Report from the 2010 Tournament
The Langham Hotel sponsored 81st Eastbourne Mens Open Bowls enjoyed fine, sometimes blustery, weather throughout the week. The competitors played on greens around the town culminating in finals held at GildredgePark attended by over 100 supporters who enjoyed both the excellent bowling and also the lunchtime music provided by the Wealden Brass. The Singles final was fought out between Dave ‘Caveman’ Richardson (Lindfield) and Charles ‘Wide Load’ Wright who had earlier been partners in the Pairs Final. The Caveman had defeated previous winner Martin ‘ Thundering Herd’ Biggleston (Victoria Drive & EBL) in the semi-finals, only leading 13-12 after 17 ends but finishing strongly to win 21-14. Wide Load was also involved in a keenly contested semi- final meeting with Phil Soper (Uckfield). With the score 8-8 after 14 ends the Load produced a heavyweight finish to win 21-10. The final was played in a very sporting manner. Early ends were shared with the score 9-8 to the Caveman but he then took 7 of the last 9 ends played to win 21-12. Earlier the pair had taken on regular visitors George Hardy and Bernie Agent (Larsen) in the Pairs Final. By agreement of the players this game had started early and as a result was played to the musical accompaniment of Wealden Brass! George and Bernie found the music to their liking and went into an early lead 12-6 but as the band struck up ‘Sussex by the Sea’ it inspired Load and Caveman who won the next 9 ends to run out winners 24-20. The Triples Final was won by Adrian Wainwright’s team from Uckfield consisting of B.Hooker and Phil Soper (with Colin York (Victoria Drive & EBL) substituting in the final for Phil who was suffering a back problem.) They beat local team Bob Jones, Dave Booth and Ken Hill (Eastbourne) 17-11 after taking control from midway in the game. The Mixed Triples title went to Gill Lower, John Blackman and Ken Hill (who had a very successful tournament) defeating Mary Bray and the Palmer brothers Phil and Bob 25-7. Prizes were presented by The Worshipful the Mayor and tournament sponsors Wendy and Neil Kirby (Langham Hotel). Tournament President Vince Smith thanked all those who had helped make the tournament a success again this year, presenting flowers to Madam Mayor and sponsor Wendy Kirby. He received a donation to Tournament Funds of £100 from Gildredge ParkBC. A special presentation was made for Ron Pamplin and Dennis Tonkinson (GildredgePark) who have a combined age of 180 years and who have assisted with car parking at the Finals for at least the last 10 years through both monsoon and heatwave and whose attitude illustrates the willingness of the often unheralded workers behind the scenes.