased further to 15 shots (43-28). When the game reached 15 ends, the match was firmly in Spalding’s favour as they were 26 shots up overall (68-42) and at 18 ends or so, the gap was still 27 shots (79-52).

It was not long after this period that the opposition conceded the match and the national title of Egham Trophy champions to Spalding Lightning, who eventually ended up winning this final by 87 shots to 52 and finally succeeding in this prestigious competition especially after recent success in many other national team events over the last 10/15 years. The team manager and club captain Graham Smith was of course proud of his players for a ‘perfectly managed performance’ and the squad itself who contributed to this excellent success.

Rink Scores: Ruby Philpott, Tracy Philpott, Martin Spencer & Mathew Orrey won 20-9 (top rink); Jean Patterson, Danielle Wild, Calvin Leuty & Dominic McVittie won 23-14; Graham Smith, Andy Dunham, Chelsea Spencer & Annie Dunham won 21-13; Louse Harris, Karen Martin, Stephen Harris & Jordan Philpott won 23-16.

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Following on from that, the Lincolnshire under 18s inter-county double rink team (after qualifying as the Lincolnshire Tigers and featuring Open Aspinall, Aidan Brickles & Max Butters from our club) were also competing at the national finals at Nottingham IBC last Sunday, with a semi final first in the morning session against Kent ‘A’ CIBA.

In a close match for a lot of the proceedings, the Lincolnshire juniors took control over the last few ends and won their match by 40 shots to 29. This booked their place in the national final versus Gloucestershire CIBA in the afternoon at the same time the mixed Egham Trophy final was occurring.

National semi final rink scores: Thom Rodd (Lincoln IBC), Max Butters & Jake Johnson (Lincoln IBC) won 22-14 and Chloe Bland (Louth IBC), Aidan Brickles & Owen Aspinall won 18-15.

In a rematch of last season’s final which Gloucestershire took the spoils in, it was not to be for them this time as the Lincolnshire juniors started well and continued their form throughout the game to win their national title by 41 shots to 22 and be crowned champions for the first time in this event.

National final rink scores: Chloe Bland, Aidan Brickles & Owen Aspinall won 32-6; Thom Rodd, Max Butters & Jake Johnson lost 9-16.

———

In their final league fixture of the season, the Spalding Lightning mens county league team needed to finish very strongly to maintain any chance of winning their division this year with this last match being played at home versus Horncastle IBC last Saturday. Consequently, the aggregate win was obtained by 96 shots to 64 but in a game where all points were likely needed, they just missed out on this and they gained 12 points from the maximum 14 available. 

The team won on 3 out of the 4 rinks with the top winning rink skipped by Andy Dunham, with Mick Dolton, Mike Taylor & Dan Mills who won 33-13. This means the side finished on 66 points and whilst they do go back top of the league for now, both Lincoln and Boston have games in hand and are only a few points behind and so it is very unlikely that Spalding will succeed this season; however the team captain, Dan Mills wanted to thank all the players who contributed to the squad and for their collective efforts over this year and will look to bounce back next season. 

Rink Scores: Mick Dolton, Mike Taylor, Dan Mills & Andy Dunham won 33-13; Ben Sharp, Max Butters, David Nunney & Kevin Ekins won 28-16; Nathan Puttrell, Terry Windsor, Ian Harwood & James Teesdale won 21-20; Tony Westland, Ian Stafford, Anthony Cronin & Brian Martin lost 14-15.

———

It was a very important match for the second from bottom of the table Spalding Lightning mens over 60s team last Thursday, with a home tie against the bottom side Horncastle IBC and a relegation tussle was ahead. On this occasion, the visitors played their part and finished the stronger team with the Spalding men losing by 60 shots to 79 and only gaining 1 rink and 2 points from the maximum 14 available.

The winning rink was skipped by Ian Harwood, with Tony Westland, Derek Chamberlain & Rob West who won 19-11. This result leaves the team unfortunately at the foot of the league standings with other teams having games in hand. Their final scheduled match of the season for them should be at home against Boston ‘A’ on Thursday 23rd April.

Rink Scores: Tony Westland, Derek Chamberlain, Rob West & Ian Harwood won 19-11; Eric Wakefield, Cliff Lattimer, Ian Stafford & David Nunney lost 14-17; Mike Taylor, Keith Sellars, Robin Roffe & Gavin Staite lost 16-26; Mick Dolton, David Amess, Paul Turner & Terry Windsor lost 11-25. 

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Finally, the ‘race afternoon’ social event took place last Saturday afternoon at the club in Long Sutton, and saw over 50 people attend and enjoy both the facilities and occasion with 7 horse races in addition to an auction race at the end. The food from Captains Chippy around the corner from the club was served and enjoyed and after adding up horse, ticket sales, betting and bar takings the club made just over £1000 on the day which is a fantastic effort by all. 

Many thanks to everyone who helped put the event in place beforehand and on the day itself, and especially to our attendees and race sponsors (Ark ICT Solutions, Bridgestone Tyres, Calvin Leuty, the Hair Shop Spalding, the Spalding IBC 50+ group, the Spalding indoor Club itself and Specsavers) for their contributions. The next social event is likely to concur around the club presentation night in late April so watch out for more information.

ENDS

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23/03/2026

Lightning qualify for national Egham Trophy final for the first time

Last Sunday saw the Spalding Lightning team play in their third national mixed Egham Trophy semi final in the last 4 indoor seasons and were looking to make that elusive step into the final that they had never achieved up until this point in the club’s 53 year history. 

This semi final match saw them face a strong Solihull IBC with all rinks being held at the neutral venue of Desborough (Northants) IBC and in a expected close encounter after 5 ends, the opposing side held a small one shot lead (15-16) and as the game reached 10 ends, the game was all level at 29 shots each. After 15 or so ends were completed, Solihull were leading by 3 shots (50-53) which continued after 18 ends for them to be 4 shots in front (57-61).

It was at this late stage though that Lightning showed their true quality and finished the game very strongly, winning the closing ends by a combined total of 15 shots to 3 and taking the overall contest by 8 shots (72-64) in the finish. Therefore, this means the team has qualified for the competition’s final for the first time ever and look forward to face Ilminster IBC in that culminating contest at the national finals held at Nottingham IBC next Sunday 29th March. If anyone wishes to come and support the team, tickets can be purchased in advance for £5 each from the EIBA website or can be bought on the door if capacity levels allow.

Rink Scores: Ruby Philpott, Julie Hicks, Martin Spencer & Mathew Orrey won 25-10 (top rink); Jean Patterson, Karen Martin, Stephen Harris & Jordan Philpott won 18-16: Danielle Wild, Tracy Philpott, Calvin Leuty & Dominic McVittie drew 19-19; Graham Smith, Andy Dunham, Chelsea Spencer & Annie Dunham lost 10-19.

———

The Spalding Lightning ladies Trudy Bates team concluded their campaign in the south division last Thursday, finishing with a home match against the champions-elect for this season Lincoln IBC and ending in excellent fashion with a victory by 79 shots to 62 and gaining a final 12 points from the maximum 14 available. 

This was a tight match all the way through proceedings, with Spalding leading the aggregate by 1 shot after 5 ends and Lincoln then gaining the overall lead by 1 shot after 10 ends and maintaining this after 15 ends with 2 winning and losing rinks for both sides at this point. However, a big push of 19 shots for the home team over the last 3 ends and some containment from Maggie Wheatley’s rink resulted in a general 17 shot success and the all important aggregate points obtained. 

The team won on 3 out of the 4 rinks with the top winning rink skipped by Maisie Belding, with Shelia Chamberlain, Gill Haydon & June Taylor who won 29-13. This means the side finishes in third place behind Lincoln and Stamford, and the team captain Julie Hicks wanted to thank all her ladies who contributed to the squad over the season. We also want to wish good luck to Lincoln who will play the northern league winners Louth next month.

Rink Scores: Shelia Chamberlain, Gill Haydon, June Taylor & Maisie Belding won 29-13; Ann Newbury, Sue Slayven, Carole Nunney & Trish Stafford won 20-14; Paula Lawson, Jackie Jackson, Mandy Parkins & Julie Hicks won 19-17; Judy Jackson, Jenny Wakefield, Doris Rawding & Maggie Wheatley lost 11-18.  

———

Congratulations to the Lincolnshire mens county Liberty Trophy team, winning their national semi final by 25 shots (111-76) versus Northamptonshire CIBA played at Peterborough IBC last Saturday. The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were Kevin Ekins, Stephen Harris, Dominic McVittie, Dan Mills, Mathew Orrey, Jordan Philpott, Martin Spencer and the captain / manager, Graham Smith. The next match will be in the national final versus Essex CIBA being held at Nottingham IBC on Saturday 11th April, with the team in this competition looking for their fourth overall victory in their history whereas the opposition Essex are going for their third title in a row.

Conversely, commiserations to the Lincolnshire ladies county Atherley Trophy team who lost their national semi final by 15 shots (101-116) versus Norfolk WIBA played at Huntingdon IBC last Saturday. The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were Maisie Belding, Annie Dunham, Louise Harris, Karen Martin, Ruby Philpott and Chelsea Spencer. Good luck to the Norfolk ladies in the final against Surrey CIBA next month at Nottingham IBC. 

———

Finally, one of the outstanding Lincolnshire IBA semi finals was played last Wednesday night at Lincoln IBC, and saw our boys Jordan Philpott & Dominic McVittie play against Danny Brown & James Heath on their own carpet in the mens pairs.

In a very dominant performance, Jordan and Dominic won this match by 25 shots to 1 in 9 played ends and they now move forward to the county finals being played on Sunday 26th April at Sleaford IBC. 

ENDS

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16/03/2026

Lightning players represented in victories for England series teams

Both the England ladies and mens senior international series took place last week, with this indoor season being the turn of Belfast IBC in Northern Ireland to host these prestigious events and saw 5 Spalding Lightning players contribute for their country in what turned out to be success for the two sides. 

Firstly in the BIIBC ladies series held on Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th March saw our club members Annie Dunham, Ruby Philpott & Chelsea Spencer playing a part in matches versus Ireland, Scotland & Wales. Throughout the series, Ruby was leading for Chelsea (alongside Chloe Brett from Huntingdon IBC & Anna Noble from Lakenheath IBC), whereas Annie was skipping another rink with Rebecca Moorbey from St Neots IBC, the team captain Sandy Hazell from Swale IBC & Holly Chaytor from Hornsea IBC. 

Consequently, the England ladies were successful in all 3 of their games against Ireland (144-85), Wales (124-120) and Scotland (123-104) with individual performances from Ruby and Chelsea winning 2 of their 3 matches and Annie in her rink again winning 2 of the 3 ties played. Therefore, the team were successful in retaining the Clara Johns Trophy after success last season and won this acclaimed title for the 42nd time. 

Following on from this, the BIIBC mens series held last Thursday and Friday saw our club members Stephen Harris & Dominic McVittie play their part in matches again versus Wales, Scotland & Ireland. Throughout this series, Stephen was leading for the recently crowned World Indoor Champion Robert Paxton (Exonia IBC) alongside James Hampton (again from Exonia) & Martin Puckett (Dorchester IBC), whereas Dominic played 3 in a rink led by Shaun Jones (Westlecot IBC), Andrew Walters (Welford-on-Avon IBC) & skipped by Jamie Walker (Torquay United IBC). 

Subsequently, the side started strong to beat Wales (143-95) but then came unstuck against ‘the auld enemy’ of Scotland (102-120) which left the title in Scotland’s hands if they beat Wales in their final fixture. However, they lost overall (99-114) so if England beat Ireland in their last match, they would win the overall title on shot difference. In a very close match which was competed over the full 4 hour time limit, England won by the narrowest of margins on a very close measure (114-113) and therefore the team were successful in winning back the R.B. Hilton Trophy after losing out to Scotland last season and won this acclaimed title for the 43rd time. In terms of individual results, Stephen won all 3 of his rink matches while Dominic drew 1 and lost 2 of the 3 ties played. 

——

The Lincolnshire WIBA ladies county semi finals took place last Sunday at Horncastle IBC, and saw representation from Spalding Lightning in 4 matches across the day. 

In the ladies singles and on the back of returning home from England duty, our very own Chelsea Spencer played against another international and Lincolnshire bowls great Amy Pharaoh from Louth IBC and was successful, winning 21-12 and booking her spot in the final versus Helen Butler (from Boston IBC). 

The ladies triples we were involved in saw our internationals Ruby Philpott, Chelsea Spencer & Annie Dunham against Sue Hoyles, Sandra Tebbs & Sue Simpson-Shaw from Boston IBC with our women proving too strong, succeeding by 24 shots to 9 and they backed this up in the ladies fours as well, with Chelsea & Annie being joined by Jessica Butters & Danielle Wild versus S Bridges, Fran Davis, L Evans & Di Wilson-Rogers from Lincoln IBC and being even more dominant with a 25 shots to 5 success. 

The last match in one of the ladies under 25 singles semi finals saw 2 of our players, Jessica Butters & Danielle Wild playing against each other and on this occasion saw Danielle win 21-3 and who will play Lucy Allerton from Boston IBC in the final.

With previous success in the ladies pairs for Ruby and Chelsea already played, the club will take part in 5 county ladies finals with these alongside another competitions (with the Lincolnshire IBA mens and mixed finalists) being played on Sunday 26th April at Sleaford IBC. 

——

The Spalding Lightning mens county league team participated in their penultimate match of the league season last Sunday with a trip away to Boston BC ‘A’ where a victory here would see the league title firmly in their grasp; however disappointingly the team somewhat struggled and went down to a heavy defeat by 109 shots to 53 and did not obtain any rink wins or match points, losing 14-0. 

This now puts the league perhaps in Boston ‘A’’s hands as they do have 2 games in hand and not much difference to make up on Lincoln ‘A’ who currently lead the table by a single point from Spalding. However if Lightning can end the season strong in their final fixture and other teams unexpectedly slip up, it is not completely over yet for our side. Their final scheduled match of the season for them should be at home against Horncastle on Saturday 28th March.

Rink Scores: Ben Sharp, Paul Turner, Aidan Brickles & Dan Mills lost 18-27; Mick Dolton, Ian Stafford, Gavin Staite & Graham Hicks lost 13-26; Nathan Puttrell, Mike Taylor, Ian Harwood & James Teesdale lost 10-24; Tony Westland, Max Butters, Anthony Cronin & Robin Roffe lost 12-32.

