Winter League Season 2025/26
League Cup - Semi Final - First Leg at Home v Elmstead Market - Friday 13th February 2026
Friday 13th proved to be an unlucky night for the Highwoods team.
Playing their First Leg of the Colchester League Cup Semi Final against Elmstead Market they lost 2 - 6 on a night when 3 close games all went against the team. The Elmstead Market team were only able to play with 10 players with the 3 v 4 rule applying in both Fours matches.
In the first session the first pair of Marilyn Bennet & Greg King were involved in a good & initially close match with the away pair leading 6 - 5 after seven ends. However end eight was exceptional for Marilyn & Greg taking 6 shots and winning by a comfortable score of 11 - 7.
The first Highwoods Four of Joan Clark/Heidi Woolley/John Woodrow/Lin Hill started slowly & were 1 - 6 down after six ends. However they rallied well in ends 7 & 8 and went into the last end with a good chance, being only two shots down. However the away team four took a further shot on the last end with Highwoods losing a close match 4 - 7.
In the second session the away pair proved to be too good on the night with their skip playing some exceptional bowls against the Highwoods pair of Sue Miller & Sheila Near. Despite their best efforts Sue & Sheila lost 2 - 14.
The first leg match all hinged on the second Four of Colin Hawkins/Brenda Kettle/Glenyce King/Martin Bennet and it was a real battle until the end. Our four started slowly and were 2 - 5 down after five ends. However the next two ends saw the Highwoods four take the lead at 6 - 5 with two ends to go. Elmstead Market took a shot on end eight to leave the scores level at 6 - 6 going into the last end. After a good start with plenty of home team bowls around the jack, Elmstead Market were able to get in through a small gap to take shot and it which proved impossible to change losing 6 - 7.
The second away leg is to be played at Elmstead Market next Thursday and the team must adopt a positive attitude, still in with a chance to pull the overall outcome by winning the match.
Match Report 7 - Highwoods away v Lawford - Friday 6th February 2026
The Highwoods team were again in fine form when they took on Lawford Away winning comfortably 6 - 2 & taking them to top of the league after seven matches played with just three league matches to go.
The first Four of Chris Woodrow/Brenda Kettle/Glenyce King/Martin Bennet started their match taking four shots on the first two ends and by end five had established a comfortable 9 - 2 lead through excellent bowling by the whole four. Despite a small blip on end eight they were still able to win easily by 12 - 8 to get the team off to a good start.
The first Pair of Sue Miller & Sheila Near were also in excellent form with Sue right on the jack from the start, well backed up by Sheila. After a level start for the first two ends, the next three ends saw them take twelve shots to lead 13 - 1 by end five. They continued their outstanding form to win 14 - 4.
It was a great first session for the team
The second Pair of Marilyn Bennet & Peter Orrin followed up the the outstanding form of the others and were leading 9 - 0 after just four ends and never looked backed after this start thanks again to some more outstanding lead bowling by Marilyn. In the end they comfortably saw out the match to win 13 - 6.
It was the second Four of Ron Hill/Heidi Woolley/John Woodrow/Greg King who were involved in the closest match of the night. It started so well for the Highwoods Four taking seven shots on the first two ends. However the next three ends saw the strong home four settle into the match to even the score after end five at 7 - 7. Highwoods took a shot on end six to restore the lead at 8 - 7. However the next two ends saw the Lawford four take five shots and despite their best efforts the Highwoods four could not catch up losing by the close margin of 9 - 12
The Highwoods team now lead the league with 32 points scored and whilst level on points & matches played with Elmstead Market, their far superior shots scored gives them the lead.
The team now turn their attentions to the League Cup semi final when they play their first leg at home to Elmstead Market on Friday 13th February 2026 followed by the second away leg the week after on Thursday 19th February 2026.
Game Report 6 - Highwoods v Paxman - Friday 23rd January 2026
The Highwoods team were in excellent form in our latest league match, despite having to make several changes through illness and unavailability.
The Team all played well, had a good night & were able to win comfortably 6 - 2 in a match that could so easily have been a 8 - 0 victory.
