A Century of Bowling - Royal County of Berkshire Bowling Association

THE ASHLEY BAKER LEAGUE
This League was formed in 1953, initially consisting of three Clubs, Lambourn,
Kintbury and Stockcross, but soon after Ramsbury and Great Bedwyn joined. As
can be seen from the Club names it was not confined to Berkshire Clubs, and still
continues today with 10 clubs currently belonging, of which 8 come from Berkshire.
However like many leagues, numbers have fluctuated over the years, having reached a low
point of 3 at one stage and up to 11 Clubs at its highest point.
The Clubs that were in the league at the close of the 2009 season were - Faringdon, Great
Bedwyn, Hungerford, Kingston Bagpuize, Kintbury, Lambourn, Milton Hill, Morland and
Ramsbury.
The winner is decided on a points basis played over 18 matches (based on 10 teams in 2009)
on a home and away basis against each other.
Lambourn were the winners in its first year, and have continued to win the league many
times, although in 2008 Kingston Bagpuize beat them by 31 points. Hungerford, who
entered the league in 2004, achieved success as winners in 2006. In 2009 Shrivenham put in
a good performance running a close race with Morland , who were the eventual winners
The League is named after the donor of the Trophy, Ashley Baker and tends to attract clubs
in the west of our county, who are usually of a smaller size in membership.
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