Bolton Winter League - 2026

Welcome to the Bolton Winter League website.

This year we are playing again on the green at Over Hulton Conservative Club and also Plodder Lane Conservative Club.

We play Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons from Tuesday, 22nd September at Over Hulton and Plodder Lane from Tuesday, 29th September until November weather permiting.

The organiser at Over Hulton is Gordon Butler and at Plodder Lane Ray Barnes 07519 188 752 who will be assisted by Phil Brightwell

General website management is conducted by Clive Fenn Any queries give me a call - Clive Fenn 07949 200 926.

Brian Anderson Over Hulton Report

Monday 12th

More from our Fleetwood Mac reporter: we hear the Old Hultonians may be making a late new signing, a top player named Joe Mulder, he is rumoured to be playing with Andy Scully, lets see what happens, maybe just one for the X-Files.

Looking ahead to the weeks matches, the 1st half of the revolving double. Doe Hey take on Moss Bank, as they say when the going gets tough, Doe Hey get going, forecast is for 1-4 home defeat. Next up is Forrests Rangers against Clives Bunch, on paper this could be one-sided, however Forrests Rangers have found more Banana skins lately than a large group of chimpanzees having a picnic.

The Old Hultonians take on Tom's Lot, can the Olds get a first win ? will not be an easy task but we can all hope. Finally the last pairing is the Top game with the Wasps taking on the current in-form team of The Hultoneers. Will the Wasps retain the same line up as last time out ? The ears are 11/10 for a win whilst the Wasps are favourites at 8/13.

Finally I had a late phone call yesterday, the guy said can you talk? ....... I said how did you think this conversation was going to go then !!

Thursday 8th

Where do we start here, a superb Autumn day punctuated with sun and blue skies. noting the large Sycamore is beginning to show it's brilliant colours. It reminds me of a day me and my ex-wife visited a large wishing well, she kept shouting across and embarassing me, to make a donation and come and make a wish. After that she was sitting on the edge looking over, then fell in. Before that I never believed those things actually worked.

After the welcome introductions from our MC Carlton, play began in earnest. In the top match on the fixture list, Doe Hey were tackling Clives Bunch, first up were Dave Norris and Peter Clinton playing Elaine Hindle and Tony Hobson. The match generally moved one way and a fine win for Dave and Peter put Clives Bunch into a very prominent position. This was not to last and a pair of 15-3 wins gave Doe Hey a second win in a season, for the first time since 2022.

Second match down was the Hulton teams local derby, Ears versus Ions, and a resounding win for the Ears scoring a maximum 5 pointer.

Toms Lot playing at home versus Moss Bank, first up were the top pair of Popeye and David taking on Geoff and Mervyn. We noted Geoff was wearing a new hat, which obviously brought him luck, and they ran out 15-12 winners after an excellent performance. There were rumours after the game that a large tin of spinach had been mislaid and this could have affected the outcome. Barry and Mick just continued from Tuesday securing a big win against Graham Boardman and Jack Smith. Janet (tapes) and Lawrence had no luck at all as both Ronnie Brooks and Steve Maslovic put on a supreme (not Gladys Knight) performance having the edge over their opponents. As the winning bowl rolled along you could almost hear the pips..... running out.

Last on the fixture list was the top of the table clash between Wasps and Forrest Rangers. First up was the ultra consistant Stuart Ivers and the totally accurate Keith Waddington, who played an excellent game to see off Ray and Andy. The middle game was a little closer, however the result was the same with the Wasps pairing of Joe Councell and Mick Howard beating the newly reformed pair of Brian Anderson and Mark Warburton. Despite Marks best efforts the Rangers pair were sliced apart and toasted, luckily there was no dough on the line.

The leagues top average pairing were to be tested by Morty and Eric, could they maintain their excellent form and retain the top average positions ? The answer was a resounding yes and a 15-4 away win was gained. A superb performance from both Mike and John. We noted John (the original) Wolfendale was wearing a heart monitor just under his knee, or it was perhaps, a support band for the badly damaged leg : he injured this running across a busy road for his lunch. After the car hit him and broke his Femur he spent 8 weeks in hospital in traction and months in physio. Once again credit to the NHS for their excellent work. He was left with one leg slightly shorter than the other. He tried a pair of orthapedic shoes as the salesman had talked a good pitch, but rejected them, saying he had built them up too much.

I went to Bolton after the game to get a little inspiration for the report. It was there that something caught my eye, turns out it was a very short person with an umbrella.

Late News, we have had a 'small' complaint from some members of the Hulton teams about their lack of column inches, we suggested we were not here to help with personal issues

Tuesday 6th October

On my arrival to the green I noticed the dense bush behind the fence has now been well trimmed ; it transpires a work party (chain gang) from OHBC had arranged a 'hack it down' day, tempted by the chance of a free Jaffa Cake from CH and a half price cup of tea. I have to admit it's very nice to see a well trimmed front garden: The conifers around the green were also 'faced off' but nobody noticed that. The green is looking better than ever and more works are planned for tomorrow.

