Report from the 2011 Tournament
Sunday 10th July saw the commencement of the 82nd Eastbourne Mens Open, sponsored by Langham Hotel. The first bowls were delivered by Deputy Mayor of Eastbourne Cllr Mike Thompson and Andrew Coy (General Manager of sponsor – Langham Hotel). The singles competition was keenly contested, with no less than seven former champions entered in the 100+ field. In section A, 2006 champion Francois ‘Italian Stallion’ Celada (EastbourneBC) was knocked out 21-17 by Alan Rowden (Gildredge ParkBC) in the 3rd round. Alan was subsequently beaten 21-11 in the quarter finals by multiple former champion Chris Field (Victoria Drive & Eastbourne Ladies BC). In section B, last year’s champion Dave ‘Caveman’ Richardson (Lindfield BC) was another 3rd round casualty, beaten by Brian ‘Bubbles’ Henty (Victoria Drive & Eastbourne Ladies BC) 21-15. Brian fell in the next round to his clubmate and 2008 champion, Martin ‘Thundering Herd’ Biggleston. Martin then went out of the competition in the quarter finals to Phil ‘The Traveller’ Palmer, soundly beaten 21-7. Section C was dominated by regular visitor Gerry ‘The Cowboy’ Vincent (ChessingtonBC). Gerry was given a scare in the quarter finals by Colin Coulcher (Gildredge ParkBC) but slipped through 21-20 after a titanic struggle. In section D, David ‘Sherlock’ Holmes (Riverside Tonbridge BC) won through to the semi finals beating local player Geoff ‘The Postman’ Puttock (Hampden ParkBC) in the quarter final 21-15.
In the semi-finals Chris defeated Phil 21-11 and Gerry beat David after a phenomenal contest 21-20.
In the final Chris was quickly into his stride and raced away to lead 15-3. Gerry dug deep and responded, closing the gap to only three shots at 16-13, but was unable to add to that tally and Chris finished off the match finally winning 21-13.
The Pairs final was contested between host club pairing Ken Lambert / Jim Baxter (Gildredge ParkBC) and tournament organisers Vince Smith (Unattached)/ Mike Taylor (EastbourneBC). Early exchanges were even with the score 5-5 at 8 ends but Vince and Mike then progressed steadily to win 27-11.
The Mens Triples final was contested between reigning champion skip Roy ‘Meerkat’ Charlton, John Price (both Royal Sovereign BC), Ron ‘Convict’ Putland (sub) (Gildredge Park BC) and Roger ’The Bear’ Plant, Chris ‘Whiggy’ Antiss (both of Knighton Victoria BC), with host club skip Andy Browning (Gildredge Park BC). The reigning champion prevailed – winning 24-7.