——

The Spalding Lightning friendly team were also playing in their penultimate match this season, travelling away from home to Peterborough IBC last Saturday. The game itself was taken hold of by the home team early and although Lightning did start to fight back in the middle, it was not meant to be with Peterborough ending the strongest to secure the win in an enjoyable but competitive tie by 138 shots to 86.

The team won on 2 rinks and lost on 4 rinks played with the top winning rink skipped by Hazel Tokley, ably assisted by junior member Cooper Wells & Sue Slayven who won 18-9. The final scheduled friendly of the season should be again away versus Lincoln on Sunday 14th April. 

——

After their best performance of the season last time out against Lincoln ‘A’, the Spalding Lightning men’s over 60s team were looking to build a little momentum in their closing fixtures and climb away from the division 1 relegation places, with this one away against Stamford IBC last Wednesday. Conversely, this game did not go to plan sadly and the side lost by 52 shots to 120 and only gained 1 rink and 2 points from the maximum 14 available.

The winning rink was skipped by Gavin Staite, with Mike Taylor, Keith Sellars & Robin Roffe who won 21-17. The league table currently as it stands see Lightning 6 points clear of Horncastle who are in last place, albeit we have played 2 more games than them with 2 matches to go. Their next scheduled match should be back at home against the said Horncastle IBC in a very important clash on Thursday 26th March. 

Rink Scores: Mike Taylor, Keith Sellars, Robin Roffe & Gavin Staite won 21-17; Mick Dolton, Chris Judd, Ian Stafford & David Nunney lost 14-22; David Amess, John Teesdale, Cliff Lattimer & Graham Hicks lost 12-41; David Murray, Derek Chamberlain, Paul Turner & Terry Windsor lost 5-40.

——

Finally, our next social event (the ‘race afternoon’) taking place on Saturday 28th March does currently see ticket sales rather low at the moment and as a reminder are only (in advance) £3 each (free for under 18s but do let us know if they are coming for numbers) and are still available for purchase from the stewards at the club bar. 

Furthermore, we are now able to announce the food available for the event  is being provided by Captain’s Chippy Long Sutton and will be the following menu of a small cod & chips for £8, 2 sausages & chips for £5 and just chips only for £3. For those who have already bought race tickets, we are in need of food orders before next Wednesday 25th March.

In addition, there are also a few horses left to buy for £5 each and if you are or know of someone who would be also interested in sponsoring one of our races, please contact the club on 07517 189149 or via our Facebook page for more information. Please support this event to raise club funds if you can. 

ENDS

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09/03/2026

Mens / mixed county semi finals a success for Lightning bowlers

Last Sunday saw the Lincolnshire IBA mens and mixed county semi finals take place at Lincoln IBC, and these matches appeared a lot of Spalding Lightning representation across both senior and junior competitions in another successful day for the club. 

The first session got underway at 9am and saw 3 of the 6 games featuring our bowlers with the following results:

Mens Singles - Stephen Harris playing Danny Brown from the host club Lincoln and after a slow start saw Stephen winning 21-17
Mens Triples - Martin Spencer, Mathew Orrey & Dominic McVittie playing Rod West, Nathan Dunnington & Jonathan West from Boston and our boys succeeding by 22 shots to 15
Mens Fours - Graham Smith, Kevin Ekins, Simon Lilley & Jordan Philpott playing Paul Bark, Mark Burn, Darren Trapmore & Lee Boucher from Horncastle and again our boys triumphing by 22 shots by 10

The second session commenced at 1pm and saw 3 of the 7 matches featuring our bowlers with the following results:

Mens Triples - Graham Smith, Simon Lilley & Jordan Philpott playing Jake Johnson, Kevin Rands & Dean Stevenson from Lincoln and sadly was our first defeat of the day by 10 shots to 20
Mens Fours - Stephen Harris, Martin Spencer, Mathew Orrey & Dominic McVittie playing Mike Humphreys, Wayne Morris, Neil Wright & Adam Warrington from Stamford and our men winning well by 19 shots to 5
Open Under 15 Singles - Jessica Butters playing Kelsie Fox from Lincoln and which saw a excellent victory by 2 sets to 0 for Jessica 

The third and final session started at 5pm and saw 4 of the 6 ties featuring our bowlers with the following results:

Mens Singles - Dominic McVittie playing Nick Wilkie from Stamford and more success for Dom triumphing 21-13
Open Set Singles - Jordan Philpott playing Paul Oke from Sleaford which saw Paul too strong and succeeding 2 sets to 0
Open Under 18 Triples - Jessica Butters & Aidan Brickles (with Freddie Knapp against Lucy Allerton, Freddie Hoyles & Josh Durrands) with our youngsters winning by 15 shots to 8 and Oscar Butters (with Kelsie Fox & Charlie Nicholls against Harry Allerton, Chloe Bland & Jack Hoyles) going down by 10 shots to 19

The 2 outstanding semi finals yet to be played because of duplications with the first being the mens pairs with our players Jordan Philpott & Dominic McVittie against Danny Brown & James Heath from Lincoln is now booked in for Wednesday 18th March still at the same venue and the second being the mixed pairs with our players Julie Hicks & Dominic McVittie versus Katie Tointon & Martin Tomlin from Boston taking place on Monday 23rd March again at Lincoln IBC. 

The winners of these alongside other competitions have now gone forward to the county finals (with the Lincolnshire ladies IBA finalists) being played on Sunday 26th April at Sleaford IBC. 

———

The last of the national area qualifying finals were played at both Horncastle IBC & Sleaford IBC last week, and once again the club were represented in 4 of these matches.

Firstly, the ladies 2 bowl singles area qualifier played last Wednesday night was between our Ruby Philpott and Helen Butler (Boston). This saw a close game won in the end by Ruby (21-17) which sees her through to the national finals at Nottingham IBC (from the last 16 stage onwards) to be played on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th April. 

Secondly, the mens triples area qualifier again last Wednesday night saw our members Martin Spencer, Mathew Orrey & Dominic McVittie playing against Danny Brown, Jake Johnson & Kevin Rands (Lincoln) and ended being a very comfortable win for our boys, winning 28 shots to 12 and this sees them through to the national finals at Nottingham IBC (from the last 16 stage onwards) to be played on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th April.

Thirdly, the mens fours area qualifier last Thursday night featured Martin, Mathew & Dominic once more, this time with Stephen Harris participating against Darren Trapmore, Paul Bark, Mark Burn & Lee Boucher (Horncastle). Consequently, our men got home in a tight encounter by 16 shots to 14 and puts last season’s national runners-up through to the national finals at Nottingham IBC (from the last 16 stage onwards) to be played on Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st March and look to go one step further and succeed. 

Lastly, the open pairs area qualifier last Friday night was between our very own Dan Mills & Kevin Ekins facing off versus Paul Bark & Mark Burn (Horncastle). In a one sided match, Dan & Kevin were victorious in straight sets (18-1, 14-8) and puts them through to the national finals at Nottingham IBC (from the last 16 stage onwards) to be played on Thursday 16th, Friday 17th and Saturday 18th April.

In conclusion, the club were represented in 13 of the 20 area individual finals played this season and were successful in 11 of these matches. This may be a record for any indoor bowls club to have especially with quite a few competitive players and clubs in this area and we wish all the bowlers that have qualified the best of luck and hope for continued success at the national finals. 

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The Spalding Lightning friendly team participated in their fourth consecutive match in four successive Sundays, with this one at home against Terrington St Clements BC last weekend. They played a game of 4 rinks of 18 end fours and this saw a comfortable and of course enjoyable victory for the home side winning overall by 90 shots to 40. 

The team won on 3 out of the 4 rinks played with the top winning rink skipped by Roger Perkins, ably assisted by Edna Perkins, Dinah Fairbanks & David Murray who won 28-4. The next scheduled friendly should be away versus Peterborough BC on this coming Saturday 14th March.

———

Spalding Lightning’s mixed county league team were holding firm at the top of their league table, and faced a difficult trip away to Lincoln IBC ‘A’ last Saturday where the overall result would be key as to where the title would likely be won. Subsequently as has been seen before with other teams this year though, the side fell short losing by 61 shots to 97 and collecting only 1 rink and 2 points from the maximum 14 points available to them.

The winning rink was skipped by Brian Martin, with Ben Sharp, Maisie Belding and Karen Martin who won 23-22. With this result and Louth winning away at Sleaford also this weekend, both Lincoln and Louth are ahead of our team in the table and both have a game in hand so one of those are now favourites to win the league. Their final scheduled match of the season for them should be at home against Sleaford on Sunday 22nd March.

Rink Scores: Ben Sharp, Maisie Belding, Karen Martin & Brian Martin won 23-22; Ann Newbury, June Taylor, Rob West & Robin Roffe lost 17-22; George Deaton, Betty Deaton, Carole Nunney & David Nunney lost 10-26; Gill Haydon, Sue Slayven, Tony Westland & Graham Wright lost 11-27.

———

The Lincolnshire WIBA ladies county semi finals take place next Sunday at Horncastle IBC, and features the following Spalding Lightning representation in these matches:

Ladies Singles - Chelsea Spencer (playing Amy Pharaoh from Louth)
Ladies Triples - Ruby Philpott, Chelsea Spencer & Annie Dunham (playing S Hoyles. S Tebbs & S Simpson-Shaw from Boston)
Ladies Fours -  Danielle Wild, Jessica Butters, Annie Dunham & Chelsea Spencer (playing S Bridges, F Davis, L Evans & D Wilson-Rogers from Lincoln)
Ladies Under 25 Singles - Jessica Butters & Danielle Wild (playing each other)

The ladies pairs between both our representatives (Ruby Philpott & Chelsea Spencer and Karen Martin & Louise Harris) was played earlier last Friday night at Long Sutton because of duplications on the semi finals day, and this was won by Ruby & Chelsea so sees them already through to the final. 

The winners of these competitions will go forward to the county finals (with the Lincolnshire IBA mens and mixed finalists) being played on Sunday 26th April at Sleaford IBC. 

———

Finally as the indoor season at Long Sutton starts to come to a conclusion with the last games played towards the end of April, we do continue to hold domestic summer league games at the club. These commence from the 1st May and will finish at the end of August and plans to see 3 leagues running throughout these months (alongside Maisie’s drives on Monday mornings, Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons, as well as the usual Friday morning 50+ league) of a Tuesday morning triples (10am to 12pm), a Thursday morning triples (10am to 12pm) and a Thursday evening 4321 triples (6:30pm to 8:30pm). The forms to enter these leagues are ready to collect and fill in at the club bar for those wanting to play and if any assistance is needed and queries to be answered, please ask the steward on duty or contact David Nunney (internal league secretary). 

ENDS

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02/03/2026

Lightning qualify in all 4 national area finals

In another very busy week of national area qualifying finals played at both Horncastle IBC & Sleaford IBC, the club were represented in 4 matches.

Firstly, the mens pairs area qualifier on Tuesday 24th February saw our men Jordan Philpott & Dominic McVittie play against Jake Johnson & Kevin Rands (Lincoln) and ended being a comprehensive win for our boys, winning 21 shots to 4 and this sees them through to the national finals at Nottingham IBC (from the last 16 stage onwards) to be played on Sunday 12th and Monday 13th April. 

Secondly, the ladies pairs area qualifier last Wednesday night featured our members, Ruby Philpott & Chelsea Spencer versus Amanda Forty & Olive Wells (Horncastle) and again saw a very comfortable win by 15 shots to 4. Tho sees the 2017-18 national champions through to this season’s national finals at Nottingham IBC (from the last 16 stage onwards) to be played on Sunday 12th and Monday 13th April, and another attempt to regain the crown from 8 years ago. 

Thirdly, the mens singles area qualifier played last Friday night was between our very own Dominic McVittie and James Staples (Lincoln). Again, the 2023/24 national champion was in fine form and won 21-7 which sees him through to the national finals at Nottingham IBC (from the last 16 stage onwards) to be played on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd April to try and win this title all over again. 

Lastly, the ladies triples area qualifier last Friday night featured Ruby & Chelsea once more, this time with Annie Dunham participating against Jayne Taplin, Amanda Forty & Olive Wells (Horncastle). In the end, another victory was secured by our ladies by 23 shots to 11 and the 2 time national champions (from the 2019-20 and 2023-24 seasons) go through to the national finals at Nottingham IBC (from the last 16 stage onwards) to be played on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th April to aim for a third success in this competition. 

———

After losing their last fixture away, the Spalding Lightning mens county league team were looking to get back to a winning formula and still compete at the top of the table in their division 1 match at home versus Boston IBC ‘A’ last Saturday. Subsequently, the victory was obtained by 91 shots to 70 and they gained 12 points from the maximum 14 available. 

The team won on 3 out of the 4 rinks with the top winning rink skipped by Brian Martin, with Ben Sharp, Ian Stafford & Graham Hicks who won 25-16. This does see the team just behind Lincoln in the league table by 1 point, but we do have a game in hand with only 2 matches to go. Their next scheduled match should be away against the same opposition, Boston IBC ‘A’ on Sunday 15th March.

Rink Scores: Ben Sharp, Ian Stafford, Graham Hicks & Brian Martin won 25-16; Tony Westland, Gavin Staite, Anthony Cronin & Martin Simpson won 21-13; Nathan Puttrell, Robin Roffe, Ian Harwood & James Teesdale won 26-21; Eric Wakefield, Max Butters, Aidan Brickles & Calvin Leuty lost 19-20.  

———

The Spalding Lightning men’s over 60s team were still fighting for every point and wanting to starve off relegation this season after only 1 win in 8 previous matches, and last Thursday saw a home match against top of the table Lincoln IBC ‘A’ to contend with. However in their best performance of the campaign, our side managed to win by 76 shots to 50 and gained 12 points from the maximum 14 available. 

The team won on 3 out of the 4 rinks with 2 of the winning rinks succeeding by 12 shots each skipped by Terry Windsor (23-11) and Gavin Staite (22-10). Their next scheduled match should be away against Stamford IBC on Wednesday 11th March.

Rink Scores: Eric Wakefield, Mel Easy, Paul Turner & Terry Windsor won 23-11; Mike Taylor, David Amess, Robin Roffe & Gavin Staite won 22-10; Ian Stafford, Martin Holmes, Cliff Lattimer & Graham Hicks won 19-12; Mick Dolton, Chris Judd, Rob West & Ian Harwood lost 12-17. 

———

The Spalding Lightning friendly team went back on the road last Sunday afternoon with a small trip to Boston IBC, enjoying a game of 6 rinks of 18 end triples and although the match was fought in good spirits, the home team secured the overall victory by 98 shots to 84. 

