ENGLISH HISTORY PAGE
(Awaiting final write up on English Website)
The English Short Mat Bowling Association (ESMBA) was formed in 1984 and is the second oldest National Association. From small beginnings the Association has grown to around 26,000 registered players, although it is estimated that around three times this number actually play the sport in England.
The Association has been a driving force at International level, and was instrumental in initiating several international events. Indeed, the inaugural staging of all international championships were in England; British Isles Championships (1986), World Championships (1989), The British Isles Inter- team challenge (1996) and the British Isles "A" team Championships (1997).
On the domestic scene the Association has a busy life with National Championships in Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours and mixed Fours, as well as an under 18 singles. Most of these events start life as local eliminators, with the 700 or so qualifiers coming forward to a championship finals weekend at the end of the season in March or April. In addition to this there is an Inter-county Championships for both Premier and "A" teams. Starting on a round robin basis the event builds to a climax at the end of the season with grand finals for the two main events plus consolation finals for those who didn't qualify for the main knockouts.
As a still very young sport, the game has yet to fully develop in all counties but the continued rapid growth in people taking up the sport will ensure that the ESMBA's numbers will grow very much larger.