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History & League Honours

Updated history
Hop Leaf Skittles League "A" Division

"A" Division

The League was formed by employees of H&G Simonds Brewery Ltd in 1938 to create a winter competition amongst its public houses and brewery departments in Bristol.  The Championship Shield, first awarded in 1939, is still presented to the league champions to this very day.

Hop Leaf Skittles League "B" Division

"B" Division

Early records indicate that the League's second division was formed in 1949 to cater for increased interest in the skittles long alley game.  The first runners-up of the Division, Elbury Sports, would go on to win the Championship Shield 11 times from the mid 1950's to the early 70's.

Hop Leaf Skittles League "C" Division

"C" Division

A third division was formed in 1964.  It is believed that a shortage of skittle alleys in Bristol and the surrounding area prevented an earlier expansion planned in the mid 1950's.  The division was discontinued in 2021.

Hop Leaf Skittles League "D" Division

"D" Division

Formed in 1979 when the previous three divisions of 18 teams were re-formed into four division of 16 teams. The division was discontinued in 2011.

Hop Leaf Skittles League Knock-Out Challenge Cup

Knock-out Challenge Cup

One of Bristol's oldest front-first knock-out competitions, first played during the 1938/39 season. The first winners of the trophy were the Bell Hotel, St.George.  The same silver trophy is awarded to our cup winners to this very day.

Hop Leaf Skittles League Dave Harper Knock-Out Trophy

The Dave Harper Trophy

(previously the Ern Harding Trophy)

First played in 1964 between division champions. Re-formatted in 1982 as an "all-in" competition for teams exiting the first round of the KO trophy.  The competition was renamed for the 2022/23 season in memory of the League's long-standing Secretary, Dave Harper.

Hop Leaf Skittles League Pairs Knock-Out Trophy

Pairs Knock-out Competition

A front-first knock-out tournament open to any pair of players from the same team. Early records indicate that the tournament was first played during the 1948/49 season.

Hop Leaf Skittles League Singles Knock-Out Trophy

Singles Knock-out Competition

A front-first knock-out tournament open to any team player from the league.  The tournament is believed to have been first played during the 1948/49 season and was won by a Mr C Grove.

Hop Leaf Skittles League Cox Henderson Trophy (player highest away average)

Cox-Henderson Trophy

First awarded in 1981, this prestigious trophy is awarded to the player with the highest away pin average in the league (front-first league matches).

Welcome to the Hop Leaf Skittles League where nine-pin, front-first skittles has been played in and around the city of Bristol since 1938.

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