The team won on 2 rinks and lost on 4 rinks played with the top winning rink skipped by Cliff Lattimer, ably assisted by his grandson Elliott Lattimer & Dave Green who won 26-13. The next scheduled friendly should be back at home versus Terrington St Clements BC on this coming Sunday 8th March.

———

Congratulations to the national under 18 inter-county Lincolnshire Bears team last Saturday who got a final win of their campaign beating Nottinghamshire overall by 44 shots to 26.

Leading in one rink at home at Boston IBC, our club junior Jessica Butters was successful with Charlie Nichols and Jack Hoyles (both from Boston IBC) who won 25-7, and the other rink playing away at Erewash IBC of Jess Hall (from Lincoln IBC), Freddie Hoyles and Freddie Knapp (both from Boston IBC) drew 19-19.

Consequently following this result, the Bears have finished second in their area league table only behind the Lincolnshire Tigers who had already qualified to the national semi finals taking place at Nottingham IBC on Sunday 29th March. This is a superb achievement for the Lincolnshire juniors as a whole, and especially for the Bears as a very youthful side competing against older juniors in other matches and being successful.

———

Congratulations to the Lincolnshire mens county Liberty Trophy team, winning their national quarter final by 20 shots (115-95) versus Cumbria CIBA played at Hartlepool IBC last Saturday. The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were Kevin Ekins, Stephen Harris, Dominic McVittie, Dan Mills, Mathew Orrey, Jordan Philpott, Martin Spencer and the captain / manager, Graham Smith. The next match will be in the national semi final versus Northamptonshire CIBA being held at a neutral venue on Saturday 21st March.

In addition, congratulations also to the Lincolnshire ladies county Atherley Trophy team, winning their national quarter final by 37 shots (129-92) versus Yorkshire WIBA played at Selby IBC last Saturday. The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were Annie Dunham, Louise Harris, Karen Martin, Ruby Philpott and Chelsea Spencer. The next match will be in the national semi final versus Norfolk WIBA being held at a neutral venue again on Saturday 21st March.

In contrast, commiserations to the Lincolnshire open under 25 inter-county double rink team, losing their national quarter final by 21 shots (29-50) versus Suffolk CIBA with both rinks being played at Huntingdon IBC last Sunday. The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were Owen Aspinall, Aidan Brickles, Max Butters, Nathan Puttrell & Danielle Wild. We wish Suffolk all the best for the rest of the competition now being played at the national finals at Nottingham IBC in April.

———

The Lincolnshire IBA mens and mixed county semi finals take place next Sunday at Lincoln IBC, and features the following Spalding Lightning representation in these matches:

Mens Singles - Stephen Harris (playing Danny Brown from Lincoln) and Dominic McVittie (playing Nick Wilkie from Stamford)
Mens Pairs - Jordan Philpott & Dominic McVittie (playing Danny Brown & James Heath from Lincoln at a later date due to duplications)
Mens Triples - Graham Smith, Simon Lilley & Jordan Philpott (playing Jake Johnson, Kevin Rands & Dean Stevenson from Lincoln) and Martin Spencer, Mathew Orrey & Dominic McVittie (playing Rod West, Nathan Dunnington & Jonathan West (from Boston)
Mens Fours - Graham Smith, Kevin Ekins, Simon Lilley & Jordan Philpott (playing Paul Bark, Mark Burn, Darren Trapmore & Lee Boucher from Horncastle) and Stephen Harris, Martin Spencer, Mathew Orrey & Dominic McVittie (playing Mike Humphreys, Wayne Morris, Neil Wright & Adam Warrington from Stamford)
Open Set Singles - Jordan Philpott (playing Paul Oke from Sleaford) 
Mixed Pairs - Julie Hicks & Dominic McVittie (playing Katie Tointon & Martin Tomlin from Boston at a later date due to duplications)
Open Under 15 Singles - Jessica Butters (playing Kelsie Fox from Lincoln) 
Open Under 18 Triples - Jessica Butters & Aidan Brickles (with Freddie Knapp against Lucy Allerton, Freddie Hoyles & Josh Durrands) and Oscar Butters (with Kelsie Fox & Charlie Nicholls against Harry Allerton, Chloe Bland & Jack Hoyles)

The winners of these alongside other competitions will go forward to the county finals (with the Lincolnshire ladies IBA finalists) being played on Sunday 26th April at Sleaford IBC. 

———

Commiserations to the Lincolnshire CIBA over 55s seniors Midland Counties team, losing out in their fourth and final match of the season 78-130 and not gaining any match points versus Northamptonshire CIBA at Northampton IBC last Thursday. The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were 3 players making up one of the 6 rinks being Tony Westland, David Nunney & Martin Simpson alongside Cliff Collin from Boston IBC (who unfortunately lost 13-24 on their rink). This concludes their matches in this competition, and we wish good luck to Northamptonshire who will play the winner of the north section later in the season.

———

Finally, our club at Long Sutton are hosting a ‘race afternoon’ for all members & non-members on Saturday 28th March. This will commence from 2pm with adult ticket prices in advance being £3 each (free for under 18s) and are available for purchase from the stewards at the club bar. 

There will also be food during the course of the afternoon in addition to cash prizes for the winners of each race and horses are also available to be bought (just for that race of course!) for £5 each - again for more information, please contact the club on 07517 189149 or via our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing lots of people there!

ENDS

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23/02/2026

Lightning under 30s team qualify for national finals again 

After a long wait since their last match in late November, the Spalding Lightning national under 30 open inter-club double rink team travelled to the neutral venue of Scunthorpe IBC at the quarter final stage to take on York IBC last Saturday and came home with the spoils by 32 shots to 27.

With both rinks being played together, the rink of Dan Mills, Owen Aspinall & Stephen Harris took hold of their match in the second half of proceedings winning in the end by 4 shots (15-11) whilst the other rink of Danielle Wild, Ruby Philpott & Jordan Philpott battled hard throughout their game with the lead changing hands and going in both directions several times; however they won by 1 shot (17-16) and secured the overall victory.

The next round is in the semi final against Solihull IBC at the national finals at Nottingham IBC (with the final being played later on the same day) on Saturday 18th April, with the team looking for their third national title in four years in this competition. 

———

The Spalding Lightning mixed county league team were still challenging in their division at the top of the table, and played versus Boston at home last Sunday to maintain this position. In conclusion, they managed this very well after a 91 shots to 50 success and gaining 13 of the maximum 14 points available to them. 

The team won on 3 rinks and drew on 1 rink with the top winning rink skipped by David Nunney, with Gill Haydon, Paula Lawson & George Deaton who won 29-7. After results elsewhere during the weekend, the mixed side are currently 7 points clear in the table with 2 games for them to play, whereas their nearest challengers Louth and Lincoln ‘A’ do have 3 games left. Their next scheduled match should be a big test away against Lincoln IBC ‘A’ on Saturday 7th March.

Rink Scores: Gill Haydon, Paula Lawson, George Deaton & David Nunney won 29-7; Shelia Chamberlain, Sue Slayven, Tony Westland & Graham Wright won 24-12; Jenny Wakefield, Ben Sharp, Carole Nunney & James Teesdale won 23-16; Christine Williamson, June Taylor,  Rob West & Anthony Cronin drew 15-15.

———

The Spalding Lightning friendly team were back on home turf in the latest match of their season, with this one against Lincoln IBC last Sunday and which in the end saw a comfortable victory by 83 shots to 38. Spalding took an early command of this game, never letting the visitors threaten to get back into the fixture and managing to see the result out strongly. 

The team won on all 4 rinks played with the top winning rink skipped by Doris Rawding, ably assisted by Jackie Jackson, Richard Stallwood & Sue Slayven who won 31-10. The next scheduled friendly should be away versus Boston IBC on this coming Sunday 1st March.

———

The Spalding Lightning ladies Trudy Bates  team travelled to Sleaford IBC last Friday for their penultimate league match of the season and despite valiant efforts from across the rinks throughout the game, they succumbed to another heavy loss by 69 shots to 95 and did not obtain any rink wins or match points, losing 14-0.

Towards the end of the fixture, 2 rinks were actually in front and big scores were obtained from the other 2; however this was not enough to get what was required to stay within sight of Lincoln at the top of the table with the Sleaford ladies certainly showing the Spalding ladies how to play on their relatively new, blue freshly stretched carpet. 

A special congratulations though goes to Jessica Butters who made her debut for the Trudy Bates team in this game, and also thanks to Jackie Jackson who offered to be a travelling reserve. Their final scheduled match of the season for them should be at home against Lincoln on Thursday 19th March.  

Rink Scores: Ann Newbury, Jenny Wakefield, Carole Nunney & Betty Deaton lost 20-21; Christine Williamson, Jessica Butters, Mandy Parkins & Julie Hicks lot 20-23; Shelia Chamberlain, Gill Haydon, June Taylor & Maisie Belding lost 15-23; Judy Jackson, Sue Slayven, Maggie Wheatley & Karen Martin lost 14-28.

———

In a busy week of national area qualifying finals predominantly played at Sleaford IBC, the club were represented in 3 matches. Firstly, the ladies singles area qualifier was played last Thursday night between our member and ladies England international Ruby Philpott and the upcoming 2026 English Commonwealth Games indoor representative and Lincolnshire bowls legend Amy Pharaoh (Louth). This match just saw Ruby missing out in a close match 18-21 and so Amy has now qualified for the national finals at Nottingham IBC in April and we wish her the very best of luck there. 

Secondly, the mens over 50s triples area qualifier last Friday night saw our men Brian Martin, Simon Lilley & Graham Smith play against Nigel Fosdyke, Steve Bowden & Mick Thompson (Lincoln). Subsequently this saw a successful 20-12 win for our gentlemen and this sees them through to the national finals at Nottingham IBC (from the last 16 stage onwards) to be played on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st April. 

Thirdly, the ladies fours area qualifier last Sunday night featured our players Danielle Wild, Ruby Philpott, Annie Dunham & Chelsea Spencer particulate against Shelia Plaskitt, Debbie McBride, Lin Mountain & Penny Strong (Lincoln). Our ladies had a very comfortable win by 19 shots to 3 and also sees them through to the national finals at Nottingham IBC (from the last 16 stage onwards) to be played on Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st March. 

———

The under 18 inter-county match between the Lincolnshire Tigers team and Yorkshire CIBA which was due to be played last Sunday at Sleaford IBC was cancelled and conceded by Yorkshire; therefore the Lincolnshire Tigers (featuring our junior squad club members Aidan Brickles & Max Butters) take the points, have won their area and have so qualified for the national semi finals. This will take place at Nottingham IBC on Sunday 29th March in the morning (opposition not yet known), and should they be successful will be followed by the national final in the afternoon on the same day. 

———

The mens county singles qualifiers were held at Lincoln IBC last Saturday from the last 32 stage onwards, and saw 4 places from Spalding in the draw taken by Kevin Ekins, Stephen Harris, Dominic McVittie & Jordan Philpott after getting through their club matches earlier in the season. 

Although Kevin lost at the round of 32 stage and Jordan fell at the last 16, the congratulations go to both Stephen Harris and the defending champion Dominic McVittie who battled their way though 3 games on the day and took their spot in the semi finals. Stephen will play Danny Brown (Lincoln IBC) and Dominic will play Nick Wilkie (Stamford IBC for county comps but does play for Spalding IBC n nationals) and these matches will be played on Sunday 8th March back at Lincoln IBC alongside the other LIBA mens and mixed county semi finals.

———

The outdoor Bowls England awards ceremony were held last weekend in Leicester for those with special achievements over the previous season, and this saw our very own Dominic McVittie collect the male bowler of the year award for the first time in his career.   

For both clubs he represents (Spalding Indoor Bowls Club and the Royal Mail Cart Bowls Club outdoors), they continue to be very proud of his successes both indoor and outdoor over the last few years (culminating in being the current world number 4 in the WBS rankings), and of course am sure he will continue to thrive and prosper in any future bowls endeavours. 

An additional well done also to Lincolnshire ladies bowls legend Amy Pharaoh (who plays from Cleethorpes BC in the summer) who won the Bowls England female bowler of the year award at the same event. 

———

Congratulations to the Lincolnshire WIBA ladies Midland Counties team, as they won their second match of the season in their fourth fixture 159-59 versus Bedfordshire WIBA at Grantham IBC last Saturday. The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were Maisie Belding, Betty Deaton, Julie Hicks, Karen Martin, Ann Newbury and Maggie Wheatley.

ENDS

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16/02/2026

Club captain Smith qualifies for national 2 bowl singles finals

The first of the national area qualifying finals were played late last week at Sleaford IBC, and saw 2 of our club members in Nick Wilkie in the mens over 60 singles playing against Paul Bark (Horncastle IBC) and Graham Smith in the mens 2 bowl singles playing against Sam Ashton (Lincoln IBC) respectively.

It was sadly a step too far for Nick in his over 60s competition this season, as he lost his match 11-21 to Paul Bark who has now qualified for the national finals at Nottingham IBC in April and we wish him the very best of luck there. 

Conversely for Graham, he had a comfortable victory by 21 shots to 7 in his final versus Sam Ashton and again qualifies for the national finals at Nottingham IBC (from the last 16 stage onwards) to be played on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th April. After winning the national title in this discipline in the 2017-18 indoor season, he will be looking to taste success again when the finals take place.

———

The Spalding Lightning friendly team battled the weather elements to travel away from home in their latest fixture last Sunday, with a match at Horncastle IBC and which in the end saw an overall victory for the home team by 96 shots to 72. The game though was once again played in the true tradition of a friendly with both sides fighting for the spoils whilst still having fun. It was also noted that the meal following the fixture was excellently received and enjoyed by all who stayed afterwards. 

The team won on 2 rinks and lost on 3 rinks (as 5 rinks of 18 end triples was played) with the top winning rink skipped by Doris Rawding, ably assisted by John Rawding & Derek Chamberlain who won 18-12. The next scheduled friendly should be back at home versus Lincoln IBC on Sunday 22nd February.

———

The Spalding Lightning mens county league team played in the fifth match of their league season last Saturday away at Lincoln IBC, and were looking for a win to maintain their place at the top of the league standings; however they came unstuck on the opposition’s quick carpet and lost by 88 shots to 67 and only gained 4 points from the maximum 14 available.

The team won on 2 rinks and lost on 2 rinks with the top winning rink skipped by Brian Martin, with Nathan Puttrell, Robin Roffe & James Teesdale who won 31-14. Their next scheduled match should be back at home against Boston IBC ‘A’ on Saturday 28th February. 