As this is a bowling report I suppose I need to focus on what matters....... more to some than others !!! In the days' matches, from the top, Doe Hey failed to build on their improved form of last week and slumped to a 5-0 reverse against Tom's Lot, who bounced back well. A very nice win for Janet (tapes) Callow and Lawrence Catterall set their season running. Barry Trevitt and Mick Fletcher continued to improve, and recorded a 15-1 win this round. The Bolton Vets Merit Champion, Ray Sale (Sailerman, Popeye) along with the seasons current best new signing, David Wakefield, continue to accumulate wins and impress.

Forrests Rangers who moved to the top of the table last week were then kicked off it by the much improved Hulton Ears (they write it differently). It transpires that Rob Morton did indeed make a hasty dash across the Bay of Biscay, and despite a late 0200hrs arrival to his bed, then produced a brilliant performance to see off Ray and Ste (don't call him Steve). Stevie G and Paul Monks were always in control and dispatched the pairing of Anderson and Openshaw Andy (don't call him Andrew). The Wolf and Bailey pulled back a point and maintained their unbeaten run.

The much improved, and in-form Moss Bank came crashing down after a brilliant performance from Clives Bunch. The day started badly for the bankers with Peter Clinton and Dave Norris producing a shock in a 15-1 win. Peter Clinton was able to send them a condolences card from his stock !! A sweet win also for Maggie Savory partnering Harry (Bart) Simpson. Mervyn and Geoff Wilde were the only MB winners, however this was stressful, and we witnessed Geoff's grey hair paying testament to this. Not sure if Geoff's hair was always like that as is usually covered with his trusty vintage cap, maybe the hair has grown over the cap ? we'll never know.

The Wasps brought back their star players following last weeks surprise defeat, for the game versus the Old Hultonians. Pairing 3 jacks Keith with the excellent Stuart Ivers, people again starting to ask if Stuart has booked any holidays ? not sure what this means ? might be a compliment !!

This match was not without controversy as John Mort and Eric Williams struggled to put the pairing of Peter Hardman and Glenn Roberts away. At 14-13, Peter had already sent the leading bowl and then bowled another.......... The Oh's then claimed 2 for the game, put their arms up for 2 and offered a shake......Glenn kicked the bowls in and Morty said I wanted that measured, it was only 1......... so 14 across. JM then bowled his usual worldie for match. Joe Councell (the one that makes bowling look easy ) and the very excellent Mick Howard (the one who doesn't need to make it look easy) then rounded up the last match to move the Wasps straight back to the top of the table with a maximum haul.

Roll on Thursday .......

Monday 5th October

More from our Fleetwood Mac reporter........ we hear the Hultoneers have put one of their star players on a Jet to try to rush him back into action, following his R&R in Madeira: Will he play ? does he have to pass a 6am fitness test ?.

Have the Wasps sent out an SOS to Keith (3 Jacks), will he make the line-up ? Since Moss Bank discovered how to follow the jack, they have won the past 3 games 4-1, will they continue their charge towards the top of the table ?, they are a skinny 4/9 on for a maximum.

Doe Hey following their near miss last match, will fancy their chances against Toms Lot, may there be an upset on the cards ? @5/4 may be a good punt, however Tom's Lot are favourites and priced at 8/11 for a 5-0 win. As we know, there are always coupon busters lurking around the corners. GLA everyone tomorrow.

Thursday 1st October

A day of surprises for some. A vindication that age is just a number as we witnessed a superb away win for Eric Tomlinson and Peter Collier, this was not enough to get Doe Hey over the line as the Hultoneers claimed a 3-2 win. The unbeaten Andy Johnson once again cleaned up while delivering another win partnering the very likeable Mick Risley (why is that ?) whilst Christine Thorpe alongside The Nug ground out a 15-14 to claim the match.

Clives Bunch gained their first win of the season versus the Old Hultonians, a devastating win for Alan Parker and Rick Sykes flattening their opponents; the final game with Pat Kitts and Clive Fenn getting the necessary chalks to seal the win. There is a rumour that a new Scottish player called Ben (Nevis) will join Clives team and will partner Pat, so we have a chance of a (St.) Kitts and Nevis team. (sorry for that, Kitts isn't easy). Having sleepless nights over Hadjinicolauo, thats a challenge !!

Moss Bank caused the days biggest shock, well and truly swatting the Wasps in a 4-1 win. The absence of Keith (3 jacks) Waddington, who chose to vacate to Ambleside didn't help. The pairing of Jack Smith and Kevan Grundy sealing the result with a massive win over John Mort and Eric Williams, the evergreen Kevan, Jack now showing what a brilliant bowler he is developing into.

in the days top match, Forrests Rangers did the business against Toms Lot running out to a 4-1 win to move 2 points clear at the top of the table. Ray Perry partnering Steve Openshaw produced the days coupon buster by smashing the top batters of Pendlebury and (not Fynon)Dandy. Ray Perry, the epitome of the British Tommy who will never give up and will fight till the end gained a superb 15-4 win, alongside Steve. Mike Bailey and John (the original) Wolfendale just getting over the line 15-14 to preserve their unbeaten start to the season against the previously unbeaten Wakefield and (Popeye) Doyle.