The first pair of Joan Clark & Sheila Near began well and after taking 3 shots on the third end had established a 4 - 2 lead in what had been a close start match.
However ends 5, 6 & 7 saw them take control with some excellent bowling and they led 10 - 2 going into the last two ends. They managed the last two ends well to record a fine 10 - 5 victory.
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The first four of Ron Hill/Linda Spinks/Lin Hill/Diane Orrin were involved in what was the only close match of the evening. They played excellent bowls throughout the match and had established a 6 - 3 lead after 7 ends. The opposition took two shots on end 8 to set up a good last end with Highwoods having a one shot advantage. Again the Highwoods four could not have played better to hold three shots when the opposing skip had his last bowl. However he played an incredible bowl that looked impossible and moved the jack to the end of the carpet where three of their bowls were waiting. With the way blocked the Highwoods skip was not able to get to the jack and a 6 - 8 defeat was the result.
The second pair of Marilyn Bennet & Peter Orrin were in excellent form from the very start of their match against a strong pair. However with the best lead bowling throughout the match by Marilyn they soon established and early 7 - 1 lead after four ends. They were able to keep the momentum going to win comfortably by 16 - 5.
The second four of Colin Hawkins/John Essex/Brenda Kettle/Martin Bennet soon took control of their match leading 7 - 2 after five ends. With the whole team playing well throughout the match they also won comfortably by 13 - 4.
Well played to the whole team which takes Highwoods into 2nd place in the league, just 3 points off the lead with a game in hand
The team now have a short break before their next match away at Lawford on Friday 6th February
Match Report 5 - 15/1/26 Away at Elmstead Market
The Highwoods league team were back in action playing their first game of the new year, at the difficult Elmstead Market venue.
The match was close and after plenty of quality bowls the result ended in a 4 - 4 draw and could so easily have been a win for the Highwoods Team.
All who took part should be pleased with their performance and the eventual outcome.
The first session saw the pair of Joan Clark & Greg King in good form and they built up a strong lead by end 5 leading 9 - 2. It was end 7 with the score at 9 - 4 in Highwoods favour that proved to be the match winner. Greg who played some excellent bowls throughout the match, with the back up support from Joan, played one of the best shots of the night with his last wood. With the opposition holding three shots which could have brought them back into the match, Greg produced the best draw short of the night to take shot and stop any chance of a comeback, the Highwoods pair eventually winning 11 - 5.
The Highwoods first four of Christine Woodrow/John Woodrow/Lin Hill/Diane Orrin were involved in a much closer match which could have gone any way right up to the last end. The four started slowly being 1 - 6 down after the first three ends. However end 4 & 5 saw them take seven shots and with a further shot on end 6 they were leading 9 - 6. At this stage the home teams knowledge of the carpets saw them take 2 shots on ends 7 & 8 leading 10 - 9 going into the last end. A close final end saw the Elmstead four take a further two shots to win 12 - 9.
The second four of Ron Hill/Heidi Woolley/Glenyce King/Peter Orrin started well in an initial close match with the score at 3 - 2 in favour of Highwoods after the first 5 ends. It was end 6 that turned the game in favour of the Highwoods four taking three shots and with a further one shot on end 7 it was looking comfortable for the team who were all playing well. Whilst the home team took one shot on end 8 Highwoods still looked well in control leading 7 - 3 going into the last end. With all playing well what then happened was a surprise with the home team swarming the jack and were holding six shots before the Highwoods skips last bowl. Peter then produced the best firing shot of the night which hit into the pack and took shot to give Highwoods a 8 - 3 victory.
The outcome of the match all then rested upon the Highwoods second pair of Sue Miller & Sheila Near. This proved to be another quality match with scores level at 5 - 5after five ends. The home pair picked up 3 shots on end 6 but Sue & Sheila rallied to take 4 shots on end 7 & 8 to go into the last end with a narrow 9 - 8 lead. The final end was tense & close with the jack moved to the end of the carpet. The home pair were holding one shot before the last bowl was delivered and a draw looked the only result. However the home team skip using controlled weight was able to move the bowls without taking the jack off to take a second shot and give Elmstead Market victory by 10 - 9
It was a great team performance by all, well done.
