The 3rd Worthing Unified Open Bowls Tournament
The 3rd Worthing Unified Open Bowls Tournament commenced on Monday 29th August 2011 with the Mayor of Worthing, Councillor Mrs Ann Barlow, opening proceedings by bowling the first wood. The Committee wish to thank her for taking time out of her busy schedule to perform this ceremony for us.
The Committee also wish to thank Worthing Borough Council for the use of the greens at Beach House Park, Worthing providing free car parking throughout the tournament. Also Continental Landscapes Ltd for the way the greens and the park in general were presented. The green keepers, ‘the two Daves’, did an excellent job as usual in setting up and cutting the greens each day in order that the competitors can enjoy their bowls.
Of course the weather plays a major part in the smooth running of the tournament and the fact that we had lovely weather during the first week meant that there were few problems for the committee to deal with. The committee was even able to run a consolation pairs for those who went out early. It was surprising that Nathan ‘The Beast’ Beeson didn’t manage to win anything he even lost in the consolation pairs final!! Still never mind Nathan there is always next year. It was nice to see a youngster, 16 year old Jon Wilson, with his partner Ian Steele reach the final of the pairs but unfortunately they were no match for the inform pair of Darren Anderson and Scott Edwards.
Steve Shanley and his four won the Fours for the second year running but only after overcoming a scare in the second round when they came back from 18 -4 down with 8 ends to go to win on the last end. They then went on to win a close fought final against Robert Palser’s four.
The trophies and prize money were presented by the sponsor’s representatives Julie Johnson of Guildcare for the pairs and Chris Ide of ‘The Range’ who presented the trophy to the Fours.
I think it only right to give Jenni Jamieson a mention here and congratulate her on the way she dealt with all the competitors, booking them in and issuing the jacks. Once again I am pleased to report we didn’t lose any jacks during the course of the tournament thanks to Jenni.
The second week started promisingly but was very hectic for the committee having to organise appox.150 singles games during the day. This required a lot of markers; the committee recognise that without their help the tournament wouldn’t be able to run as well as it did and so thank all the markers for coming along and giving up their time to help us out. As a way of appreciation for their efforts the committee run a free draw for the markers and at the end of the tournament award a prize of £50 to one lucky marker, this year it was won by Peter Meyrick from Hove. Well done Peter.
Following a good day on Monday it all went downhill on Tuesday weather-wise with wind and rain spoiling proceedings. However every one managed to battle through and keep the programme on course.
The weather was kind to us for the rest of the week and by Friday we reached the quarter finals of the singles. There was something of an upset when Scott Edwards, the pre tournament favourite was beaten by Barry Steadman of Lancing. This may not have been such a surprise as he then went on to beat Dave Richardson in the semi final coming back for 8-0 down to win 21-11. As Attilio Ciampini was the only one left in two competitions his semi final had to be played on Friday afternoon. Unfortunately he just lost out to Dave Moses in a close battle. This was unfortunate for Attilio but it meant the semi finals and finals could all be played off on Saturday as planned.
Dave Moses finally brought Barry Steadman’s good run to an end winning 21-18 in the final. The triples was won by Ian Honnor ably assisted by his dad and Dave Cornwell who beat Attilio’s trio from Ruislip in the final.
The Tournament ended on Saturday 10th September 2011 with Amy Birch of Caring lady Funeral directors presenting the trophies and prize money to singles winner and runners up and our President standing in for Mr Michael Clinch of ‘The Chatsworth Hotel’ to present the Triples prizes.
The Committee wish to thank all the sponsors for supporting our Tournament in the way they do.
All results can be found on the draw page and the previous winners’ page. The Photos page will also be updated as soon as possible.
The committee received many votes of thanks, congratulations and commendations throughout the tournament for the way it was run and virtually everybody who took part said they enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere and would be back next year. This is very heartening for the committee to hear and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year as well.