BOWLS: TWO new teams - from existing clubs - are being welcomed into the Frodsham & District Bowls League fold for the coming season.
Egerton, from Runcorn, and Kingsley saw applications to enter B sides passed at the league AGM.
The newcomers have been placed in Division Four after clubs chose the four-section line-up strongly recommended by league secret-ary/treasurer John Brassington.
There will be 12 teams in each of the top two divisions, with 10 in Division Three and 11 in Division Four.
The campaign gets under way on Wednesday, April 14, and runs to Wednesday, September 8.
The annual meeting at Helsby Sports & Social Club was tinged with sadness, following the death of Red Lion club president Joe Frodsham, at the age of 84.
All but five clubs - Hazel Pear, Pavilions, Tiger's Head, Norton Arms and Rock Park - attended and a minute's silence was observed in memory of all bowlers who died during the year.
In running through all league and average winners in his secretary's report, Mr Brass-ington made special mention of Pavilions C for performing so well in their first season.
He urged clubs to support Cheshire County Bowling Association (CCBA) development officer Tony Bryning by putting names forward for the various courses he has organised.
President Brian Griffiths said it had been a problem-free season due to good organisation and the competition's solid financial position.
In his treasurer's report, Mr Brassington said the league's accounts showed a profit of £84.
Alan Hough, the league chairman, congratulated all prizewinners, but also those who had won nothing but, by taking part, made the Frodsham league 'what it is today'.
Competitions secretary Graham White noted an excellent entry to the Frank Edwardson Cup for bowlers in Division Three and Four.
Entry to the Merit Competition had increased 50% from 32 in 2002 to 48.
Mr White, as Frodsham's county representative, added Cheshire had been inter-county champions for a third year running, while Cheshire Vets also won their title.
He also reported the passing of a counterproposal from CCBA at a BCGBA (British Crown Green Bowling Association) meeting that each club should pay a £10 annual subscription to the governing body. The BCGBA had suggested £1 a year from each registered player.
The Frodsham AGM saw league officers being unanimously re-elected en bloc, though all had been willing to stand down if anybody wanted to take over.
The line-up for 2004 is: DIVISION ONE (12 teams): Red Lion A, Goshawk A, Grapes A, Red Lion B, Pavilions A, Helsby D, Chetwode A, Castle Park A, Pavilions B, Norton Arms A, Helsby A, Helsby B.
DIVISION TWO (12): Willow Brook A, Halton RBL A, Egerton A, Tiger's Head A, Goshawk B, Manley A, Conservative Club A, Subscription A, War Memorial B, Castle Park B, Kingsley A, Kingswood B.
DIVISION THREE (10): Tiger's Head B, Sub-scription B, Runcorn Hill, Rock Park, Hazel Pear, War Memorial A, Conservative Club B, Crowton, Norton Arms B, Willow Brook B.
DIVISION FOUR (11): Grapes B, Kingswood A, Helsby C, Overton, Chetwode Arms B, Halton RBL B, Manley B, Spinner & Bergamot, Pavilions C, Egerton B, Kingsley B. Frank Edwardson Cup games are on Wednesdays June 23 and July 21, with the final on Monday, August 9. The next league management meeting is on Monday, March 29, at Helsby S&SC (8pm). The handicap meeting is at Frodsham Conservative Club on Thursday, March 11 (8pm).