The team are back in action at home next Friday when they take on Paxman.
Match Report 4 - Highwoods v Langham - Friday 22nd November 2025
Highwoods were back in action, at home to Langham, and after a close match the team were able to record a good 6 - 2 victory, their first of the season.
The match saw one comfortable win by the second Pair, but the other three were all level going into the last end.
Session 1 saw two of the close matches.
The first Pair of Marilyn Bennet & Peter Orrin were involved in a low scoring but quality match. Throughout the match there was never much in it and the scores were level at 5 - 5 going into the last end. With some excellent bowling Marilyn was able to get the important bowl into the head and Peter was then able to trap the important shot bowl which made it impossible for the opposing skip to get in. That one important bowl ensured a 6 - 5 victory for the home pair.
The first Four of Christine Woodrow/David Rule/Lin Hill/Diane Orrin were also involved in a last end decider but in a high scoring game. They started well taking 5 shots in the first two ends and were leading 8 - 2 after fours ends. However the away team picked up their game in the next three ends to take 10 shots and a turnaround lead of 12 - 8. The Highwoods four rallied in end eight taking 4 shots to even the match at 12 - 12 going into the last end. An exciting finish saw the away skip pick up 2 shots with his last but one bowl, with the Highwoods team losing 12 - 14.
Session 2 saw a comfortable win and a close decider.
The second Pair of Sheila Near & Greg King were in good form after an even start and the home pair 3 - 4 down after three ends. However with some excellent bowling thereafter they won each of the final six ends to record a comfortable 14 - 4 victory.
The whole match result then rested on the final Fours match. The Highwoods Four of Colin Hawkins/Brenda Kettle/Glenyce King/Martin Bennet played well throughout a low scoring and exciting match. There was never more than a shot between the teams and after end seven the home team were 4 - 5 down. The last two ends proved decisive for Highwoods taking one shot on end 8 to go into the last end level at 5 - 5. Again the whole team kept their composure to take two more shots to record an excellent 7 - 5 victory.
Well done to the entire team, all playing well to record the first victory of what is proving a very close season.
The next match is in two weeks time when the team play Lawford at home before a break until the new year.
Match Report 3 - Paxman v Highwoods Friday 7th November 2025
The Highwoods team were in action last night away to Paxman. After a close match Highwoods were able to snatch a 4 - 4 draw with the last bowl of the night.
The first session saw the Highwoods Pair of Ron Hill & Greg King losing 4 shots on the first three ends. Playing a strong home pair they fought back with 2 shots on end four and after the fifth end trailing 2 - 5 they were very much in the game. However end six proved decisive with the home pair taking four shots and Ron & Greg not able to recover losing 4 - 10 in a good quality match.
However the Highwoods Four of Marilyn Bennet/Brenda Kettle/Glenyce King/Martin Bennet faired much better. In a close start the Highwoods four were leading 4 - 3 after five ends. From end six the Highwoods four exerted their authority with 11 shots over the next three ends to win by the comfortable margin of 15 - 5.
The Highwoods second pair of Sue Miller & Sheila Near also faced a strong home team pair and struggled in the first few ends of the match being 0 - 9 down after four ends. They did well to get into the game from end five but were never able to recover and ultimately lost 3 - 13
It was the second Highwoods four of Christine Woodrow/David Rule/Lin Hill/Diane Orrin where the match was decided thanks to an outstanding revival by the Highwoods team. The match started with the home team taking control and after four ends the Highwoods four were losing 2 - 8. However the match turned on end six when the home team skip holding shot opted to bowl his last wood and gave away one shot. Instead of being six shots down the Highwoods four were only four shots down at 4 - 8 with three ends to go. They lifted their game with excellent bowling by all four players and going into the last end were just one shot down at 7 - 8. An exciting last end saw Highwoods surrounding the jack but the home team had just one bowl in the head which was holding shot. It all came down to the last bowl of the match when Diane produced the shot of the night (& the season so far) to take out the home team bowl and recorded five shots to win the match 12 - 8 (having been 0 - 8 down).
