The South Somerset Bowling League was initiated in the autumn of 2022 between four clubs, Merriott, Chard, Chardstock & Ilminster with the aim of providing representative bowling opportunities for club bowlers that might for various reasons be marginalised. The concept of the league is best defined by two words, ‘Development & Inclusion’.
We felt that fixtures in the evening would provide us with greater access to scheduling games and allow working or younger members greater oppportunity to play. Uniquely, we allow substitutions during the game to increase the number of participants. Being kind is more important to us than being right, bowls is a game with many rules and conventions, if something isn’t correct we see it as an opportunity to educate gently. We allow mentors to be present mingling with teams, offering instruction and guidance on rules and tactics.
The initial four teams unfortunately became just three in our inaugural 2023 season with Chardstock (Gill Campbell), Ilminster (Martin Gurran) and Simon originally at Merriott taking the Lead. Christine & later Roy took over at Merriott and in 2025 we were joined by Crewkerne (Dave Pretty and Derek Smith) and this year South Petherton. Will Dopson successfully took over the Ilminster reins in 2025. We are indebted to these people who are the driving forces behind their clubs participation, for smaller clubs it can occasionally be challenging to fill playing vacancies with ideally new or less experienced bowlers, in this respect we are as inclusive as possible, we do not have strict rules over who can participate. We are just grateful that we can offer games and occasionally we need reminding that this league is one focused on development first, winning second.
2026 Season
Congratulations to Will and Ilminster bowlers on retaining the SSBL league championship, fouth in a row. This year was the closest contest we have witnessed, thank you to all managers and teams for the spirit in which the games were played.
Our Cup evening at South Petherton was a great success we had about 47 bowlers participating from our five clubs. Thank you to each team for bringing along plates of food for the after game celebration. Similar to last years event there was only three points between the top three teams. In third were South Petherton on 31, In second on 32, Ilminster and in first place winning for the first time on 34 were Merriott. Congratulations to Christine and Roy for their teams success. Take a look at our Cup Gallery Photos!
We look forward to continuing our Development League in 2027. Simon Shrubb
18th August 2026