The first full week of winter competition across the Costa Blanca delivered everything bowls enthusiasts could wish for – fine weather, friendly rivalry and plenty of top-class play. With so many close contests and promising performances, the 2025–26 season looks set to be another exciting chapter for the region’s thriving bowling community.
Monte Mar Matadors Make Winning Start by Sheila Roberts
The new season got off to a bright start for Monte Mar Matadors, who hosted La Marina in their opening fixture and came away with a well-deserved win on three rinks and the overall shots.
Strong performances came from Sheila Roberts, Les Bounds and skip Keith Young (21–13), Gina and Steve Hindle with skip Phil Goble (22–6), and Jean Chamberlain, Steve Leatherland and skip David Eades (20–16).
That gave the Matadors a fine 89–76 shots win and an overall 8–4 points victory – a confident beginning to the campaign.
For more information on the club, visit www.montemarbowls.com or find Monte Mar Bowls & Social Club on Facebook.
Quesada BC Sweep the Boards by Steve Hibberd
It was an excellent week for Quesada Bowls Club, whose sides produced top-quality performances across all divisions.
In the Winter League, Quesada stormed to a 10–0 home win over Bonalba BC. The standout rink of T. Denman, A. Linley, S. Burrows and S. Malden cruised to a 44–7 win, with other strong results for G. Carnell’s quartet (16–13), Jason P’s side (21–11) and T. Voisey’s rink (20–2).
In the Southern League Premier Division, the all-Quesada derby between the Swans and the Swallows ended with the Swallows winning on every rink for a maximum 12–0 points haul. Top performances came from G. Kershaw, B. Webb and K. Lowry (23–13), and D. and A. Benson with P. Farrell (28–14).
Meanwhile, in Division Two, the Swifts began their campaign with an emphatic 10–2 win against San Miguel Comanches. Notable victories came from A. and S. Johnston with M. Thomas (32–9) and J. Hughes’s triple (29–10).
A near-perfect opening week all round for Quesada.
Emerald Isle Display Strength in Depth By Elwyn Morris
It was another eventful and successful few days for Emerald Isle Bowls Club, competing in several competitions and leagues.
The week began with the Premier 20 Knockout against La Marina. The Isle lost narrowly at home (3–5, aggregate 70–69) but turned the tables away (6–2, aggregate 79–64) to claim the overall tie. D. Gerrard and C. Lindgren led the way (24–16), while S. Bosworth’s rink recorded a fine 26–10 win.
In the Winter League, Emerald Isle overcame local rivals Greenlands Gladiators in a tight 7–3 victory (aggregate 62–59). Bosworth’s four won 20–10, and M. Oakley’s rink also impressed (19–14).
In the Southern League, the Cavaliers enjoyed a superb 8–4 away win at San Miguel Apaches, while the Claymores mirrored that result at home against Vistabella Picadors, highlighted by a massive 34–6 win from G. Dyer’s trio. Only the Outlaws faltered, going down 3–9 away to Greenlands Elms.
The week concluded with the club hosting their annual visit from Yorkshire Crown Green bowlers – a competitive yet sociable highlight of the calendar.
Mixed Fortunes for San Miguel BC by Mary Whitelock
It was a week of mixed results for San Miguel Bowls Club, though there were encouraging signs throughout.
In the Winter League, San Miguel suffered a 2–8 home defeat to BBC, but responded brilliantly away at Calpe, winning 8–2. The rink of Ron Peters, Janet Parr, David Homer and Lynn Greenland starred with a 29–13 win.
Friday saw all four San Miguel sides in action. The Cherokees impressed with a 10–2 victory over clubmates Navajos, Dave Askew’s triple leading the way (25–8). The Comanches went down 2–10 at Quesada Swifts, while the Apaches lost 4–8 at home to Emerald Isle Cavaliers, despite a 20–13 win for Deirdre Anderson, Derek Farmer and Mike Douglas.
San Miguel continues to welcome new bowlers through its popular Wasps sessions, held on Wednesdays (2–4pm). Beginners should first attend Tuesday coaching sessions by appointment.
For club details, contact Secretary Barry Jones on 602 504 905.
Greenlands Clubs Impress Across the Board by Freddie Willey
Greenlands enjoyed an excellent opening week, with their various teams showing both skill and depth.
In the Winter League, the Gladiators faced a tough test away to Emerald Isle Emperors, eventually edged out 7–3 (59–62 shots). Fine efforts came from Freddie Willey, Darren Reynolds, Martin Foulcer and Don Fowler (23–9), while the Berleen side took a solid 19–10 win.
In the Southern League Division A, the Oaks met their clubmates the Cedars in a competitive encounter, eventually emerging 10–2 winners with a commanding 109–70 aggregate. Top performances came from Steve Sydell, Lisa and Pete Bonsor (26–10), and Carol Stobbart’s trio (26–13).
In Division C, the Elms got off to a flying start with a 9–3 win over Emerald Isle Outlaws. Excellent results came from Rosie France, Christine Gray and Chris Nuttall (20–9), and Veronica Richards, Harold Charleton and Kerry Charter-Byrne (21–8).
A fine start to the season for all Greenlands teams.
Tough Opening for San Luis BC by Sheila Cammack
It was a testing start to the winter campaign for San Luis Bowls Club in the Southern League.
The Lions, away to Country Bowls Geckos, were beaten 2–10 (77–117 shots), with the triple of Chris Phillips, June Jones and Keith Phillips securing the sole win (23–13). The Tigers, at home to Country Bowls Panthers, also went down 0–12 (71–120), though two matches were narrowly lost on the final ends.
Despite a difficult opening, the club remains upbeat as players adapt to new line-ups ahead of next week’s South Alicante League fixtures.
San Luis recently welcomed touring side Roker Marina BC from Sunderland, with matches played in great spirit.
The club continues to host an open “chicken & egg” competition on Wednesdays (1:30 for 2:00) and an open roll-up every Saturday (9:00 for 9:30).