Tuesday 29th

On what was another superb day for the weather; by the next game we will already be in October. The green looked resplendant and many thanks to the team of Gary Yates, Steven Greenhalgh and Rob Morton. Not to be overlooked, the OH community Group Begonias proving that you cannot keep a beautiful flower down, despite the scorchio summer !!

There was some bowling also but I don't really want to talk about that, but I have too. We welcomed 4 more players to the proceedings; the rumoured new signing for the Old Hultonians proved accurate and Roy Mills entered the fray. He was playing controlled length and placing bowls a couple of foot in front of the block, knowing someone would tap them closer, and I must admit, I was pretty good at that, he started off with a good win. Roy has played brilliant bowls for many a year and I think Bolton should name one of the leagues after him. Mark Cafferky also joined in the fun, although it wasn't that much fun afterall. The Hultoneers also welcomed David Fiddler to the fray, David also won the best turned out award today, mostly for his exquisite shoes. However the bowling didn't follow suit and David and partner Stevie G were knocked off their perch by Graham Boardman and Jack Smith who played a pretty good game. I did resist saying David was Topol off the roof.

Our final new starter David Norris also drew a black against the resurgent pair of Ian Pendlebury and Phil (Fynon) Dandy, in fact, unless you had a set of working ears you would have hardly noticed Pendlebury was on the green. Elsewhere there were good wins for the Wasps who completed a maximum against Doe Hey, Mike Howard playing the bowl of the day into the front left corner, threading the last wood through what seemed like 11 other bowls on the line, to steal the end, despite Steve Partington playing a pair of Peakys to hold 2 up. And finally commiserations to Barbara Mealor with Harry (Homer) Simpson who played some superb bowls and looked to be on for a certain win against the star pairing of Mick Fletcher and Barry Trevitt........ until they lost 15-14.

Thursday 24th.

On what was another beautiful and sunny day play began on schedule. Looking around at some of the old familier faces, reminded me of what a fantastic job the NHS are doing keeping everyone ticking over !!

The motorway disruption plan worked particularly well throughout the matches to significantly reduce the noise from the M61. Once again noting the teams locating themselves in their traditional territory also gave some semblance of order. On the catering front it is very nice to hear all the complimentary comments regarding the quality of the offerings, already a special thanks to Andy Sculley for the time and effort he is putting in, just one word though, delegate.

The bowling was of a high standard....... mostly, you know who you are. In the top match Wasps vs Tom's Lot got off to a brilliant and predictable start, with Morty and Eric cruising along to a win. However the Sailor man had not read the script and proceeded to play a wonder bowl from match down to extend the game at 12-14. Then a further 2 chalks were gained for a 14-14 across. Following David's lead Morty then produced a customary front toucher on the 25yd round peg mark. Again it seemed like game over, only for Ray- 'Doyle' (there's a French connection) to smack off the bowl and deposit the jack into the gutter. The tide had turned and Morty and Eric were then sunk. However the match swung quickly back to Wasps as both Keith (3 Jacks) Waddington and Joe Counsell, then Stuart (pea shells) and Braddy saw off their opponents.

The Hultoneers gained a first win in a tight match against Clives Bunch. Also the introduction of another new player, so a warm welcome to Maggie Savory, who was playing with Alan Parker. They came very close to a win also, coming back from 14-11, however despite the driving from Parker in the end, things turned sour for Savory.

Finally on the whispers hotline it appears that the Old Hultonians may well have landed one of their top transfer targets ??? Also we understand The Hultoneers have flown a player in from Dubai to bolster the team. We also heard not one, but a pair of Norris's are likely to make their seasonal debut next Tuesday... at the moment this is still all Fleetwood Mac.

Tuesday 22nd September

Carlton welcomed all teams and their players back to Over Hulton for the 2026 renewel of the Winter League.

A minute of respect for given for George Manning, who was a very keen winter bowler here at OH.

On what was a fabulous day weather-wise, giving warm sunshine and blue skies; we also welcomed some new faces, David Wakefield for Toms Lot, Chris Hart for Forrests Rangers and Christine Thorpe, who was bringing some glamour to the Hultoneers. And some older faces also, the ever fit John Mort and Eric Tomlinson flying the flag for the over 90's.

On a day of surprises Doe Hey rocketed to the top of the league with a 5-0 win over the Hultoneers, this has already equalled Doe Heys regular winning match total for each of the past 3 years. A fine win for the pairing of Rob Morton and Andy Johnson over Phil Dandy and Ian Pendlebury to spare the blushes of the Old Hultonians, nice to have some insurance Rob against the dreaded 5 - nil.

(Monday 12 October 2026)