The LEH Trophy is best described as the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire’s version of the FA Cup. Comprising of a home and away leg, clubs must field a team of 10 with players competing in Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours.
The entry levels for the competition have dropped slightly in recent years and we are keen for this competition, which maintains and celebrates the close relationship between our two counties, to continue in a healthy form. I would particularly draw the attention of the smaller clubs to the competition rule which permits two smaller clubs (12 or fewer registered members) to enter a combined team. This has been utilised by some Herefordshire clubs but not yet by anyone from Gloucestershire – please think about whether this is a route to participation if player numbers are the deterring factor.
Please consider entering a team, even if your club has not previously entered. We would love to see this competition remain strong as it represents a valuable opportunity to maintain the long-standing relationship between the two counties’ clubs and players.
For anyone not familiar with the competition the brief format is:
- A club competition for registered Herefordshire & Gloucestershire clubs – players must be registered through the club they represent, each club is limited to one entry
- A team of 10 players plays a two-legged multi-discipline match (Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours) with each player playing in one discipline per leg (teams can be altered between the two legs of a match)
- A match comprises home and away legs, arranged by the participating clubs, with overall shots across the two legs determining the winner
- It is a knockout competition and there are either 4 (if 17+ entries) or 3 rounds played across the winter season leading up to the final
- The final is played as a single match at a neutral venue
The closing date for entries is Sunday 25th August 2024 – the draw will then be made, and participating clubs will be informed of the draw and contact details by the end of August.
The final is provisionally scheduled to be held on Wednesday 2nd April 2025. This date, and the venue, will be confirmed once the entries are finalised.
Entry is £15.00 per team
Entry forms should be returned to the HSMBA League Secretary by email (hsmbaleaguesec@gmail.com) or post (Ian Roe, HSMBA League Secretary, Yew Tree Cottage, How Caple, Hereford, HR1 4TA)
