Short mat bowls is a relatively recent variant on the ancient sport of lawn bowls,
played indoors on a specially manufactured, pre-marked mat. The sport, which is played
socially and competitively in village halls and other community spaces, does not
require a permanent location as the portable mats are rolled up and stored when not
in use. The sport is played by all ages, sexes and abilities who can compete together.
HSMBA is the organising body for short mat bowls in Herefordshire. We are affiliated
to the ESMBA, the governing body in England, and we run leagues, county teams and
open competitions as well as generally promoting and developing the sport within
the county.
A good place to start for newcomers is our Introduction section where you can find
out more about the game, how to start playing or how to go about establishing a new
club. Enjoy looking around our website and please use the Contact page to provide
feedback or to find out more.
Latest News
The latest ESMBA route map update confirms the parameters under which clubs holding
Safe Bowls status can resume play from 17th May 2021 ESMBA Update May 2021
The ESMBA have issued a statement regarding the status of a number of national &
international level competitions. There is a provisional intention to run an Inter
County Championship competition from October 2021 but the format is as yet undetermined
ESMBA Events Update April 2021
The March 2021 ESMBA route map towards re-starting short mat bowls is here
All of the previous updates from the ESMBA, together with all of the Back to Bowls
and Safe Bowls Status documentation can be found on our dedicated web page ESMBA
Coronavirus Information
The HSMBA will hold an AGM in October 2021 by which time it is hoped that clubs and
members will be active and playing again and a less restricted physical meeting can
be held. This AGM is important as there are a number of key roles to be filled on
the HSMBA committee in order for the association to continue to function. The current
committee will remain in place until that time and will make the necessary initial
plans for the 2020-21 season.
With only 3 Herefordshire clubs currently holding Safe Bowls Status, and no short
mat bowls play possible before 17th May at the earliest, the decision has been taken
to cancel this year’s Summer League. The committee will work towards re-starting
organised competitive bowling with the 2021-22 winter season.
The 19-20 Winter League has been determined based on average points secured by a
team in completed matches. Congratulations to Woolhope A on securing their club’s
16th consecutive title ahead of Ross A in the runners-up spot. St Martins club led
the way in Division 2 with St Martins Hawks winning the division from St Martins
Falcons Division 1 Division 2
