The Blackmore
Vale League was formed on Easter Monday 27th March 1989 by representatives of
Bishops Caundle, North Cadbury, Stalbridge, Sturminster Newton and
Wincanton. Previous to this some clubs in North Dorset and South Somerset
had played friendly matches.
The aim of the League is to promote competitive short mat bowling in its defined area of within a twelve mile radius of Sturminster Newton, although some clubs are outside of this. Nineteen clubs are members of the League and thirty-five teams play home and away in five divisions. All players in the League are registered with the E.S.M.B.A.
Matches are
played weekday evenings with two triple teams over twenty ends to E.S.M.B.A.
rules. Halfway through there is a short break for refreshments and the
home team changes mats allowing everyone to play against members of the
opposing team. This fosters the friendly ethos of the Blackmore
Vale League.
The League also
runs a popular end of season competition when all teams can meet and compete over
one day in the Blackmore Vale Cup. In recent years the League has organised some
annual competitions with other leagues in Dorset, Somerset and Devon.