27 Aug IT’S BISTRO TIME AT BROCKHOLES

The Bistro Shield is always one of our best finals with top clubs competing in the 5 pairs format and traditionally played at Brockholes at 1.30 pm. Tomorrow 28 August is the date this year.

The two clubs who have both battled through 5 rounds to get to the final are Division 2’s leaders Elland WMC versus Lindley Lib A team who are just above the relegation zone in Division 1. Elland were promoted from Division 3 in 2024 hence their 16 handicap whilst Lindley Lib are off 6 based on their 2024 record being promoted in second place from Division 2.

It’s pleasing to see Elland WMC in the final as ‘Halifax’ clubs don’t usually take up their places in the team competitions due to match days in Halifax clashing with Huddersfield’s Thursday afternoons for the team comps. We may see a change to this in 2026 to allow the ‘Halifax’ teams at Rastrick and the two Elland clubs, C&BC and WMC, to fully participate in the Huddersfield league as all these teams enhance our league and probably all three will be playing in our Division 1 next season.

The Bistro Shield was originally sponsored by Johnny’s Nite Spot in Huddersfield’s Beast Market. As well as the shield and cash prizes the competing teams were treated to meals at the Johnny’s Bistro and the name has stuck since 1982. The Bistro is now long gone but I daresay the winners will partake of something similar after the match.