Rink Scores: Nathan Puttrell, Robin Roffe, James Teesdale & Brian Martin won 31-14; Mike Taylor, Ben Sharp, David Nunney & Martin Simpson won 20-14; Max Butters, Ian Stafford, Anthony Cronin & Kevin Ekins lost 10-30; Tony Westland, Paul Turner, Ian Harwood & Dan Mills lost 6-30.

———

After tasting a first victory of the season in their last league match, the Spalding Lightning men’s over 60s team were now looking to back this up with more success, this time away from home against Louth IBC last Thursday. However, they could not replicate this feeling and went down by 100 shots to 71 and only gained 1 rink and 2 points from the maximum 14 available.

The winning rink was skipped by Martin Simpson, with Paul Turner, Robin Roffe & Terry Windsor who won 35-14. Their next scheduled match should be back at home against Lincoln IBC ‘A’ on Thursday 26th February. 

Rink Scores: Paul Turner, Robin Roffe, Terry Windsor & Martin Simpson won 35-14; Martyn Stanley, Martin Holmes, Cliff Lattimer & David Nunney lost 10-23; Tony Westland, Pete Bendell, Rob West & Graham Wright lost 11-27; Mike Taylor, Chris Judd, Ian Stafford & Gavin Staite lost 15-36. 

———

The county set singles qualifiers were held at Horncastle IBC on Sunday 8th February from the last 32 stage onwards, and saw 4 places from Spalding in the draw taken by Aidan Brickles, Kevin Ekins, Stephen Harris & Jordan Philpott after getting through their club matches earlier in the season. 

Although Aidan, Kevin & Stephen all lost at the round of 16, the congratulations goes to Jordan Philpott who fought through 3 games (all on tie breaks) and took his spot in the semi finals. This will be a repeat of last year’s final against Paul Oke (Sleaford IBC) and this match will be played on Sunday 8th March at Lincoln IBC alongside the other LIBA mens and mixed county semi finals.

———

Following this, the county mixed under 25s and mixed over 60s singles qualifiers were held at Louth IBC last Sunday, and saw 4 places from Spalding in the 2 competition draws taken by Aidan Brickles, Jessica Butters & Max Butters (all under 25s) and Martin Simpson in the over 60s. 

In the under 25s singles, unfortunately Aidan, Jessica & Max lost in the quarter finals whereas in the over 60s singles, Martin was defeated at the last 16 stage. The semi finals of both of these events will again be played on Sunday 8th March at Lincoln IBC alongside the other LIBA mens and mixed county semi finals. 

———

Commiserations to the Lincolnshire CIBA over 55s seniors Midland Counties team, losing out in their third match of the season (after 2 previous wins against Nottinghamshire CIBA & Warwickshire CIBA) 93-98 versus Leicestershire CIBA at Boston IBC last Wednesday. The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were one of the 6 rinks made up of Tony Westland, Ian Stafford, David Nunney & Martin Simpson (who also lost 11-15 on their rink). Their next fixture is scheduled to be against Northamptonshire CIBA on Thursday 26th February at Northampton IBC.

ENDS

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09/02/2026

Lightning mixed team have comfortable home victory

In a quieter week in competitive team matches for Spalding Lightning, our mixed county league team participated in their seventh fixture of the season with this one at home versus Scunthorpe IBC last Saturday afternoon, and they collected a comprehensive win by 94 shots to 50 and gaining the maximum 14 points available. 

The team won on all 4 rinks with the top winning rink skipped by Anthony Cronin, with Christine Williamson, June Taylor & Rob West who won 25-10. In addition, this sees the mixed side go to the top of the division 1 league table with 3 matches for them still to play, 8 points clear of Lincoln who do have a game in hand. Their next scheduled match should be at home against Boston IBC on Saturday 21st February.

Rink Scores: Christine Williamson, June Taylor, Rob West & Anthony Cronin won 25-10; George Deaton, Maisie Belding, Betty Deaton & David Nunney won 22-9; Tony Westland, Sue Slayven, Maggie Wheatley & Graham Wright won 22-13; Jenny Wakefield, Ben Sharp, Carole Nunney & James Teesdale won 25-18.

———

After a heavy defeat last time around away at Lincoln, the Spalding Lightning ladies Trudy Bates team looked to return to winning ways again away from home, this time in a local derby versus Boston IBC last Thursday. Subsequently in a very close finish, our ladies were just pipped at the post and lost by 1 shot (72-73) and obtained just 1 rink and 2 points from the maximum 14 points available. 

The home team got off to a flying start and were 15 shots up after 5 ends had been played across all rinks but as the game progressed, Spalding nibbled away at the deficit with the rink skipped by Louise Harris pulling back admirably after a slow beginning and Maggie Wheatley’s rink often kept getting within 2 shots to get in front of their opposition. 

This set up a final end shootout with Lightning needing 3 shots to grab the important 6 aggregate points but only getting 1 shot in the finish and finishing on the wrong side of victory. A special congratulations though goes to Jackie Jackson who made her debut for the Trudy Bates team in this game. Their next scheduled match should be away against Sleaford IBC on Friday 20th February.

Rink Scores: Christine Williamson, Jenny Wakefield, Mandy Parkins & Julie Hicks won 21-10; Ann Newbury, Jackie Jackson, Carole Nunney & Louise Harris lost 20-21; Judy Jackson, Paula Lawson, Sue Slayven & Maggie Wheatley lost 13-16; Shelia Chamberlain, Gill Haydon, June Taylor & Maisie Belding lost 18-26.

———

The one quarter final of the under 18 county triples competition was played last Sunday at Boston IBC, and featured 2 of our juniors and family members facing off against each other with Bella Hoyles, Thom Rodd & our player Max Butters playing against Kelsie Fox, our player and Max’s brother Oscar Butters & Charlie Nicholls. The match was very close with Oscar and his team getting 2 shots on the final end to come out on top and claim family bragging rights by 13 shots to 11. 

They now move on to the semi finals to play Harry Allerton, Jack Hoyles and Chloe Bland with the other semi being Lucy Allerton, Freddie Hoyles & Josh Durrands versus our player Jessica Butters, Freddie Knapp & our player Aidan Brickles. These are to be played on Sunday 8th March at Lincoln IBC alongside the other LIBA mens and mixed county semi finals.

———

The under 18 inter-county match between the Lincolnshire Tigers team and Durham CIBA which was due to be played last Sunday at Selby IBC was cancelled and conceded by Durham; therefore the Lincolnshire Tigers (featuring our junior squad club members Aidan Brickles & Max Butters) take the points and sit top of their area league table. They face one more game to guarantee qualification for the national semi finals, with this one against Yorkshire on Sunday 22nd February at Sleaford IBC. 

ENDS

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02/02/2026

Aspinall reaches national under 25 singles semi final

The later stages of the national under 25 mens singles finals were held last weekend at Dolphin IBC in Poole, Dorset and featured our club member, Owen Aspinall who qualified for the finals with relative ease after 3 straight sets wins in this area and so made the trip down south to compete from the national last 16 period onwards.

In that last 16 match, Owen faced Joshua Rowe from Folkestone IBC and came through a close game in a last end tie break win (9-3, 4-7, 2-1) and following this in the quarter finals, he then played Sammy Tindall from Egham IBC and won this tie in straight sets (9-5, 7-6) to advance to the semi final against the reigning outdoor national mens under 25 singles champion, Charlie Beeton from Ipswich IBC.

This tie was aired on the EIBA TV live stream and saw Owen lose out in the first set by 12 shots to 6 but bounce back by collecting the required 3 shots on the final end of the second set to come from 8-5 down to win that 9-8 and so enter a 3 end tie break. In this tie break, Charlie won the first end and Owen secured the second end therefore the match went to a deciding third end. Unfortunately for Owen, Charlie obtained the end, the tie break and the match by 2 sets to 1 and got through to the final (which he later won in straight sets). 

Although Owen just missed out on a chance of glory, it was a great experience and we are sure to to see him bounce back at later events towards the end of the season and of course in future years.

———

After losing in their previous match away at Horncastle IBC the week before, the Spalding Lightning mens county league team were looking to get back to winning ways with their fourth match of the season, with this fixture at home against Louth IBC last Saturday. They did manage to do this, and in very good style winning in the end by 106 shots to 60.

The team won on 3 out of the 4 rinks and getting 12 of the available 14 points, the top winning rink was skipped by Dominic McVittie, with Ben Sharp, David Nunney & Calvin Leuty who won 32-11. Their next scheduled match should be away against Lincoln on Saturday 14th February. 

Rink Scores: Ben Sharp, David Nunney, Calvin Leuty & Dominic McVittie won 32-11; Mick Dolton, Ian Harwood, Dan Mills & Martin Simpson won 30-15; Nathan Puttrell, Gavin Staite, Lewis Parnell & Kevin Ekins won 27-15; Paul Turner, Anthony Cronin, James Teesdale & Brian Martin lost 17-19.

———

With 6 out of 6 league defeats so far this season, the Spalding Lightning men’s over 60s team were still searching for that winning feeling, and last Thursday saw them play at home versus Scunthorpe IBC. Consequently, they managed this at the seventh time of asking and won their first match of the campaign to lift them themselves off the bottom of the table by 84 shots to 71 and collected 11 points from the maximum 14 available.

The team won on 2 rinks, drew on 1 rink and lost on 1 rink with the top winning rink skipped by Ian Harwood, with Tony Westland, David Amess & Rob West who won 30-17. Their next scheduled match should be away against Louth IBC on Friday 13th February. 

Rink Scores: Tony Westland, David Amess, Rob West & Ian Harwood won 30-17; Martyn Stanley, Cliff Lattimer, Graham Hicks & David Nunney won 22-14; Ian Stafford, Chris Judd, Robin Roffe & Anthony Cronin drew 20-20; Mick Dolton, Paul Turner, Terry Windsor & Martin Simpson lost 12-20.

———

The Spalding Lightning ladies Trudy Bates  team faced off away from home against top of the table Lincoln last Thursday, with this unfortunately seeing a heavy defeat for our side by 91 shots to 56 and not obtaining any rink wins or match points, losing 14-0.

The Lincoln carpet is always difficult to adjust to as the pace is usually very quick and does catch a lot of away bowlers out especially early on in the match, with the Lincoln ladies never letting the Spalding ladies get into their usual stride and so resulting in an all four rink defeat. The team captain, Julie Hicks wanted to thank those who filled in and played as well as those who changed rinks leading up to the game. Their next scheduled match and first opportunity to put things right should be away against Boston IBC on Thursday 5th February.

Rink Scores: Judy Jackson, Doris Rawding, Maggie Wheatley & Julie Hicks lost 15-17; Ann Newbury, Paula Lawson, Carole Nunney & Betty Deaton lost 15-19; Shelia Chamberlain, Gill Haydon, June Taylor & Maisie Belding lost 14-22; Christine Williamson, Sue Slayven, Mandy Parkins & Karen Martin lost 12-33.

———

The Spalding Lightning friendly team played another fixture away at home this season last Sunday, this time with a trip to Grantham IBC and saw a comprehensive victory for the home side putting out a very strong team and winning by 149 shots to 50. The match was again played in 6 rinks of triples and saw a dominant display from Grantham to win all these rinks, although the match was played in a good spirit. The next scheduled friendly should be again away versus Horncastle IBC on Sunday 15th February.

———

Last Saturday saw the qualifying stages for the under 18 county singles being staged at Lincoln IBC and saw four of our junior bowlers competing in Aidan Brickles, Jessica Butters, Max Butters & Oscar Butters.

Although both Jessica and Oscar got sadly knocked out in the group stages, both Aidan and Max qualified for the quarter finals and played Chloe Bland (Cleethorpes IBC) and Jess Hall (Lincoln IBC) respectively. Unfortunately for our boys, they were both defeated at this stage in close matches and sadly on this occasion we see no Lightning representation in the final period. 

However, we want to wish the best of luck to the 4 semi finalists (Chloe, Jess, Sophie Hall &  Jake Johnson) with these matches being played on Sunday 8th March at Lincoln IBC alongside the other LIBA mens and mixed county semi finals. 

———

Congratulations to the Lincolnshire WIBA ladies Midland Counties team, as they won their first match of the season in their third fixture 125-78 versus Northamptonshire WIBA at Sleaford IBC last Sunday. The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were Maisie Belding, Betty Deaton, Louise Harris, Karen Martin, Ann Newbury and Maggie Wheatley.

ENDS

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26/01/2026

Lightning win Egham Trophy quarter final

After just losing out in the mixed Top Club at Huntingdon IBC the week before, Spalding Lightning looked to bounce back quickly in another national quarter final last Sunday, this one in the mixed Egham Trophy against Cumbria IBC with all rinks being played at the neutral venue of York & District IBC. The result this time was more positive, and saw Lightning gain a comfortable victory by 82 shots to 53 and book their place in the national semi final.

After 5 or so ends, the game started brightly for Lightning with a 6 shot overall lead (20-14) and by 10 ends, this had been maintained with the same 6 shot gap (36-30). Once 15 ends had been played, the match was stretched still in Lighting’s direction by 17 shots (61-44) and at 18 ends, the game was nearly over as this lead was now 27 (77-50).

Consequently, the game finished with only one rink left to finish with a 29 shot win for Spalding and the trip back from the long journey north at York made very worthwhile with this successful outcome obtained. With the club still looking for their maiden national Egham Trophy triumph, the semi final fixture will be against Solihull IBC at a neutral venue yet to be decided on Sunday 22nd March. 

Rink Scores: Graham Smith, Andy Dunham, Chelsea Spencer & Annie Dunham won 25-9 (top rink); Louise Harris, Karen Martin, Stephen Harris & Jordan Philpott won 24-15; Danielle Wild, Julie Hicks, Calvin Leuty & Dominic McVittie won 18-10; Ruby Philpott, Maisie Belding, Martin Spencer & Mathew Orrey lost 15-19.

———

Spalding Lightning’s mixed county league team looked to continue good form after 2 excellent results in their previous fixtures, and took their own journey towards the top end of the county at Louth IBC last Sunday afternoon. However this match saw a frustrating defeat for the visitors, going down by 65 shots to 92 and collected only 1 rink and 2 points from the maximum 14 points available to them.

The winning rink was skipped by James Teesdale, with Jenny Wakefield, Ben Sharp & Carole Nunney who won 18-14. Their next scheduled match should be back at home against Scunthorpe IBC on Saturday 7th February. 

Rink Scores: Jenny Wakefield, Ben Sharp, Carole Nunney & James Teesdale won 18-14; Shelia Chamberlain, George Deaton, Betty Deaton & David Nunney lost 22-26; Christine Williamson, June Taylor, Cliff Lattimer & Ian Stafford lost 12-21; Gill Haydon, Sue Slayven, Tony Westland & Graham Wright lost 13-31. 

