Report from the 86th Eastbourne Open Bowls Tournament
In overcast condition which later produced rain, the 86th running of the Eastbourne Open Bowls Tournament, sponsored by Langham Hotel, commenced on Sunday. The event, which started in 1924 and is played on greens around the town, attracts around 50% of its entry from outside of the area, a regular contingent making the trip down from Leicester. The Worshipful The Mayor of Eastbourne (Cllr Janet Coles) welcomed the participants and commenced proceedings, undertaking a one end match against the tournament sponsor for the last 7 years, Neil Kirby (Langham Hotel). In the early rounds of the Mens Singles, former champions found the going very hard. Last year’s winner, David Willis (Bexhill), fell at the first hurdle to Colin Taylor (Eastbourne) 21-15. The 2012 champion, Peter Jackson (Eastbourne) also went out in the first round to Andy Browning (Gildredge Park) 21-16. Champion in 2009, Barrie Fordham (Eastbourne) survived the first round but went out in the second to Danny Dargan (Sidley Martlets) 21-12 and 2006 champion Francois Celada (Eastbourne) was another first round casualty, going out to Adrian Wainwright (Uckfield) 21-20. This leaves the only recent times champion surviving after the first day to be David Richardson (Popes Mead), who won the title in 2005, 2010 and 2013, and who seems in fine form, winning to single figures in both of the first two rounds.
In the Ladies Pairs, reigning champions Beth Clarke and Sheila Simmons (Eastbourne) have progressed to the semi-finals where they will meet Joan Jones (Lilleshall) and Rene Jones (Durrants Park).

Albon Scoops 86th annual singles open
Bowls ace Andy Albon claimed the top prize at the final of the 86th Eastbourne Open Bowls Tournament. The event, sponsored by Wendy and Neil Kirby of the Langham Hotel, took place at Gildredge Park in changeable weather conditions that could neither dampen the enthusiasm of the spectators nor detract from the quality of play on show. A new name was assured to be placed upon the Mens’ Singles trophy when local players Andy Albon (Gildredge Park) and Robert Ramsden (Victoria Drive & Eastbourne Ladies) took to the green. Despite Andy playing on home turf it was Robert who set the early pace, leading 10-4 after 10 ends. Albon then picked up a 3 but lost the next 4 ends in a row to trail 19-7 at 15 ends. Albon then amazed the watching crowd by winning the next 6 ends played, including two maximum 4s, taking the match and the title 21-19. The Ladies’ Singles was contested by Cathy Greenwood (Parade) and Joan Jones (Lilleshall). Early exchanges were even, the score 7-7 after 9 ends but Joan’s experience then took over, allowing Greenwood only 1 more shot as the former Gildredge Park bowler triumphed 21-8, taking the title. The Mens’ Pairs title was taken by Andy Corbin and Adrian Wainwright (Uckfield), defeating Mark Harding (Cheam) and John Marshall (West Wimbledon) 27-4. The Ladies’ Pairs saw defending champions Beth Clarke and Sheila Simmons (Eastbourne) take on their club mates Rachel Mackriell and Julia Fordham. Last year’s champions led 15-13 after 14 ends but then dropped 9 shots in 2 ends to trail 22-16 and scored only 1 more shot, losing their title 29-16 to the new champions. In the Mens’ Triples final, the Leicester team of Cyril Berrill, Ken Raynor and Les Jinks (St Margarets) were unable to match Martin Cropper, Willie Woods (both Sidley Martlets) and Phil Wade (Spartan), who ran out winners 17-8. The Mixed Triples saw Mary Bray, Lloyd Oliver and Francois Celada (Eastbourne) defeat the surprise team of the event, Eric Bishop, Rod Lewis (both Eastbourne) and near nonagenarian skip Rene Jones (Durrants Park) 19-13. At the prize giving following the event, the Worshipful the Mayor (Cllr Janet Coles) presented the trophies and Simon Brown (Manager – Langham Hotel, representing the sponsors) the cash prizes. Madam Mayor was presented with flowers, as was Ron Putland in recognition of his work throughout Tournament week. A special presentation of flowers was made to Rene Jones in respect of her remarkable efforts on the green. Ladies’ representative, Mrs Annie France Jackson, asked the local ladies to come together next year to enter and support the Ladies events. Tournament President Vince Smith thanked all those who had helped to make this year’s event a success.