The ESMBA have issued another update to the I.C.C fixture list for the 2024/25 season. This would seem to address the Norfolk Team Management’s concerns over Norfolk “A” team playing in a group of just two teams. Essex have now been moved from the Premier competition to play in the I.C.C “A” team section and have been added to the group that previously consisted of just Norfolk “A” and West Mids “A” to make a viable group of three teams. The ESMBA have now stated that “We will be discussing the future of the ICC at this years AGM as we look to possibly moving the competition in its initial stages to one competition.” There is little doubt that the distances involved for teams playing in the I.C.C in its current form is leading to a reluctance of some teams to compete in the competition. While in some instances teams appear to have conceded games, or threatened to withdraw, after the initial groups were published and the mileage involved for some away games was calculated. Despite criticism of the I.C.C from some quarters there are many in the sport who still regard the I.C.C as an integral part of short mat bowls in England. It will be hoped that a solution to the problems can be found and that the Inter-County Championships can continue to provide bowlers with the opportunity to proudly represent their counties. Norfolk bowlers can find the revised dates for next season’s Norfolk County Team fixtures on the County Team Fixture List page at https://www.shortmatnorfolk.co.uk/information/county-team/county-team-fixture-list.html
Jack Pye's concerns addressed by ESMBA