Below is a link to the Open Competition on the new ESMBA website, entries to be completed on the online form and payments through PayPal Open Competitions - English Short Mat Bowling Association

Please find attached a document and poster, this will help to explain why we have updated our requirements for personal details at registration, as discussed at the recent AGM.

Coach Bowls are running a Level 2 course, with the practical element specifically tailored to Short Mat Bowls. The course fee is £250, and reimbursement may be available from the ESMBA once a candidate has successfully achieved the qualification. The registration link is available on the Coach Bowls website: Short Mat – Level 2 – Solihull IBC – Warwickshire | Coach Bowls Registration is now open directly via the Coach Bowls website. Please note that there are only 12 places

To all bowlers, Hawkinge Bowls Club will be hosting an Open Triples Competition on Saturday 10th October 2026. Full details, including the competition information and the official entry form, are available in the attached documents for those wishing to take part. All bowlers are welcome to enter, and we look forward to an excellent day of competitive short mat bowls

congratulations to the following players who have been selected to represent England this coming season Jody Frampton (Hamstreet) Michael Doorey (St. Marys Platt) Danny Hogben (Tunbury) Also congratulations to the following players who shall be representing the England Ladies team Paula Scales (Hamstreet) Jessica Cracknell (Tunbury) Kent is incredibly proud of all five players. We wish them every success as they represent England in the season ahead.

Kent County SMBA Squad – Availability Form The Kent County SMBA squad availability form for the upcoming season has now been emailed to all players. Please ensure your completed form is returned no later than Saturday 1st August. Forms may be submitted by email or post directly to: Gary Allard Kent County Squad Manager Email: garyallardkent@gmail.com

Kent County Short Mat Bowls Association Presentation Day – Sunday 30th August Venue: Ashford Indoor Bowls Club Arrival: 9:00 AM Dress Code: Kent shirt (Club shirt if you don’t have a Kent shirt) A Day of Celebration Sunday 30th August marks the Kent County Presentation Day — a special occasion to honour and celebrate: County domestic winners and runners‑up New badge holders Top performers Players’ Player of the season Managers’ Player of the season Join us to recognise

KCSMBA AGM – Paperwork Update All relevant paperwork for the upcoming KCSMBA has now been sent to your club. You can also view the full set of documents via our website for easy access and reference.

Annual General Meeting Date: Tuesday 23rd June 2026 Venue: Tunbury Hall Address: Catkin Close, Walderslade, Chatham, Kent ME5 9HP Arrival Time: 7:00pm Notes: Please arrive promptly to allow the meeting to begin on time.

Congratulations to Kemsing and Ryarsh player John Gilham on successfully passing his umpire exam, fantastic achievement.

To all members, Please note that applications for the Kent Manager’s position will close on Friday 24th April 2026 . Anyone wishing to apply for this role should contact the county via email at: 📧 kcsmba.secretary@gmail.com before the closing date.

Match Report – Friday 10th April 2026, Melton Mowbray Kent’s Danny Hogben and Michael Doorey produced a superb day of bowls at Melton Mowbray, making history by becoming the first Kent pair ever to win the National Pairs Championship . Group Stage Performance The pair started strongly in their group, securing two wins from three matches to finish top of the group and progress to the knockout stages. Match 1: 10–8 win vs Paul Bax & John Pye (Essex) Match 2: 11–5 win vs K

Match Report – Saturday 28th March 2026 England U21s travelled to Carmarthen, Wales, for an international fixture on Saturday 28th March 2026, with Kent proudly represented by Matt Harwood and Jessica Cracknell . The match featured six competitive rounds across rinks, triples and pairs, with both nations battling hard throughout the day. Round‑by‑Round Breakdown Round 1 – Rinks Wales 52 – 28 England (Points: 10–2) Wales opened strongly, taking control early and securing

Kent Committee Vacancies – Get Involved! We are currently looking for individuals to join the Kent Committee and help support the county’s continued success. Current Vacancies • Chairman • Team Manager These positions must be proposed and seconded by anyone registered by a club. Becoming part of the committee is a great opportunity to support the county, contribute ideas, and help shape its future . Interested? Anyone wishing to be considered for either role should send th

World Championships – Norway England Performance Report Featuring Kent Players England enjoyed a hugely successful World Championships in Skien, Norway, with several standout performances — including podium finishes for Kent’s Michael Doorey, Danny Hogben, and Jody Frampton. Triples – England Finish as World Runners‑Up Jason McLean (Hampshire), Michael Doorey (Kent), Jason Woods (Norfolk) The English triple produced an outstanding campaign from start to finish. Group Stage

National Championships Weekend – Melton Mowbray Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th March 2026 A fantastic weekend of national competition for Kent bowlers at Melton Mowbray, with strong performances across both the National Mixed Fours and the National Over‑55 Pairs . 🟦 National Mixed Fours – Saturday 14th March Team: Amanda Doorey, Grace Doorey, Danny Hogben, Michael Doorey The Kent four put in an excellent showing, finishing second in their group to progress into the knocko

ESMBA Double Rinks Tournament – Melton Mowbray , Sunday 1st March 2026 A full day of competitive action for Kent at this year’s ESMBA Double Rinks Championship in Melton Mowbray. Kent B – Group Stage Summary Players: Thomas Coles, Amber Gardner, Shane Hogben, Grace Doorey, Julian Scales, Paula Scales, Tom Constable, Alan Harwood Kent B faced a very challenging group featuring Dorset, Hampshire and Herefordshire . Despite committed performances across all sessions, they wer

Kent Hops – ICC Quarter Final Match Report Sunday 22nd February 2026 Guildford Opponent: West Sussex Kent Hops travelled to Guildford for their ICC Quarter Final clash against a very strong West Sussex side. Despite a determined effort across all disciplines, the hosts proved too strong on the day. Final Score Kent Hops: 6 points, 140 shots West Sussex: 34 points, 246 shots Captain’s Comments “Up against it from a very strong West Sussex team. Well done to Malcolm,

ESMBA Double Rinks , Sunday 1st March 2026 , Melton Mowbray. Melton Mowbray will be hosting the ESMBA Double Rinks Competition on Sunday 1st March 2026, and we are pleased to announce the players selected to represent Kent . Kent Squad Selection Michael Doorey Gary Allard Jody Frampton Tim Harwood Linda Wynn Richard Stagg Cliff Henry Danny Hogben Congratulations to all selected

Kent ICC Match Report – Sunday 15th February 2026 A big day of knockout‑stage action for both Kent Castles and Kent Hops, with matches played at neutral venues across the country. Kent Castles vs Cheshire Solihull Final Score: Kent Castles: 19 points, 185 shots Cheshire: 21 points, 189 shots Manager’s Comments: “Congratulations to both fours teams for winning both their games.” Despite some excellent performances — especially from the fours — this result unfortunate