Report from the 87th Eastbourne Open Bowls Tournament
In overcast condition which later produced light rain, the 87th running of the Eastbourne Open Bowls
Tournament, sponsored by Wendy and Neil Kirby (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 Pat Hearn) welcomed the participants and commenced proceedings, undertaking a one end match against the tournament sponsor for the last 8 years, Neil Kirby (Langham Hotel). In the early rounds of the Mens Singles, former champions found the going very hard. Last year’s winner, Andrew Albon (Gildredge Park) was beaten by Charles Wright (Spartan) 21-18. The 2014 champion, David Willis (Bexhill) went out in the first round to Ted Sutton (Endeby) 21-11. The 2006 champion Francois Celada (Eastbourne) was also a first round casualty, going out to Andy Corbin (Uckfield ) 21-16. This leaves the only recent times champions surviving after the first day of competition to be David Richardson (Popes Mead), who won the title in 2005, 2010 and 2013, and Peter Jackson (EastbourneBC), 2012.
In the Ladies Pairs, reigning champions Rachel Mackriell and Julia Fordham (Eastbourne) have progressed to the quarter-finals where they will meet Gillie Hill and Mary Bray (Eastbourne). The Tournament finals take place on Friday (15th ) at Gildredge Park BC.

Wright Scoops £1000 Singles Open
Well known Sussex Bowls ace Charles Wright claimed the top prize at the final of the 87th Eastbourne Open Bowls Tournament. The event, sponsored by Wendy and Neil Kirby of the Langham Hotel, took place at
Gildredge Park in front of c.140 spectators. A new name was assured to be placed upon the Mens’ Singles trophy when Charles Wright (Spartan) and Joe Cornelius (West Wimbledon) took to the green. It was Charles who set the early pace, leading 9-3 after 8 ends. Joe then rallied and after 11 ends trailed by only 2 shots 7-9, but lost the next 2 ends to trail 13-7. Joe then enthused the watching crowd by winning the next 2 ends played, scoring singles, taking at 13-9 in Charles’ favour. Joe only managed 1 more shot as the final end played (the 20th) saw Charles pick up the shot required and the title 21-10. The Ladies’ Singles was contested by Rachel Mackriell (Eastbourne) and Angela Cleveley (Fleckney). Early exchanges went in Rachel’s favour, the score 11-7 after 10 ends but Angela then won 4 ends in a row to lead 14-11. Rachel responded and after 20 ends the scores were level 17-17, but it was Angela who took the last 3 ends to triumph 21-17. The Mens’ Pairs
title was taken by Chris Antiss (Knighton Victoria) and Andy Browning (Gildredge Park), defeating Bill Fuller and Roger Cable (Eastbourne) 24-8. The Ladies’ Pairs saw defending champions Rachel Mackriell and Julia Fordham (Eastbourne) take on Alison Johnson (Knighton Victoria) and Ellen Strevens (Gildredge Park). Last year’s champions led 15-5 after 10 ends but were pegged back to a 3 shot lead (19-16) after 17 ends. The Eastbourne team lost only one more shot and retained their title 24-17 in what was another close and exciting final. In the Mens’ Triples final, Jono Dalton (Popes Mead), Carl Dyer (Sidley Martlets) and Neil Potter
(Horsham) proved too strong on the day for David Brennan (South Derbyshire), Dick Watkinson
(Knighton Victoria) and B Kenney, running out winners 20-7. The Mixed Triples saw Gwen Burke (Cliftonville), Clive Jones (Unattached) and Shane Packham (Eastbourne) defeat Jean Clements, Bob Benstead and Brian Clements (Eastbourne) 21-14. At the prize giving following the event, the Worshipful the Mayor
(Cllr Pat Hearn) presented the trophies and Tournament Sponsors Wendy and Neil Kirby (Langham Hotel) the cash prizes. Madam Mayor was presented with flowers, as was Gildredge Park President Pat Osborne.
Tournament President Vince Smith thanked all those who had helped to make this year’s event a success, particularly Ron Putland for his work at Headquarters.