A good result for the team who are next in action on 21st November for a home league match v Langham
Match Report 2 - Highwoods v Elmstead Market - 31st October 2025
The Highwoods team were in action playing their first Home match of the new Colchester League season.
It was a good performance by the team but after some close matches the result was a little disappointing, losing 2 - 6
The first session produced the closest matches of the night, with both Highwoods disciplines losing by the odd shot or two on the last end.
The first Four of Linda Spinks/David Rule/Glenyce King/Lin Hill (making her debut for the Club) started with a poor first end losing 4 shots. However by end four they were back in the match level at 4 - 4. The 5th & 6th ends saw the away team take 3 shots, but two shots on the 7th end brought the score back to 6 - 7 with two ends to play. However end 8 saw the away Four take 2 shots and Highwoods could only manage one shot on the last end to leave Elmstead Market winning a close match 7 - 9.
The first Pair of Marilyn Bennet & Peter Orrin were involved in a quality match which was extremely close from the start to the finish. After the first two ends the Elmstead Market Pair had established a 0 - 3 lead. However Marilyn & Peter fought back to level and by end 7 the sores were even at 5 - 5.
Despite some excellent lead bowling by Marilyn on end 8 the Elmstead Market skip was able to take two shots with the score 5 - 7 going into the last.
The home Pair again put the pressure on early in the last end, again thanks to further excellent lead bowling from Marilyn and Peter was able add a second early on with a draw looking the possible and deserved result. However the away Skip with his last bowl took 2nd shot and despite a valiant attempt the Highwoods Skip was not able to draw in and they finally lost out 6 - 7.
This led into a difficult second session having just lost out on both the first session matches.
However the Highwoods second Pair of Ron Hill (making his debut for the Club) & Greg King were in good form. They started like the previous matches going 0 - 2 down after two ends. However they soon established their authority from end 3 taking five shots and then winning all ends until end seven, when their lead was 11 - 2. They comfortably won the match 12 - 4 with some excellent bowling.
The second Four of Joan Clark/Heidi Woolley/Martin Bennet/Trevor Holbrow changed the Highwoods team trend of the night and won the first end. By end four the scores were level at 2 - 2. However end five saw the Highwoods Four drop 4 shots. They fought back on end six to take 2 shots and reduce the deficit to 4 - 6. However the away Four won the last three ends for the Highwoods Four to eventually lose 4 - 10
The Team play their next match on Friday 7th November 2026 away at Paxman
Match Report 1 - West Bergholt v Highwoods
The Highwoods team played their first league match of the 'new' season on Thursday 2nd October 2025 away at West Bergholt.
It is always a difficult venue to pick up points and the first session proved this to be the case.
The first Pair of Sue Miller & Sheila Near had a bad start losing 6 shots on the first end. With the West Bergholt lead bowler spot on the jack, the home team won the next five ends to build up a 13 - 0 lead after six ends. Sue & Sheila rallied well in the last three ends but were never able to catch up, eventually losing the match 6 - 13.
The first Four of Joan Clark/Heidi Woolley/John Woodrow/Trevor Holbrow were involved in a much closer match. The scores were level after fours ends and by end seven Highwoods held the lead being 6-5 up. However the home team took 9 shots on the last two ends to win 14-6 although the score flattered the home team in what was a close game.
It left a lot to do in the second session, but the team proved up to it with some excellent bowling.
The experienced Pair of Marilyn Bennet & Peter Orrin were initially involved in a close start with the score at 4 - 4 after five ends. However end six & seven saw Marilyn & Peter take six shots and were able to win comfortably 10 - 6
The second Four of Colin Hawkins/Brenda Kettle/Glenyce King/Martin Bennet all bowled well from the start and built up an early lead being 6-2 up by end five. Ends seven & eight saw them take a further six shots and they ran out comfortable winners by 12 - 4.
In the end the team can be pleased with the outcome, the 4 - 4 draw was a good result with shots close 37 - 34 in favour of the home team
The next match will be on Friday 31st October 2025 when Highwoods take on Elmstead Market in their first Home match of the season.