———

The Spalding Lightning mens county league team had started the season with a 100% record of 2 wins from 2 matches, and went for their third tie with this one away against Horncastle IBC last Saturday; however much like the mixed team they struggled to get the desired victory and lost by 71 shots to 89 and again collected just 1 rink and 2 points from the maximum 14 points available. 

The winning rink was skipped by Martin Simpson, with Paul Turner, Gavin Staite & David Nunney who won 23-15. In addition, the captain Dan Mills wanted to especially thank John Teesdale for stepping in to play at the last minute due to a very late call off. Their next scheduled match should be back at home against Louth on Saturday 31st January. 

Rink Scores: Paul Turner, Gavin Staite, David Nunney & Martin Simpson won 23-15; Robin Roffe, Cliff Lattimer, James Teesdale & Brian Martin lost 20-21; Ian Stafford, John Teesdale, Ian Harwood & Dan Mills lost 20-25; Tony Westland, Graham Hicks, Terry Windsor & Kevin Ekins lost 8-28.

———

Congratulations to the Lincolnshire open under 25 inter-county double rink team, winning the second round in a close finish by 34 shots to 32 versus Norfolk CIBA with both rinks being played at Peterborough IBC last Saturday. The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were Owen Aspinall, Aidan Brickles, Max Butters, Nathan Puttrell & Danielle Wild. The next match will be in the quarter final versus Suffolk CIBA on Sunday 1st March.

ENDS

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19/01/2026

Lightning lose Top Club quarter final

The mixed national Top Club team played their national quarter final last Sunday against Norfolk Bowling Club at the neutral venue of Huntingdon IBC (this was changed originally from the City of Ely IBC as stated due to heating issues) and in a close game throughout sadly just missed out with only 2 wins from the 5 disciplines and losing 8-8 (78-89 on shots) with the overall aggregate proving decisive.

In a reversal from previous results, the 2 bowl singles were unfortunately lost by Spalding for both Chelsea Spencer (15-21) & Graham Smith (6-21); therefore, Lightning had to win at least 2 of the 3 remaining matches and by a strong aggregate to maintain a chance of success. The pairs were very comfortable winners with a 17 shot victory and the fours managed to win their last few ends and so close out a 2 shot win; however the triples never quite got going with some excellent bowls from the opposition skip and current England international Wayne Willgress and finished defeated by 9 shots and therefore Lightning lost by an 11 shot margin and the aim of a fourth national title in this event disappeared on this occasion. 

Good luck to Norfolk Bowling Club for the later stages of the competition, and the Lightning team will be looking to bounce back with their mixed Egham Trophy quarter final against Cumbria IBC being held at York IBC next Sunday.

Rink scores: Ladies Singles - Chelsea Spencer lost 15-21; Mens Singles - Graham Smith lost 6-21; Pairs - Annie Dunham & Dominic McVittie won 26-9; Triples - Danielle Wild, Stephen Harris & Jordan Philpott lost 13-22; Fours - Ruby Philpott, Tracy Philpott, Martin Spencer & Mathew Orrey won 18-16.

———

The Spalding Lightning friendly team played their first fixture away at home of the season last Sunday with a trip to Huntingdon IBC, and which saw Lightning take the win back home with them by 113 shots to 82. The match as usual was played in the best traditions of a friendly, with of course both sides looking for an overall victory. 

The team won on 4 rinks and lost on 2 rinks (as 6 rinks of 18 end triples was played) with the top winning rink skipped by Cliff Lattimer, ably assisted by John Rawding & Derek Chamberlain who won 32-6. The next scheduled friendly should be again away versus Grantham IBC on Sunday 1st February.

———

The Spalding Lightning national ladies over 60s Mason Trophy team continued their run this season in the fourth round versus Lincoln IBC last Friday, and unfortunately they came unstuck being heavily defeated by 18 shots by 44 and bowed out of the event.

Although the Spalding ladies matched Lincoln over the first 5 ends or so at both venues, the opposition upped their pace and went through the gears to win on both rinks and comfortably by 26 shots when the game finished. Good luck to Lincoln for the rest of the competition.

Rink Scores: Home - Carole Nunney, Sue Slayven, June Taylor & Maisie Belding lost 9-19; Away - Shelia Chamberlain, Mandy Parkins, Maggie Wheatley & Betty Deaton lost 9-25.

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Spalding Lightning secured another excellent home win in the ladies Trudy Bates south division last Thursday, with this match versus Sleaford IBC and eased to a reassured victory by 96 shots to 65 and collected the maximum of all 14 points available.

Although the Sleaford ladies started well in the very early stages seeming to find the Long Sutton carpet quicker than the home team, Lightning managed to take control with a 15 shot lead after 5 ends had been played and gradually increased the aggregate throughout the game to win by 31 shots and put them top of the south division by 3 points ahead of Stamford (who have played one more game), and 8 points ahead of Lincoln (who have played one less game). The team captain, Julie Hicks wanted to especially thank Sue Lovett who came on as a late substitute when Trish Stafford had to leave unexpectedly. 

The team won on all 4 rinks with the top winning rink skipped by Betty Deaton, with Jenny Wakefield, Julie Hicks & Carole Nunney who won 27-16. Their next scheduled match should be away against Lincoln IBC on Thursday 29th January.

Rink Scores: Jenny Wakefield, Julie Hicks, Carole Nunney & Betty Deaton won 27-16; Jan Sinclair, Gill Haydon, June Taylor & Maisie Belding won 25-15; Christine Williamson, Sue Slayven, Karen Martin & Louise Harris won 23-15; Shelia Chamberlain, Paula Lawson, Trish Stafford (Sue Lovett sub) & Maggie Wheatley won 21-19.

———

Once again, it was a superb weekend just gone for our club member Jessica Butters in junior events both representing Lincolnshire and further qualification in under 18 county competitions.

Firstly last Saturday, the national under 18 inter-county Lincolnshire Bears side continued their good form with a second win in their third group match of the season, being victorious against Yorkshire back again at the neutral venue of Selby IBC on both rinks and by 46 shots to 23.

Jessica led in a rink with Charlie Nichols and Jack Hoyles (both from Boston IBC) and were successful 19-14, and the other rink of Jess Hall (from Lincoln IBC), Freddie Hoyles and Freddie Knapp (both from Boston IBC) romped home to win 27-9.

The Bears only have one fixture left in their group against Nottinghamshire, whereas the Lincolnshire Tigers still have Yorkshire & Durham left to face before the winners of the area play in the semis (and hopefully final) at the national finals held at Nottingham IBC at the end of March. 

Consequently last Sunday, the early stages of the under 18 county pairs were staged at Sleaford IBC and saw Jessica paired up with Harry Allerton (from Boston IBC). They qualified comfortably for the semi finals of the competition and won that game in a tie break after sharing the 2 sets to reach the final against Freddie Knapp (Boston) and fellow club member from Spalding, Aidan Brickles. This match will be played alongside the other LIBA and LWIBA finals on Sunday 26th April again at Sleaford IBC.

ENDS

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12/01/2026

Aspinall wins under 18 pairs gold 

Over the last weekend, our club member Owen Aspinall made his debut for the main England team (after representing the British Lions side last season made up of all 4 nations) at the under 18 international series at Cumbernauld IBC in Scotland. 

Owen participated in both the mens pairs skipping this discipline with our former member now at Huntingdon, Ollie Jeapes and also skipped the fours alongside Tommy Walker, Lilli Murray and fellow Lincolnshire bowler, Jake Johnson. 

At the end of proceedings after all matches were played, the England team featuring Owen secured a bronze medal in the fours and went even further by collecting first place and the gold medal in the pairs event by remaining undefeated throughout the competition.

Unfortunately, England finished second in the overall standings to Scotland when all results and medals were added up together but a very well done to all players involved (especially those with medals) and again, what a special achievement for Owen to succeed with 2 medals from this series and begin his England junior career on a superb high. 

In addition before Owen left to play in Scotland, he was successful for qualifying in both the later stages (last 16 onwards) of the mens under 25 singles to be held during the EIBA national finals at Dolphin IBC over the weekend of Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February as well as the the later stages (last 16 onwards) of the open under 18 singles to be held during the EIBA national finals at Nottingham IBC on Sunday 19th April. 

———

Spalding Lightning’s mixed national Egham Trophy team played their fourth round match last Sunday versus strong competitors in Nottingham IBC, and they managed an excellent overall victory by 90 shots to 73 and so proceed to the quarter final stage. 

In the early stages after 5 ends both at home and away, the game was close with a 1 shot Lightning lead (23-22) and at 10 ends, the opposition got their noses in front by 3 shots (43-46). Once 15 ends had been completed, the game bounced back in Lightning’s favour with a 4 shot lead (64-60) and by 18 ends, this had been widened to 11 (77-66). 

Thankfully, Lightning were then able to push on again from there and once all 21 ends were played across both venues, the game was won with a 17 shot victory for Spalding. That quarter final fixture will be against Cumbria IBC at a neutral venue yet to be decided on Sunday 25th January.

Rink Scores: Home - Graham Smith, Dan Mills, Chelsea Spencer & Annie Dunham won 22-10 (top rink) and Carole Nunney, Julie Hicks, Calvin Leuty & Dominic McVittie won 25-19; Away - Louise Harris, Karen Martin, Andy Dunham & Stephen Harris won 23-21 and Danielle Wild, Tracy Philpott, Brian Martin & Martin Spencer lost 20-23.

———

Spalding Lightning’s mixed county league team took part in their fifth division 1 match, with this one being played at the long trip north at Scunthorpe IBC last Sunday afternoon. After going well with 2 wins from 4 games previously, the team were also successful in this tie and collected a third victory of the season by 86 shots to 62 and gained 10 points from the maximum 14 available. 

The team won on 2 rinks and lost on 2 rinks with the top winning rink skipped by Graham Wright, with Tony Westland, Sue Slayven & Maggie Wheatley who won 29-12. Their next scheduled match should be away against another team north of the county in Louth IBC on Sunday 25th January.

Rink Scores: Tony Westland, Sue Slayven, Maggie Wheatley & Graham Wright won  29-12; Dinah Fairbanks, Ben Sharp, Maisie Belding & Cliff Lattimer won 23-12; June Taylor, Gill Haydon, Rob West & Anthony Cronin lost 19-21; George Deaton, Shelia Chamberlain, Betty Deaton & David Nunney lost 15-17.

———

The Spalding Lightning friendly team played in their fourth game of this season, with a fixture at home against Horncastle IBC last Saturday and which in the end saw an overall drawn result (65-65). The match was fiercely contested and was played in the true spirit of a friendly and all players from both sides had an enjoyable afternoon at the Long Sutton facilities. 

The team won on 2 rinks and lost on 2 rinks with the top winning rink skipped by Hazel Tokley, ably assisted by David Murray, John Venters & Phil Everett who won 21-14. The next scheduled friendly should be away versus Huntingdon IBC on  this coming Sunday 18th January.

———

After 5 league matches, the Spalding Lightning men’s over 60s team were still looking for that elusive first victory to get off the mark, and last Thursday (8th January) saw a great opportunity for this to occur at home versus Stamford IBC. However as has proved in the games before, the opposition proved too strong and Lightning lost by 65 shots to 85 and only gained 4 points from the maximum 14 available.

The team won on 2 rinks and lost on 2 rinks with the top winning rink skipped by Ian Harwood, with Tony Westland, David Amess & Rob West who won 19-15. Their next scheduled match should be at home against Scunthorpe IBC on Thursday 29th January. 

Rink Scores: Tony Westland, David Amess, Rob West & Ian Harwood won 19-15; Chris Judd, David Murray, David Nunney & Graham Hicks won 21-20; Pete Bendell, Cliff Lattimer, Gavin Staite & Chris Warboys lost 18-19; Mick Dolton, Derek Chamberlain, Paul Turner & Terry Windsor lost 7-31. 

———

Congratulations to the Lincolnshire mens county Liberty Trophy team, winning the second round by 27 shots (131-104) versus Yorkshire CIBA away at Selby IBC last Saturday. The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were Kevin Ekins, Stephen Harris, Simon Lilley, Dominic McVittie, Dan Mills, Mathew Orrey, Martin Spencer and the captain / manager, Graham Smith. The next match will be in the quarter final versus Cumbria CIBA being held at Hartlepool IBC on Saturday 28th February.

———

Finally, well done also to the Lincolnshire ladies county Atherley Trophy team, winning the second round by 51 shots (117-66) versus Leicestershire WIBA at Boston IBC last Saturday. The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were Maisie Belding, Annie Dunham, Louise Harris, Karen Martin, Chelsea Spencer and Danielle Wild. The next match will be in the quarter final versus Yorkshire WIBA on Saturday 28th February.

ENDS

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05/01/2026

Lightning’s Top Clubbers march on to quarters

Last Sunday morning saw the mixed national Top Club match at home against the defending national champions Barwell and although Lightning were missing a few of their experienced players, they did manage a tight aggregate victory with 3 out of the 5 disciplines and so collecting a 8-8 (93-77 on shots) win. 

Once again, the 2 bowl singles were won strongly by both Chelsea Spencer (21-11) & Graham Smith (21-11) so with 2 points available for each of these matches saw an early Lightning 4-0 lead. In the pairs and fours games, the opposition proved too strong and always maintained a good lead in their contests both succeeding by 8 shots respectively; however the triples got in front early and stayed there to win by 12 shots as the match reached a conclusion and Lightning got the victory. 

The next match is the national quarter final against former runners up Norfolk Bowling Club and will be played at a neutral venue on Sunday 18th January. The winner of this tie will qualify for the national finals at Nottingham IBC with the semi final and final played over 2 days in late March.

Rink scores: Ladies Singles - Chelsea Spencer won 21-11; Mens Singles - Graham Smith won 21-11; Pairs - Tracy Philpott & Calvin Leuty lost 15-23; Triples - Danielle Wild, Dan Mills & Stephen Harris won 22-10; Fours - Louise Harris, Karen Martin, Martin Spencer & Mathew Orrey lost 14-22.

———

The Spalding Lightning national ladies over 60s Mason Trophy team continued their campaign in the third round versus Boston IBC last Friday, and was a successful start in the New Year for both them and the competitive club fixtures with another close victory by 35 shots to 27. 

