Monday 5th October saw the start of a new season of Indoor Bowling with one League dropped from the schedule but two new Leagues added. The Friday night Pairs Second Division League has been left out and replaced with a Friday afternoon Pairs League and the vacant Friday slot sees the start of an Open Singles Competition.
For this week I will look ahead to the new season and put my head on the block and tip my favourites for the League wins.
Premier Pairs
I start with the Premier Pairs and it would be foolish not to tip last years winners Young Guns but I have a feeling that this year the Cheesemakers will push them very hard and could possibly end up stealing their glory. Also somewhere in the mix, I expect to see Villans and Tee Pegs and possibly GLS could be up there mixing it with them.
Tuesday Morning League
The Tuesday Morning League sees the winners for the last three years Villans start as favourites and the addition of Phil Kerruish to their squad will add more strength in depth. Onchan Royals, however, have a very strong squad which has been reinforced with the addition of Muriel Cain and they are certainly in with a shout as I think are Ramsey Raiders.
Premier Team
In the Premier Team League, I would once again tip the last year’s winners Villans but I can see Dragons and Cheesemakers pushing them all the way to the winning post.
First Division Pairs
The First Division Pairs will see TOU as favourites for the win but I feel that Spinners who were last years runners up will be trying to eventually get the League win and as an outside bet I would be looking at two new teams the Officials and Ramsey Wallys as they both contain experienced and capable bowlers.
First Division Team
In the First Division Team, I think the winners will be either Spinners or Maxums and again I tip new team Ramsey Wallys to be somewhere in the running because of the quality of their bowlers although Smugglers and CAOS can’t be ruled out.
Friday Pairs
The new Friday afternoon Pairs Leagues will start with last years Second Division Pairs Winners the Sunset Rollers certainly in with a chance as is Cowley Cannonballs but, to be honest, there so many new teams in this that I find it hard to tip a winner.
Friday Singles
The Friday night Singles League is starting a little later in the season so I will wait until I see the final line up before I make any predictions on this.
I end this week by wishing everyone good luck for the season and most importantly that they enjoy their bowling.