Forest League
The Forest League is a short mat bowls league bringing together clubs from across the Forest of Dean. The league is supported by Ferrino Estate Agents and is played in a friendly but competitive spirit.
The following rules and information apply to the 2026–2027 season.
1. League Name
The league will be known as the Forest League.
2. Member Clubs
The league currently consists of seven clubs:
- Forest of Dean
- Huntley
- Longhope
- Lydney
- Westbury
- Woolaston
- Yorkley
3. Competitions
The competitions for the 2026–2027 season will be:
- Forest League
- League Cup
- Singles Championship
- Pairs Championship
4. The League
Team Format
- Teams consist of four players.
- Each team will play a total of 24 games during the season.
- This is made up of eight fixtures, with three games per fixture.
- Teams will play two home fixtures and six away fixtures.
Match Format
- Matches are played over seven ends.
- There are no trial ends.
- There is no “3s up”.
- Skips may visit the end at any time.
Jack Off the Mat
If the jack leaves the mat, no score is recorded and the end is not replayed, except on the last end when three shots away.
League Points
| Result | Points |
|---|---|
| Win | 3 |
| Draw | 1 |
| Loss | 0 |
There are no bonus points.
Player Eligibility
- Players may play a maximum of 27 games during the season for any team within the same club.
- Clubs may enter up to three teams in the league.
5. Match Night Structure
Games
| Game | Mat 1 | Mat 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | A v B | C v D |
| Game 2 | B v C | D v A |
| Game 3 | B v D | A v C |
Each team will play as Team B twice, both on the same mat.
Fixtures
- All fixtures are played midweek.
- Start time is 7:00 pm.
- Teams are encouraged to arrive by 6:30 pm.
6. Match Fee
The match fee is £16 per team, payable to the host club.
This is equivalent to £4 per player.
7. Refreshments
Host clubs will not provide refreshments other than drinking water.
Teams are asked to bring their own refreshments.
There will be a 10-minute break between Games 2 and 3 for drinks.
8. Dress Code
League and Cup Matches
Players should wear their club shirt.
Trousers may be any colour, but players within a team are encouraged to wear matching trousers where possible.
All players should use bowls stickers, either displaying the club identity or the team motif.
Singles, Pairs and Skills Training
There will be no dress code. Players may dress according to individual preference.
9. Match Results
A simple results form will be provided for each fixture.
Player names are not required on the results form.
Results should be submitted by email where possible. A copy of the form will be provided to each club secretary.
Each club is responsible for keeping a record of the number of league games played by each player. Players may play a maximum of 27 games during the season.
10. Scorecards
Scorecards have been supplied in advance to all clubs.
Additional league scorecards are available on request.
Completed scorecards should be retained by the host team.
11. End-of-Season Dinner and Presentation
The end-of-season dinner and presentation evening will take place on:
14 May 2027
Forest Hills Golf Club
The cost is expected to be £30–£35 per person, depending on the final menu.
The suggested dress code for the evening is smart casual.
12. League Website
The league website will carry league information, results and reports and will be updated throughout the season.
13. Email Reports
Regular league updates will be sent to everyone on the league contact list.
If you would like additional people added to the mailing list, please provide their name and email address to the league administrator.
