Report from the 2009 Tournament
The 80th Mens Eastbourne Open climaxed on Friday at Gildredge ParkBC. The poor weather conditions failed to reduce the high quality of bowling, which was appreciated by a crowd of enthusiastic spectators. In the Singles, Barry Fordham (HampdenPark) was challenged by regular visitor Nick Cleveley (Knighton Victoria – Leicester). Refusing the option to abandon the green during particularly heavy rain, the players fought out a terrific contest. Early honours went to Nick but a full house on the 4th end swung things briefly in Barry’s favour so that he led 5–3. Nick won 5 of the next 7 ends to level the game 10-10 at the halfway mark. Then the downpour and Barry quickly scored 5 shots without reply. Nick was not giving up however and fought back to 13–15 after 16 ends. Barry then picked up 5 shots in the next 2 ends and despite temporary resistance from Nick scored the final shot required on the 20 th end winning 21-14. In the Pairs, Cameron Adam and Danny Dargan (White Rock) took on locals Martin Biggleston (Victoria Drive & EBL) and Derek Dyer (Eastbourne). The local pair suffered at the start, trailing 1-10 after only 4 ends but responded strongly to lead 13 -12 at 11 ends. They never led again as the White Rock duo established their superiority and pulled away to triumph 27-16. The reigning Triples Champions Eddie Hart, Nick Cleveley and Daniel Cleveley (Knighton Victoria) won the crown for the third successive year. It was not without a severe scare after leading 14-5 at 10 ends against Tony Rees, Roy Cooper (both Malden) and Gerry Vincent (Chessington) they did not score again until the last end when they picked up a single shot to win the game 15-14. Motcombe Gardens based Rosemary Fuller, Malcolm Fuller and Ken Sprange teamed up for the inaugural running of the Mixed Triples competition and were always in front against visitors Clive Jones, Gwen Burke and Colin Neal running out winners 15-11. Trophies and prizes were presented by The Worshipful the Mayor of Eastbourne Cllr Greg Szanto and Neil Kirby representing Tournament sponsor – Langham Hotel who thanked organisers Vince Smith and Mike Taylor. David Forge, the Chairman of Gildredge Park (and surprise winner of the ‘dodgy shirt’ competition held at the Social event at Langham Hotel the previous evening!) presented the tournament organisers with a donation of £100.