Our History

The origins of the City of Stirling Top Fifteen Bowling Competition date back to 2002, when the Stirling Sports Council ceased organising the long-standing District Nine Top Fifteen tournament. In response, Peter M. Black stepped forward to preserve the tradition, rallying support from local clubs. With help from A. Deans, he sent letters to every club in District Nine, ultimately securing participation from eight clubs for the inaugural event.

Each club contributed a £10 entry fee, while the late Mr. Willie Jenkins generously donated £40, ensuring all funds were returned as prize money to the winners and runners-up. The first final was held at Polmaise Bowling Club, where Polmaise emerged victorious over Causewayhead Bowling Club.

To formalise the competition, Peter Black and A. Deans invited Neil Nairn and Alan Davidson of Dunblane Bowling Club to join the committee. Together, they drafted the group's first rules and constitution. A tradition was established to rotate the hosting of the final between participating clubs. Once a club hosted the final, they would move to the bottom of the list for future hosting opportunities.

Constitution

• The name shall be City of Stirling Top Fifteen Group
• The object of the group shall be:
  • To promote and encourage the game of bowls in accordance to the laws of the game. Adopted by the World Bowls Board.
  • To organize the Top Fifteen event fairly and without discrimination to male and female, colour or age.
  • To promote the partition of bowls from Junior to Senior level
  • To arrange entry fees for each year.
  • The paying out of monies collected each year, as prize money and the purchase of pendant for winner each year.
  • All money to be accounted for by the treasurer and recorded.
  • To ensure that the entry to this event is open to all Bowling Clubs within the District Nine Area.
  • To ensure that all clubs have an equal opportunity in holding a final at their club

The first major sponsor was Co-operative Funeralcare, brought on board thanks to Mr. Pat Martin of Causewayhead. With additional funds from sponsorship and entry fees, prize money grew to £200 for the winners and £100 for the runners-up.

In 2003, 15 clubs entered the competition. A new trophy bearing the City of Stirling Top Fifteen crest was commissioned, funded by selling "spot the team" cards. Polmaise, as the first winners, were the first name engraved.

In 2006, Neil Nairn retired from bowls and stepped down from the committee. Pat Martin was welcomed as a new member.

From 2007 to 2015, Polmaise Bowling Club dominated the competition:

• 2007: Defeated Bannockburn B.C.
• 2008: Triumphed over Borestone B.C. in a decisive 12-0 win.
• 2009–2012: Won four consecutive titles, including memorable wins over Spittalmyre B.C.
• 2013: Claimed a 7th straight title over Causewayhead at Balfron's 100th Anniversary.
• 2014–2015: Continued their streak with hard-fought victories over Dunblane and Borestone.

2011 saw Tommy Hood of Stirling B.C. join the committee as A. Deans stepped down. In 2019, the group mourned the passing of long-serving committee member Alan Davidson, who had been instrumental since 2003. James Dawson stepped into the committee after the passing of Alan Davidson.

• Co-operative Funeralcare (early years)
• Onestop Motor Engineers (2007–2012)
• Dogzone (2013–2014)
• Harvie Tyres Ltd (2014–2016)
• J. & W. Builders (2017–2023)
• Andrew Anderson & Sons Funeral Directors (2018–present)
• R.B. Joinery & Builders (2024–present)

Each sponsor played a critical role in sustaining the tournament, and the committee offers sincere thanks for their continued support. We particularly thank J. & W. Builders for their generous sponsorship over seven years (2017-2023).

As we enter the 2025 season, we acknowledge significant changes to our committee structure. Mr P. Martin is stepping down from the committee after years of dedicated service. We thank him for his valuable contributions to the City of Stirling Top Fifteen Group over the years.

We are pleased to welcome Mr L. Begg to the committee, bringing our membership back to four members and ensuring continued strong governance of the competition.

Reflections

The City of Stirling Top Fifteen Bowling Competition has evolved into a celebrated annual tradition, bringing clubs together in friendly but passionate competition. From its humble beginnings in 2002 to a sixteen-club contest with a rotating final, the Top Fifteen has become a highlight of the local sporting calendar, honouring sportsmanship, community, and Stirling's rich lawn bowls heritage.