The home rink of Shelia Chamberlain, Sue Slayven, June Taylor & Maisie Belding were very close all the way through their game until the 17th end where they scored a big count of 5 shots and put themselves in a very favourable position managing to win in the finish 19-11, whilst the away rink of Ann Newbury, Gill Haydon, Mandy Parkins & Maggie Wheatley also had a tight encounter throughout. After Lightning got a healthy 7-1 lead after 5 ends, the Boston ladies at their venue dug their heals in to get in front only for Spalding to respond with vigour and their tie finished as a 16-16 honourable draw; therefore Lightning won the match on aggregate by 8 shots. The fourth round will take place on Friday 16th January versus Lincoln IBC. 

———

It has been a very good start to the calendar year for our junior member, Jessica Butters who has qualified for the semi finals of the Lincolnshire county under 15 singles at Stamford IBC last Saturday. This match is to be played on Sunday 8th March at Lincoln IBC alongside the other LIBA mens and mixed county semi finals. Jessica then went on to play in the early rounds of the Lincolnshire county ladies under 18 singles at Lincoln IBC last Sunday but she just fell short in the tie break at the semi final stage.

———

Commiserations to the Lincolnshire WIBA ladies Midland Counties team, just losing out in their second match of the season 97-99 versus Nottinghamshire WIBA at Boston IBC last Sunday. The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were Maisie Belding and Maggie Wheatley.

ENDS

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29/12/2025

National competitions round-up

With no team matches over the Christmas period, the club wanted to congratulate and mention both our male and female players who are still in both individual and representing SIBC in team national competitions. They will look to continue succeeding in the New Year and be victorious in qualifying for national finals at Dolphin IBC in January, Northampton IBC in February and / or Nottingham IBC in March / April.

Those competitors are as follows:

Ladies Singles - Ruby Philpott & Chelsea Spencer
Ladies Pairs - Ruby Philpott & Chelsea Spencer; Danielle Wild & Annie Dunham 
Ladies Triples - Ruby Philpott, Chelsea Spencer & Annie Dunham; Tracy Philpott, Louise Harris & Karen Martin
Ladies Fours - Jean Patterson, Ruby Philpott, Annie Dunham & Chelsea Spencer
Ladies Two Bowl Singles - Louise Harris, Ruby Philpott, Danielle Wild 
Ladies Over 50 Triples - Tracy Philpott, Maggie Wheatley & Karen Martin
Ladies Mason Trophy team into round 3

Mens Singles - Stephen Harris, Dominic McVittie, Dan Mills
Mens Pairs - Jordan Philpott & Dominic McVittie; Simon Lilley & Stephen Harris
Mens Triples - Dan Mills, Kevin Ekins & Stephen Harris; Martin Spencer, Mathew Orrey & Dominic McVittie
Mens Fours - Stephen Harris, Martin Spencer, Mathew Orrey & Dominic McVittie
Mens Two Bowl Singles - Dominic McVittie, Graham Smith
Mens Under 25 Singles - Owen Aspinall (has now already qualified for national finals at Dolphin IBC in late January)
Mens Over 50 Triples - Brian Martin, Simon Lilley & Graham Smith; Nick Wilkie, Martin Simpson & Kevin Ekins
Mens Over 60 Singles - Brian Martin, Nick Wilkie

Open Under 18 Singles - Owen Aspinall
Open Pairs - Dan Mills & Kevin Ekins; Martin Spencer & Dominic McVittie
Open Under 30 Inter-Club Double Rink team into national quarter finals
Mixed Egham Trophy team into round 4 / regional final
Mixed Top Club team into round 4 / regional final

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On behalf of the officers and management committee at Spalding Indoor Bowls Club, we want to extend our warm regards and sincerest wishes to all our members and their families for a peaceful and happy New Year as we enter 2026.

We also especially want to thank those same members for their patience and continued support as we have had to make this temporary transition to our current venue at Long Sutton over the last few months. Furthermore, we do hope that these facilities are proving both enjoyable and practical in the meantime whilst we are there. 

In addition, we thank all members for their commitment, involvement and enthusiasm in helping to maintain a strong atmosphere and continue to make us successful both competitively and as a social, welcoming setting for all. We do of course look forward to going back to Spalding at some point in 2027 (as previously announced by the Council) and will keep you up to date as more information becomes available.

Consequently, a special thanks to those who have worked hard this year preparing and running the building and also to the stewards for their dedication whilst running the club. We do have vacancies for stewards and committee members and would be delighted to speak to anyone about that. Also, a reminder about the 300 club which continues to help club funds so please speak to a committee member if you wish to join in for just £2 per week.

Many thanks, and we look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year and beyond. 

The officers and management committee at Spalding Indoor Bowls Club

ENDS

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22/12/2025

Lightning mens over 60s defeated again

After 3 defeats in their first 4 games this season, the Spalding Lightning men’s over 60 team were still hunting for a inaugural division 1 league win and some optimism to go into the Christmas break; however they faced another daunting trip, this one away versus Lincoln ‘A’ last Thursday and unfortunately they could not get the wanted result here either, losing by 54 shots to 96 and only getting 1 rink and 2 points to take home with them.

This winning rink was skipped by Martin Simpson, with Mick Dolton, Derek Chamberlain & Terry Windsor who won 23-12. Their next scheduled match should be at home against Stamford IBC on Thursday 8th January.

Rink Scores: Mick Dolton, Derek Chamberlain, Terry Windsor & Martin Simpson won 23-12; Mike Taylor, Cliff Lattimer, Gavin Staite & Chris Warboys lost 15-26; Tony Westland, David Amess, Ian Stafford & Anthony Cronin lost 11-27; Martin Stanley, Pete Bendell, Martin Holmes & Graham Hicks lost 5-31.  

———

The club at Long Sutton held their Christmas Party last Saturday, with 20 bowlers and 9 spectators enjoying a ‘Bowls Cricket’ style event which combined one team drawing onto a specialist target to score runs (batters) and another team playing timed runners around coned obstacles in order to take wickets (bowlers). When both teams had finished, the total batters score was then recorded minus the total bowlers score. The team with the highest batters score at the end would be victorious, and this year the winners were Max Butters, Oscar Butters, Gavin Staite, Tony Schorah & John Venters. Following on from this, a small Christmas quiz with a raffle and some food supplied by the local Co-Op cafe was enjoyed, and a special thanks to Dominic McVittie, Graham & Julie Hicks and their helpers who organised and ran the successful and profitable afternoon.

———

Congratulations again must also go to Dominic McVittie who following his most recent successes as well as those over the last year has been ranked #4 (and the highest ranked Englishman) in the final World Bowls Series rankings for 2025. This is a superb achievement where our club and local area should be very proud of him and we are sure he will continue to both maintain and then rise even further up the ladder when competitive play commences in 2026.

———

Finally, the Spalding Indoor Bowls Club management committee would like to wish all readers, members and their families a very Merry Christmas
and a Happy and Healthy New Year as we enter 2026!

ENDS

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15/12/2025

Lightning strike back twice against Lincoln

Spalding Lightning’s mixed national Egham Trophy team played their third round match last Sunday against a very familiar opponent recently in Lincoln IBC. After defeats in both the mens Denny Cup and ladies Yetton Trophy but success in the mixed Top Club the previous weekend against the same opposition, this one saw another victory for Lightning and fight back to a 2-2 aggregate in these national games this season with a comfortable 94 shots to 65 win. 

After 5 ends both home and away, the game inevitably started close with Lightning getting off to a 5 shot lead (19-14) and when reaching 10 ends, this had been cut slightly to 2 shots (39-37). Once 15 ends had been completed, the game was still in the balance with a 7 shot lead (61-54) and by 18 ends, this was widened to 12 (73-61). 

This was when Lightning put their foot down and went into overdrive with some big late scores and with just one end to play in the match at Lincoln, the game was conceded by them with a final 29 shot victory for Spalding. The fourth round will take place on Sunday 11th January against Nottingham IBC.

Rink Scores: Home - Danielle Wild, Tracy Philpott, Calvin Leuty & Jordan Philpott won 33-14 (top rink) and Graham Smith, Dan Mills, Chelsea Spencer & Annie Dunham won 23-15; Away - Ruby Philpott, Karen Martin, Martin Spencer & Mathew Orrey won 20-17 and Jean Patterson, Louise Harris, Andy Dunham & Stephen Harris lost 18-19.  

———

The Spalding Lightning mens county league team continued their very strong start to their season in their second division 1 match with a home tie against Lincoln IBC last Saturday and this saw a fantastic victory in the end by 95 shots to 52 and collecting the maximum 14 points available. 

The team won on all 4 rinks with the top winning rink skipped by Jordan Philpott, with Ben Sharp, Max Butters & Dan Mills who won 31-15. Their next scheduled match should be away against Horncastle IBC on Saturday 24th January.

Rink Scores: Ben Sharp, Max Butters, Dan Mills & Jordan Philpott won 31-15; Tony Westland, Chris Warboys, James Teesdale & Kevin Ekins won 25-13; Nathan Puttrell, Ian Harwood, Anthony Cronin & Brian Martin won 19-13; Mick Dolton, Paul Turner, Gavin Staite & Martin Simpson won 16-11. 

———

Spalding Lightning secured a second strong home victory in the ladies Trudy Bates south division last Thursday, with this one versus Stamford IBC and by a comfortable margin of 83 shots to 58. 

The team won on 3 out of the 4 rinks and getting 12 of the available 14 points, the top winning rink was skipped by Karen Martin, ably assisted by Christine Williamson, Sue Slayven & Mandy Parkins who won 24-10. Their next scheduled match should be at home against Sleaford IBC on Thursday 15th January.

Rink Scores: Christine Williamson, Sue Slayven, Mandy Parkins & Karen Martin won 24-10; Shelia Chamberlain, Gill Haydon, Louise Harris & Maisie Belding won 26-13; Jean Patterson, Paula Lawson, Trish Stafford & Maggie Wheatley won 18-16; Ann Newbury, Julie Hicks, Carole Nunney & Betty Deaton lost 15-19.

———

After a successful outing in the Hong Kong Classic last month bringing home a pairs silver medal, our club member and England international Dominic McVittie travelled over to Australia and participated in the first ever World Bowls Series singles finals held at cluBarham, New South Wales in the last week featuring many top bowlers from around the world and in the venue country. 

Dom was also joined by fellow England representatives Sam Tolchard, Emily Kernick, Nicole Rogers and Stef Branfield as a result of their successes both indoor and outdoor over the past 12 months and who all performed admirably, especially to Emily who received a bronze medal and Nicole who just lost out in the ladies final and won a silver medal to bring back home. 

Although the other England players including Dom failed to make it out of the group stages playing against some excellent opposition and often home advantage making a massive difference, they are sure to be proud of their efforts and the continued experiences they face playing the sport all over the globe. Well done to everyone involved!

———

The friendly team unfortunately had to cancel their last game versus Boston IBC at home last Sunday afternoon due to a lack of players being available on both teams. Hopefully their next match should again be at home at Long Sutton, this time against Horncastle IBC on Saturday 10th January.

———

Congratulations to the national under 18 inter-county Lincolnshire Bears team last Sunday who got their first win in the second group match for them this season, beating Durham at the neutral venue of Selby IBC on both rinks and by 33 shots to 27.

Leading in one rink, our club junior Jessica Butters was successful with Charlie Nichols and Jack Hoyles (both from Boston IBC) who won 21-16, and the other rink of Jess Hall (from Lincoln IBC), Freddie Hoyles and Freddie Knapp (both from Boston IBC) won 12-11.

The next set of fixtures for both the under 18 Lincolnshire Bears and Lincolnshire Tigers will occur in the New Year.

———

Finally, the Spalding Indoor Bowls Club management committee would like to wish all readers, members and their families a very Merry Christmas
and a Happy and Healthy New Year as we enter 2026!

ENDS

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08/12/2025

Lincoln hold edge over Lightning in 3 national team matches

Over the last weekend, Spalding Lightning participated in 3 national team events all against the same and very strong opposition in Lincoln IBC.

Firstly in the men’s national Denny Cup third round match on Saturday morning, and this saw Lightning unfortunately bow out of the competition they have won twice previously and to the same team as last season by 65 shots to 74. 

After 5 ends were played both home and away, Lincoln edged out a 13-17 lead for themselves and when reaching 10 ends, they extended this up to 10 shots (27-37). At 15 ends, this score has increased slightly to 44-56 in the opposition’s favour and by nearing the finish at 18 ends, the gap remained 12 shots (57-69). Although Lightning closed the gap a little as the match concluded, this was not enough and they lost the match by 9 shots. Good luck to Lincoln for the rest of the competition. A special congratulations though goes to Tony Westland who made his debut for the Denny team in this match. 

Rink Scores: Home - Tony Westland, Lewis Parnell, Calvin Leuty & Jordan Philpott won 18-17 and Dan Mills, Martin Simpson, Rob Aves & Kevin Ekins lost 12-21; Away - Nick Wilkie, Owen Aspinall, Simon Lilley & Stephen Harris won 19-18 and Brian Martin, Max Butters, Andy Dunham and Graham Smith lost 16-18.

———

Secondly in the ladies national Yetton Trophy third round match again on Saturday morning, and once more saw a defeat for Lightning this time to a heavier scoreline by 65 shots to 94.

At the 5 ends early period of the match both home and away, Lightning started slowly with a 10 shot deficit on aggregate (12-22) and after 10 ends, the opposition increased this lead to 18 shots (26-44). As the match was reaching the conclusion, it was clear to see the main brunt of the damage throughout was done at the Lincoln IBC venue with our ladies unfortunately not being able to respond to very good play and the match finished with an overall 29 shot defeat. Good luck to Lincoln for the rest of the competition. A special congratulations though goes to one of our junior members, Jessica Butters who made her debut for the Yetton team in this match.

Rink Scores: Home - Danielle Wild, Jessica Butters, Maggie Wheatley & Annie Dunham won 25-13 (top rink) and Gill Haydon, Mandy Parkins, Tracy Philpott & Ruby Philpott won 21-19; Away - Jean Patterson, Carole Nunney, Betty Deaton & Karen Martin lost 10-31 and Ann Newbury, Sue Slayven, June Taylor & Maisie Belding lost 9-31.

———

Thirdly in the mixed national Top Club third round match at home on Sunday morning, and this finally saw a victory over the same opponents at the third attempt with Lightning winning in 4 out of the 5 disciplines and therefore collecting the overall 12-4 match points. 

After good 2 bowl singles wins by Chelsea Spencer and Graham Smith and so getting 4 points on the board early, the pairs and fours won in the closing ends for the team to win the match and get some sort of revenge after a disappointing previous day. 

The next match is still at our Long Sutton home, this one versus the defending national champions Barwell IBC on Sunday 4th January.

