The Duncan Rouse Bat & Trap Trophy 2026

For the fourth year ‘The Duncan Rouse Bat and Trap Trophy’ was again competed for by players from across the Province, in order to show their skills (or lack of) at this traditional East Kent Pub game event.

Sixteen teams competed for this prestigious Trophy and Medals, on a beautiful and very hot summer’s day at the Farriers Arms, Mersham (just outside Ashford), which was very kindly hosted by Landlord, John Hockley.

Players, friends and relatives began to arrive at 9am with the first game scheduled for 10am. Bacon Rolls, Tea and Coffee kick started the day.

We were also very fortunate to have on board the Provincial Director of Ceremonies, Graham Cuthbert, to manage the bar and keep everyone in order, ably assisted by Warren and Lynn Hyder. Kevin Kemp facilitated the event by kindly again supplying us the Bat & Trap equipment and was on hand as Chief Referee to oversee the games and to ensure that any disputes were resolved amicably.

It was a pleasure to welcome the PGM Elect, Trevor Carter who headed up an Executive Team and of course the sponsor of the Trophy, Duncan Rouse, with the Past Executive Team.

Play got underway promptly at 10am, interspersed with Hot dogs and Burgers to keep the players fuelled and of course, some alternative liquid refreshment for those who required it. After the preliminary rounds, we were into the 3rd place play-off, eventually won by the magnificent Duncan Rouse’s Past Executive Team.

Then to the Grand Final, between 2025 runners-up, Septum and Lodge St George Bahrain, no 7389. After a very competitive match came the win for Lodge St George Bahrain. Duncan Rouse APGM kindly stepped forward to present his Trophy and Medals to the new 2026 champions Lodge St George Bahrain.
1st Place – Lodge St George Bahrain no 7389

2nd Place – Septem Lodge, no 7788

3rd Place – Past Executive Team

This is a great event and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves so we look forward to next year with great enthusiasm. Please look out for the date and enter a team in early for the next event. This event has been such a success which has snowballed each year. If you would like it to continue, we will need volunteers to assist and if you are willing to help in any way, please contact either, Bob Hadlow or Peter Herbert.

Special Thanks to: Bob Hadlow, Peter Herbert, Graham Cuthbert, Warren and Lynn Hyder, Kevin Kemp, Paul Akast, Steph Hadlow, Lorraine Mellor, Lisa Hall (Caterer) and her girls Amanda & Heidi, who manned the BBQ, Chris and Mandy Byrom for supplying the PA and the excellent music, Tim Roots (Tim’s Trophies Folkestone) for the supply of the medals and the free engraving on the trophy and medals, David Tumber of St Johns Ambulance and last, but not least, Landlord, John Hockley for the use of the field and his help with the bar.

The raffle for a ‘Barrow’ and ‘Box’ of Booze raised £605 – a fantastic effort!. One moment of hilarity, was when the PGM Elect, Trevor Carter was invited to conduct the draw and he pulled out (unknowingly) his own tickets for ‘Both’ but being the man that he is, he drew the tickets again.