2022 Hastings Open Bowls Tournament Report

The small number of entrants (40 Singles/18 Pairs/18 Triples) that competed this year were granted glorious weather, bowling greens in good condition if sometimes a bit swift & wonderful refreshment provided by Martyn Naylor & team manning the Bar ably supported by Mark & Sarah in the Kitchen. The Committee thanks the many competitors who gave up their time to MARK Singles matches & to all those that assisted the organisers in the management of the Greens. Thanks to Hastings Borough Council for allowing us to use their Greens at no charge & Parking Services for making life easier for those that travelled a distance. Open Singles Champion was Jack Till (Gullivers) who came from behind to overcome last year’s Runner-Up David Baxter (Wanstead Central) by 1 shot leaving it to the last end to nose in front. Open Triples Champions were Alec Martin/Trevor Logan/Shaun Godfrey (mostly White Rock) who nudged out Stuart James/Gary Wilson/Martyn Naylor (Rosemount) 18-15. Alec Martin & Shaun Godfrey beat Ed Law & Dave Morgan to take the Consolation Pairs. As the Tournament makes a significant loss this year 2023 will most likely be the last (111th) to be held unless significant support materialises.

Photos - 2022

2021 Tournament (9th-14th August) Report:
Thanks to the lifting of most COVID restrictions and the free use of the most excellent White Rock Gardens Bowling Greens, courtesy of Hastings Borough Council & IDVERDE UK Ltd, the 2021 Hastings Open Bowls Tournament went ahead as planned, in glorious sunshine & pleasant temperatures.
A slimmer field of 52 Singles (3 Wood, 15 Ends only) Competitors & 21 Triples Teams (18 Ends) fought it out under much different than usual play formats (brain child of George Webster) - featuring a Four day Round Robin with the most successful going forward to a straight Knockout on the last Two days in each event.
In the Singles, Alec Martin (White Rock BC) managed to overcome Gary Wilson (Rosemount BC) (just, on an extra end shoot-out 16-15) in his Semi-final and then challenged David Baxter (Epping BC) in the final - David managing to overcome Bowls Supremo Steve Jeapes (White Rock BC) 13-9 in his Semi. The Final itself couldn't have been tighter with the score tied on 5 separate ends as the game proceeded to the last end, which Alec managed to grab 9-8.
In the Triples, the FAMILY Jeapes (Ollie, Michael (both of Parkway BC), Steve) overcame all their opponents and proved too tough in the final's for the team from Sidley Martlets (Darren Sargent, Terry Phillips & Carl Dyer) 21-14, with Ollie (11 yrs old) competing very competently with his Dad & Grandad - certainly a young star to watch for the future. He also narrowly missed out on the Singles Qualifiers by just 8 shots, winning three of his four matches.
Of course, the Tournament couldn't run without the outstanding efforts of the Bar (Martyn, Dave & Heather) ensuring parched throats were suitably refreshed. The catering was well managed by the stand in team of Mark & Sarah, who ably maintained the energy levels of both Competitors & Helpers alike - and was very much appreciated. Special mention for Bill Smith who donated £50 to Tournament Funds and Bob Freemantle who 'baked a cake .... a VERY BIG Chocolate Cake (which travelled all the way from Houghton Regis) which was auctioned off to Pete Murie who then donated it to the bowlers, in aid of the RNLI. The Committee also thanked all those who Marked the Singles competition so 'willingly' that made the New format a challenging competitive success.
Thanks go to our Sponsor Kiley's Karpets & Advertiser JS Fire Protection Ltd.
On a very sad note we pass on the News that long term supporter (& sponsor) of the Tournament, Don Softley lost his very long fight for life and is being laid to rest on 27th August 2021.
Photo: Singles Winner Alec Martin; Triples Winners (left to right) Michael, Ollie, Steve Jeapes

PRESS RELEASE

Main Tournament Dates:
Monday 9th August to Saturday 14th August 2021
    Charity Tournament Date: Sunday 26th September 2021

‘A DIFFERENT START’
An unpredictable summer ahead and many still unsure whether it’s safe to play outdoors again. In light of this situation & the ever dwindling supply of willing volunteers the Tournament has decided to slim down for this year.
We shall only be offering TWO events, an Open Singles (3 Woods, 15 ends) & an Open Triples (3 Woods, 18 ends). Both events have a Prize Fund of £1000.
Each Singles competitor is guaranteed a game each day - Monday to Thursday. There will be four groups of Singles who will play a Round Robin across these four days. The Top Four from each Group will proceed to Friday for a straight knockout, down to the last Four who will then battle it out on Saturday to take a share of “the £1000” prize fund.
The same arrangements will apply to the Triples with it’s own £1000 prize fund.
Timetabling will ensure competitors can take part in both events but please be prepared to last the whole day Monday to Thursday … you’re guaranteed TWO games each day.
As mentioned earlier, the ever dwindling supply of volunteers unfortunately includes Markers such that we now require Singles entrants to MARK two games. The committee feel if you’re able to play Singles you should thus be able to MARK as well.
On-site catering will be different to previous year’s – please watch the website for further details.
The Nitty Gritty of Tournament conditions of play will be available on the website (& on site) in due course but we shall endeavour to ensure they’re not too onerous.
Unfortunately we can do nothing about the Parking (now plaguing most Tournaments I’m afraid). We still provide the Extension to the Max 4 hour stay for the surrounding P&D Car Parks.
The Committee look forward to your entry & hopefully WE CAN ALL LOOK FORWARD to NO SOCIAL DISTANCING RESTRICTIONS as well.