Rink scores: Ladies Singles - Chelsea Spencer won 21-9; Mens Singles - Graham Smith won 21-13; Pairs - Dan Mills & Annie Dunham won 19-14; Triples - Danielle Wild, Stephen Harris & Jordan Philpott lost 9-17; Fours - Ruby Philpott, Louise Harris, Martin Spencer & Mathew Orrey won 18-14. 

———

The final match at the weekend saw the Spalding Lightning mixed county league team play in their fourth division 1 match of the season, this time at home against Louth IBC last Sunday afternoon and after a win and two defeats in their first three games, the team collected a second win by 82 shots to 65 and gained 12 points from the maximum 14 available. 

Winning on 3 from the 4 rinks, the top rink was skipped by David Nunney, with George Deaton, Carole Nunney & Betty Deaton who won 25-10. Their next scheduled match should be away against Scunthorpe IBC on Sunday 11th January.

Rink Scores: George Deaton, Carole Nunney, Betty Deaton & David Nunney won 25-10; Tony Westland, Gill Haydon, Maggie Wheatley & James Teesdale won 23-15; Ann Newbury, Maisie Belding, Cliff Lattimer & Ian Stafford won 20-16; Christine Williamson, June Taylor, Rob West & Ian Harwood lost 14-24.

———

The Spalding Lightning national ladies over 60s Mason Trophy team started their campaign this season in the second round versus Stamford on Friday 5th December, and commenced in fine form with a close victory by 30 shots to 24 and advanced to the next round. 

The home rink of Jean Patterson, Sue Slayven, June Taylor & Maisie Belding got off to a flying start surging 8-0 ahead after 5 ends and ended up succeeding in the finish 18-9, whilst the away rink of Ann Newbury, Carole Nunney, Maggie Wheatley & Betty Deaton were only 1 shot behind early on and managed to maintain a close match only losing out by 3 shots (12-15) and therefore Lightning won the match on aggregate by 6 shots. The third round will take place on Friday 2nd January versus Boston IBC.

———

The Spalding Lightning men’s over 60s team were still looking for their first division 1 league game success after 2 opening defeats and a rare league draw in their first 3 matches, and last Thursday (4th December) saw their first home fixture against Louth IBC and sadly again defeat occurred for them, going down by 60 shots to 78 and only gaining 4 points from the maximum 14 available.

The team won on 2 rinks and lost on 2 rinks with the top winning rink skipped by Martin Simpson, ably assisted by Paul Turner, Ian Stafford & Terry Windsor who won 23-11. Their next scheduled match and chance for that elusive maiden win this season should be away against Lincoln IBC ‘A’ on Thursday 18th December.

Rink Scores: Paul Turner, Ian Stafford, Terry Windsor & Martin Simpson won 23-11; Tony Westland, David Amess, Peter Bendell & Anthony Cronin won 13-12; Martyn Stanley, Martin Holmes, Graham Hicks & David Nunney lost 17-24; Robin Roffe, Cliff Lattimer, Ian Harwood & Gavin Staite lost 7-31.  

———

Many congratulations to our club members for their selection in the following England international teams:

Stephen Harris & Dominic McVittie - men’s senior team representing England at Belfast IBC, Northern Ireland in March 2026

Annie Dunham, Ruby Philpott & Chelsea Spencer - women’s senior team representing England at Belfast IBC, Northern Ireland in March 2026

Owen Aspinall has also been selected for the men’s under 25 squad, with this team being finalised after the conclusion of their squad day at Desborough IBC in December 2025. If successful, he will represent England at Ffrith IBC, Wales in February 2026.

———

Well done to the national under 18 inter-county Lincolnshire Tigers team, who won their eagerly anticipated head to head versus the Lincolnshire Bears team last Sunday at Boston IBC by 41 shots to 27.

The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were Owen Aspinall, Aidan Brickles & Max Butters (playing for the Tigers) and Jessica Butters (playing for the Bears).

Lincolnshire Tigers now face Yorkshire & Durham in their remaining group stage matches but have started as well as they can with their 2 wins so far, whereas the Lincolnshire Bears have Yorkshire, Durham and Nottinghamshire left to play and will be looking to bounce back in these fixtures.

ENDS

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01/12/2025

Lightning men start well in county league

Spalding Lightning’s mens county league team commenced their season in the newly revamped first division (after being geographically divided between north and south previously) with a long away trip to their furthest rivals Louth IBC last Saturday, and came home with a strong victory by 81 shots to 56 and collecting 10 points from the possible 14 available. 

The team won on 2 rinks and lost on 2 rinks (only both by 1 shot) with the top winning rink skipped by Kevin Ekins, with Nathan Puttrell, Paul Turner & Chris Warboys who won 28-9. Their next scheduled match should be at home against Lincoln IBC on Saturday 13th December.

Rink Scores: Nathan Puttrell, Paul Turner, Chris Warboys & Kevin Ekins won 28-9; Mike Taylor, Ian Stafford, Ian Harwood & Dan Mills won 23-15; Tony Westland, Cliff Lattimer, Anthony Cronin and Brian Martin lost 17-18; Ben Sharp, Gavin Staite, David Nunney & Martin Simpson lost 13-14.

———

The Spalding Lightning friendly team played in their third fixture of this season, with a rematch versus the Lincolnshire VPs taking place again at Long Sutton last Sunday, with Lightning looking for revenge after losing their first encounter at the same venue in October.

The game was played over 18 ends, with the halfway score at 9 ends seeing a home lead (40-16) and from then on, Lightning continued to pull away and won by 36 shots (78-42) in the end to draw level with the opposition in match results.

The team won on all 4 rinks with the top winning rink skipped by Hazel Tokley, with John Selwyn, Janet Green & Phil Everett who won 22-9. A special mention goes to Danny Griggs and Cooper Wells who are two of our junior members and participated for the team admirably. The next scheduled friendly should be at home versus Boston IBC on Sunday 14th December.

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After suffering back to back away defeats in their first two matches, Spalding Lightning were looking for an opening victory in this season’s mens over 60s division 1 league last Friday once more away, this time against Scunthorpe IBC. 

After gaining a 26 shot advantage in the middle of the game, the opposition fought back strongly and in the end, Lightning neither won nor lost and drew the overall match 78 shots all and shared 7 points from the maximum 14 available. The team won on 2 rinks and lost on 2 rinks with the top winning rink skipped by Ian Harwood, with Tony Westland, Pete Bendell & Rob West who won 24-15. Their next scheduled match and chance for a first win should be at home against Louth IBC on Thursday 4th December.

Rink Scores: Tony Westland, Pete Bendell, Rob West & Ian Harwood won 24-15; Mike Taylor, Paul Turner, Terry Windsor & Martin Simpson won 23-19; Martyn Stanley, Martin Holmes, Graham Hicks & David Nunney lost 18-24; Mick Dolton, Ian Stafford, Gavin Staite & Chris Warboys lost 13-20.

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The Spalding Lightning national mens over 60 inter-club double rink team started their campaign this season in the second round versus Grantham IBC on Tuesday 25th November; however they were defeated by 40 shots to 31 and bowed out of the competition at this early stage. 

The home rink of Mick Dolton, Graham Hicks, Terry Windsor & Martin Simpson managed to win 21-14, but the away rink at Grantham of Tony Westland, Ian Stafford, David Nunney & Brian Martin unfortunately went down to a heavy defeat by sixteen shots (10-26). Good luck to Grantham for the rest of the competition.

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After returning 10 days ago from a successful trip to Hong Kong, our club member Dominic McVittie will shortly be on his way back over the other side of the world to Australia.

He has qualified for the first ever World Bowls Series singles finals being held at cluBarham, New South Wales between the 9th and 12th December alongside fellow England representatives Sam Tolchard, Emily Kernick, Nicole Rogers and Stef Branfield as a result of their successes both indoor and outdoor over the past 12 months. Good luck to Dom and the rest of the England players!

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Many congratulations to the national under 18 inter-county Lincolnshire Tigers team, who were triumphant in their first match by 46 shots to 22 last Saturday versus Nottinghamshire. 

At the home venue at Lincoln IBC, Thom Rodd, Max Butters (from our club) and Jake Johnson won 15-10 and at the away venue at Erewash IBC saw Chloe Bland, Aidan Brickles and Owen Aspinall (both from our club) romp home to win 31-12.

The next Lincolnshire Tigers match is against our other entrant, the Lincolnshire Bears (who includes Jessica Butters from our club) on Sunday 7th December at Boston IBC.

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Commiserations to the Lincolnshire WIBA ladies Midland Counties team, losing the first match of the season 92-97 (winning on three rinks and losing on three rinks) versus Leicestershire WIBA at Church Gresley IBC last Saturday. The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were Maisie Belding, Betty Deaton, Louise Harris, Karen Martin, Ann Newbury and Maggie Wheatley. 

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The club at Long Sutton are hosting the Christmas Party for all members on Saturday 20th December. We start from 1:30pm onwards with a ‘Quintet-style’ event over 2 sessions with seeded players and non seeded players playing 3 games of fours for 45 minutes, redrawing their playing partners after each game. The individual scores will be kept and prizes for the winners (both seeds & non-seeds) at the end will be handed out. Following this into the evening and dependent on interest, we then plan to have some Christmas games and a quiz as well as some food to enjoy alongside our existing bar facilities. If any member is interested and has not already, please put your name down on the sheet on one of the noticeboards at the club and we hope to see you there for some Christmas cheer!

ENDS

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24/11/2025

Hong Kong trip seals silver in pairs for Dominic

Spalding Lightning club member and England international, Dominic McVittie played in the prestigious Hong Kong Classic tournament over the last couple of weeks representing Bowls England in both the mens singles and mens pairs alongside Harry Goodwin from Kent. 

Although the singles did not go well with an early defeat and elimination, the pairs competition was run differently over a group stage and then the knockout phase. Harry & Dom topped their group with 6 wins and 1 draw in their 11 games and qualified for the quarter final against New Zealand who were duly dispatched in straight sets (8-5, 6-4). In the semi final versus Malaysia, they were even more dominant with another straight sets win (12-3, 13-3). 

This put them into the final and a meeting with the ‘auld enemy’, Scotland. Scotland stole the first set with one shot on the last end (7-8) and in a topsy-turvy second set saw the Scots take that also (9-14), the match and the gold medal. However, many congratulations to Harry & Dom for their silver medal achievement and additionally, well done to Devon’s Sophie Tolchard and Lincolnshire’s Amy Pharaoh who won bronze in the ladies pairs with all 4 England representatives bringing home medals and memories to savour. 

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The Spalding Lightning national under 30 open inter-club double rink team secured another excellent victory, this time in the third round versus a strong Nottingham IBC outfit last Sunday by 38 shots to 22. 

The home rink at Long Sutton of Danielle Wild, Ruby Philpott & Jordan Philpott never looked in trouble and maintained a comfortable lead to win their rink 20-9 whilst the away rink at Nottingham of Dan Mills, Owen Aspinall & Stephen Harris after a bad start losing 1-12 stormed back and won by 5 shots (18-13) to secure the overall victory. The next round is in the national quarter final against York IBC in the New Year on Saturday 21st February. 

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The Spalding Lightning friendly team participated their second fixture of the season, with a team from Peterborough coming over to Long Sutton to play. The match was fiercely contested but at the end of proceedings, Lightning won by 34 shots (84-50). Winning on three rinks and drawing on the fourth, the top winning rink for Spalding was skipped by Ian Stafford, with one of our junior members Cooper Wells, Tony Westland and Paula Lawson who won 25-12. The next scheduled friendly should be again at home in a rematch versus the Lincs VPs on Sunday 30th November.

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After a heavy defeat in their opening game, Spalding Lightning looked to bounce back in the mens over 60s division 1 league last Thursday away versus Horncastle IBC; however again the opposition put in a good performance at their own venue and Lightning sadly lost by 84 shots to 54 and only gained 1 rink and 2 points from the maximum 14 available. This winning rink was skipped by Martin Simpson, with Mike Taylor, Paul Turner & Terry Windsor who won 17-13. Their next scheduled match should be away against Scunthorpe IBC on Friday 28th November.

Rink Scores: Mike Taylor, Paul Turner, Terry Windsor & Martin Simpson won 17-13; Tony Westland, Rob West, Anthony Cronin & David Nunney lost 14-20; Martyn Stanley, Pete Bendell, Graham Hicks & Ian Harwood lost 10-22; Mick Dolton, David Amess, Ian Stafford & Chris Warboys lost 13-29.

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The Spalding Lightning mixed county league team played in their third division 1 match of the season, this one away against Boston IBC last Sunday afternoon and unfortunately collected their second defeat by 73 shots to 65 and only gained 1 rink and 2 points from the maximum 14 available. This winning rink was skipped by James Teesdale, ably assisted by Gill Haydon, Ben Sharp & Karen Martin who won 29-9. Their next scheduled match should be back at home versus Louth on Sunday 7th December.

Rink Scores: Gill Haydon, Ben Sharp, Karen Martin & James Teesdale 29-9; George Deaton, Carole Nunney, Betty Deaton & David Nunney lost 13-17; Christine Williamson, June Taylor, Mike Taylor & Anthony Cronin lost 13-22; Ann Newbury, Tony Westland, Maggie Wheatley & Rob West lost 10-25.

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Commiserations to the Lincolnshire mens over 60 inter county team, losing in defence of their national title won last season in the opening round match on Tuesday 18th November by just one shot (116-117) versus Norfolk with 3 rinks played at Lincoln IBC and 3 rinks played at County Arts IBC. The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were Brian Martin, Martin Simpson and Nick Wilkie. Hard luck to all those involved, and good luck to Norfolk for the rest of the competition. 

ENDS

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17/11/2025

Lightning maintain fantastic start to season

Spalding Lightning continued their perfect start in national team events, with wins in the second round in all three competitions over the last weekend. 

Firstly, the mens national Denny Cup campaign continued with another close victory, this time against Stamford IBC last Saturday 75 shots to 64. After 5 ends, Lightning raced out of the blocks leading by 28-6 and reaching 10 ends, this was narrowed to 39-23. At 15 ends, they remained 16 shots ahead (56-40) and by 18 ends, the match became a little tighter by a 12 shot margin (65-53). 

Thankfully from that point on, Lightning were able to keep this lead, winning in the finish with an 11 shot win when Stamford conceded the match with one end left to play. The third round will take place on Saturday 6th December versus Lincoln IBC.

