The first trophy of the season was contested on a wonderfully sunny and warm day on Bank Holiday Monday. The 2026 Stephenson Smart Trophy was contested by 8 triples. In the first round Geoff, George and Theresa defeated Colin B, Ian and Sue M although each side won 5 ends, two 4’s and a 3 being the difference. Annie, Tich and Paul B earned a semi final place with a 4 shot win against Hazel, Ivan and Colin J. In the semi final Paul B’s side had a comfortable win.

In the other side of the draw Colin W, Jayne and Rick set the tone early with 5 shots on the first end and never looked back against Dave, Helen and Colin K. In the battle of the Hagan’s, Will’s team with Pat and Paul P booked their semi spot against Diane, Ted and Mick. In the semi-final winning four consecutive ends proved the difference as Rick and co won by two shots.

The Watts Final

Annie and Colin faced off in the Watts Final which proved extremely tight with each side trading shots. It was advantage Colin after 8 ends leading 6-5 and holding 5 shots on the ninth. Paul Brown had other ideas and two superb woods put them a shot ahead going into the last end. Annie, Tich and Paul B held two shots, but bowls is a game of very fine margins and Rick’s two efforts to take the jack back to a waiting wood in the ditch missed by a couple of inches, which meant Annie had the bragging rights in the Watts household and the Stephenson Smart Trophy to look after for 12 months.