Rink Scores: Home - Lewis Parnell, Dale Parnell, Calvin Leuty & Jordan Philpott won 19-16 and Dan Mills, Martin Simpson, Rob Aves & Kevin Ekins won 20-18; Away - Graham Smith, Max Butters, Andy Dunham & Martin Spencer won 19-10 (top rink) and Brian Martin, Owen Aspinall, Simon Lilley and Stephen Harris lost 17-20.

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Secondly, the ladies national Yetton Trophy side started their competition this season, with a comfortable win again versus Stamford IBC last Saturday 91 shots to 59. The team who were knocked out at the very first stage last season against Boston never looked in trouble in this years opener and after 5 ends, Lightning were already 19 shots in front on aggregate gradually increasing their lead throughout the game to win by the 32 shot margin when the Stamford ladies conceded the match. 

A special congratulations to Gill Haydon who made her debut for the Yetton team, and the third round will take place on Saturday 6th December, once more versus Lincoln IBC.

Rink Scores: Home - Shelia Chamberlain, Trish Stafford, Maggie Wheatley & Annie Dunham won 26-14 and Gill Haydon, Mandy Parkins, Tracy Philpott & Ruby Philpott won 18-16; Away - Jean Patterson, Carole Nunney, Betty Deaton & Chelsea Spencer won 30-7 (top rink) and Ann Newbury, Sue Slayven, Karen Martin & Maisie Belding lost 17-22. 

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Thirdly, the mixed national Egham Trophy team finished the weekend with a good win, this one versus Boston IBC last Sunday 77 shots to 61. After 5 ends, the game was very close with a Lightning lead by 1 (15-14) and by 10 ends, this had been slightly extended to 6 (33-27). When 15 ends were completed, the gap was now 9 shots (52-43) and at 18 ends, this was widened to 15 (67-52). 

At the end of the match, Lightning were able to keep this lead winning by a 16 shot margin when Boston conceded the match with a couple of ends left to finish. The third round will take place on Sunday 14th December for a third time against Lincoln IBC.

Rink Scores: Home - Jean Patterson, Danielle Wild, Dan Mills & Jordan Philpott won 25-11 (top rink) and Graham Smith, Karen Martin, Andy Dunham & Annie Dunham won 24-13; Away - Ruby Philpott, Tracy Philpott, Stephen Harris & Mathew Orrey won 19-13 and Kevin Ekins, Louise Harris, Chelsea Spencer & Martin Spencer lost 9-24.

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Spalding Lightning bounced back in the ladies Trudy Bates south division after defeat in their opening match last month, with a fine win at home last Thursday versus Boston 73 shots to 59 (12 points to 2). 

The team won on 3 out of the 4 rinks and getting 12 of the available 14 points, the top winning rink was skipped by Maggie Wheatley, ably assisted by Sue Slayven, Paula Lawson & Trish Stafford who won 23-13. Their next scheduled match should be at home against Stamford IBC on Thursday 11th December.

Rink Scores: Shelia Chamberlain, Gill Haydon, June Taylor & Maisie Belding won 20-16; Sue Slayven, Paula Lawson, Trish Stafford & Maggie Wheatley won 23-13; Jenny Wakefield, Christine Jackson, Mandy Parkins and Karen Martin won 18-15; Ann Newbury, Christine Williamson, Carole Nunney & Betty Deaton lost 12-15.

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Spalding Lightning commenced their campaign in the mens over 60s division 1 league last Thursday away versus Boston IBC ‘A’; however the opposition put in a very strong performance and Lightning unfortunately lost by 95 shots to 52 and did not obtain any rink wins or match points, losing 14-0. Their next scheduled match and first opportunity to put things right should be away against Horncastle IBC on Thursday 20th November.

Rink Scores: Mick Dolton, Mike Taylor, Gavin Staite & Chris Warboys lost 14-19; Martyn Stanley, David Amess, Graham Hicks & Ian Harwood lost 20-27; Eric Wakefield, Ian Stafford, Terry Windsor and Martin Simpson lost 12-26; Tony Westland, Rob West, Anthony Cronin & David Nunney lost 6-23.

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We want to wish all the very best to club member, Dominic McVittie who is participating in the prestigious Hong Kong Classic tournament. He is representing Bowls England in both the men’s singles and men’s pairs alongside Harry Goodwin, with Sophie Tolchard and Lincolnshire’s very own Amy Pharaoh in the ladies competitions. They commenced on Saturday 15th November with the singles first where unfortunately all England players lost in the early stages; however the pairs runs from Monday 17th to Sunday 23rd November so hopefully success can be delivered there. Good luck to Dom and the rest of the team!

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Many congratulations go to Owen Aspinall and his selection for the mixed under 18 international team representing England at Cumbernauld IBC in Scotland in January 2026. Owen will be skipping the pairs with our former member now at Huntingdon, Ollie Jeapes and skipping the fours alongside fellow Lincolnshire bowler, Jake Johnson. Well done to everyone selected and good luck to England in January!

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Finally, congratulations also go to Owen Aspinall, Max Butters & Jessica Butters for their selection in the two under 18 national inter county teams. Owen and Max will be starting their campaign in the Lincolnshire Tigers team versus Nottinghamshire on Saturday 29th November and Jessica will be participating in the Lincolnshire Bears team with their first match to be scheduled at a later date. Good luck to all involved!

ENDS

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10/11/2025

Spalding Lightning continue to shine in national team games

Spalding Lightning maintained a 100% start in national team competitions this season over the last weekend.

To begin and after their preliminary round win versus Melton IBC last month, the first round of the national under 30 open inter-club double rink against Lincoln IBC last Saturday saw a comfortable win, again by a 20 shot margin (43-23). The home rink at Long Sutton of Danielle Wild, Ruby Philpott & Jordan Philpott dominated and won their rink by 24 shots to 12 and the away rink at Lincoln of Max Butters, Owen Aspinall & Stephen Harris finished strongly to win 19-11. The next round is against Nottingham IBC on Sunday 23rd November.  

Following on from this, Spalding Lightning’s mixed top club team were again in action last Sunday, with a comprehensive victory once more in all disciplines away in the second round at Sleaford IBC and so collecting all available 16 match points (16-0). 

After strong singles wins by former England international and World Indoor Singles semi finalist Graham Smith and current England ladies international skip Chelsea Spencer, the pairs, triples and fours rinks got home with a few ends to spare for the team to win on the road for a second time so far this season. The next match is back at our Long Sutton home, this one versus Lincoln IBC on Sunday 7th December.

Rink scores: Ladies Singles - Chelsea Spencer won 21-8; Mens Singles - Graham Smith won 21-14; Pairs - Annie Dunham & Dominic McVittie won 23-7; Triples - Danielle Wild, Stephen Harris & Jordan Philpott won 19-9; Fours - Ruby Philpott, Louise Harris, Martin Spencer & Mathew Orrey won 29-6. 

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The friendly team unfortunately had their home game versus Grantham IBC cancelled last Sunday afternoon by the opposition due to lack of players. Hopefully, their next match should once more be at home at Long Sutton against Peterborough IBC on Saturday 22nd November.

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Apologies also go to Dale Parnell, who made his debut for the men’s Denny Cup team at the start of the month versus Boston IBC and this was not noted by the publicity officer. Congratulations again to Dale! 

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We are in need of more ladies for our Tuesday afternoon group at Long Sutton. The times of play are 1pm to 3pm every week and is £4 per session when a member (£5 for non-members). 

This is for social bowls at the moment, but is in readiness for the ladies league to commence after Christmas. You do not need any experience, we welcome all sorts of abilities. 

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Maisie Belding on 07587 112079. We look forward to you getting in touch very soon!

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We are also on the lookout for people to join our open Monday lunchtime coaching sessions at Long Sutton. The times of play are 12pm to 1pm every week and is £2 each to join in. 

You do not need any experience, we welcome all sorts of abilities whether you are brand new to the sport or want to improve your existing game. Bowls equipment are available to use on site if you do not have your own. 

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact the club on 07517 189149 or our coaches, Alan & Hazel Tokley on 07754 444305. Come and join us, bowls is a social and physical sport and can be enjoyed and played by everyone!

ENDS

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03/11/2025

Great start for Lightning in new temporary bowls venue

Spalding Lightning started their competitive life at their new temporary bowls green at Long Sutton Indoor Bowls Club due to ongoing works to improve the Castle Sports Complex with a narrow victory versus a strong Boston IBC in the first round of the mens national Denny Cup last Saturday 79 shots to 75.

After 5 ends, Lightning had a lead by 26-15 and by 10 ends, this was 43-33. When the game reached 15 ends, they remained 14 shots ahead (65-51). However as the match came to a conclusion, Boston started to fight back but could not quite make up the required ground to get level or forge ahead with Lightning holding on to a 4 shot win after all 4 rinks home and away had completed their 21 ends. 

A special congratulations to Max Butters who made his debut for the Denny team as well as Calvin Leuty and Rob Aves who returned to play for the side after a few years out. Next up in the competition they have won nationally twice (2022 & 2024) in recent years comes Stamford IBC on Saturday 15th November. 

Rink Scores: Home - Lewis Parnell, Dale Parnell, Calvin Leuty & Jordan Philpott won 28-17 (top rink) and Dan Mills, Martin Simpson, Rob Aves & Martin Spencer lost 15-17; Away - Graham Smith, Max Butters, Andy Dunham & Dominic McVittie won 24-21 and Brian Martin, Owen Aspinall, Simon Lilley and Stephen Harris lost 12-20.

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Spalding Lightning then continued their successful weekend with a dominant win against Grantham IBC in the first round of the national mixed Egham Trophy last Sunday 85 shots to 38.

When the first 5 ends were completed, Lightning had a strong 15 shot lead at 26-11 and after 10 ends, this had increased even further to 34 shots (54-20). At approximately 15 ends both home and away, the lead had stretched again to the final 47 shot victory when Grantham conceded the match to Lightning. The next round in the competition the club are still looking to emerge victorious in nationally will be against Boston IBC on Sunday 16th November. 

Rink Scores: Home - Jean Patterson, Andy Dunham, Chelsea Spencer & Dominic McVittie won 23-11 and Graham Smith, Karen Martin, Annie Dunham & Martin Spencer drew 12-12; Away - Ruby Philpott, Tracy Philpott, Stephen Harris & Mathew Orrey won 30-6 (top rink) and Danielle Wild, Louise Harris, Simon Lilley & Jordan Philpott won 20-9.

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Spalding Lightning then made it 3 wins from 3 games over last weekend, with a superb victory this time at home v Lincoln IBC ‘A’ in their second fixture of the mixed County League division 1 at home on Sunday afternoon 87 shots to 51 (14 points to 0).  

After losing out in their first fixture away versus Sleaford IBC by 19 shots (69-88) last month, Spalding were looking to bounce back and did this in comprehensive style at their first match at Long Sutton. Winning on all 4 rinks and getting the maximum available 14 match points, the top winning rink was skipped by Ian Stafford, ably assisted by George Deaton, Sue Slayven & Betty Deaton who won 23-10. Their next scheduled match should be against Boston IBC away on Sunday 29th November.

Rink Scores: June Taylor, Maisie Belding, Mike Taylor & Anthony Cronin won 20-15; George Deaton, Sue Slayven, Betty Deaton & Ian Stafford won 23-10; Gill Haydon, Jenny Wakefield, Robin Roffe & Tony Westland won 25-15; Ann Newbury, Paul Turner, Maggie Wheatley & Rob West won 19-11. 

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Spalding Lightning did play their first match at their new temporary home venue at Long Sutton in the final weekend of October, with a first friendly of the season versus the Lincs VPs. In a well contested game, the visitors managed to win in the end by 18 shots (50-68). The top winning rink for Spalding was skipped by Lily Drawbridge, with Dave Murray, Dave Green and Cliff Lattimer who won 18-12. The friendlies maintain an important part of the club as a whole, as these provide an opening for both new bowlers and less competitive bowlers to enjoy matches against teams from both this county and around the surrounding areas. The next scheduled friendly should be again at home against Grantham IBC on Sunday 9th November.

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Spalding Lightning’s mixed top club team were also in action on the last Sunday in October, with a perfect start to this year’s campaign with a first round win in all disciplines away at Stamford IBC and therefore collecting all available 16 match points (16-0). 

The team are looking for their fourth national win in this competition after emerging victorious in 2015, 2020 and 2024 and after winning both singles matches, the pairs, triples and fours rinks obtained winning scorecards to start strong. The next match is again away, this time versus Sleaford IBC on Sunday 9th November.

Rink scores: Ladies Singles - Chelsea Spencer won 21-15; Mens Singles - Graham Smith won 21-20; Pairs - Annie Dunham & Dominic McVittie won 24-7; Triples - Danielle Wild, Stephen Harris & Jordan Philpott won 23-15; Fours - Ruby Philpott, Louise Harris, Martin Spencer & Mathew Orrey won 19-6. 

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Other early results played towards the beginning of October were as follows:

The ladies Trudy Bates team commenced their season with the first game away versus Stamford IBC and unfortunately lost by 7 shots (71-78). Winning on two and losing on two rinks, our top winning rink was skipped by Maisie Belding, with Jan Sinclair, Gill Haydon & June Taylor who won 20-17. Their next scheduled match should be at home against Boston IBC on Thursday 13th November.

The national under 30 team started well in the first round in the open inter-club double rink against Melton IBC with a 20 shot win (45-25). The home rink (played at Stamford IBC as our new venue was not ready at that point) of Dan Mills, Owen Aspinall & Stephen Harris covered the aggregate victory, winning 28 shots to 8 and the away rink of Danielle Wild, Ruby Philpott & Jordan Philpott drew 17-17. The next round is against Lincoln IBC on Saturday 8th November.

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Congratulations to the Lincolnshire mens county Liberty Trophy team, winning the first round by 20 shots (124-104) versus Leicestershire CIBA at Grantham IBC on Saturday 25th October. The players representing Lincolnshire from Spalding were Kevin Ekins, Stephen Harris, Simon Lilley, Dominic McVittie, Dan Mills, Jordan Philpott, Martin Spencer and the captain / manager, Graham Smith. The next round is against Yorkshire CIBA on Saturday 10th January 2026 at a venue yet to be decided. 

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Congratulations and good luck also go to our England international trialists, with these taking place at Northampton IBC over the weekend of the 29th & 30th November 2025. 

Senior Men - Dominic McVittie, Stephen Harris and Jordan Philpott 
Senior Women - Annie Dunham, Ruby Philpott and Chelsea Spencer 
Under 25 Men - Owen Aspinall 
Under 25 Women - Danielle Wild

In addition, Owen Aspinall has been selected to attend the England U18s Squad Day at St Neots on Sunday 9th November 2025. 

ENDS

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