From three Eastbourne Open championships to the internal club leagues, Gildredge bowlers are enjoying some excellent matches this year.
Three Open Championships!
Many congratulations and respect go to Rob Ramsden winner of the Eastbourne OPEN SINGLES. To Gill Seymour, Andy Seymour, and Rob Ramsden, winners of the Eastbourne OPEN MIXED TRIPLES. And to Keith Goodwin and Cathy Greenwood, winners of the Eastbourne OPEN MIXED PAIRS.
Photo: The victorious Eastbourne Open Singles Champion, and the Eastbourne Open mixed triples champions. Left to right: Rob Ramsden (singles champion and member of the triples champions, Gill Seymour (triples champion), Andy Seymour (triples champion)
Photo: Cathy Greenwood and Keith Goodwin receive the Mixed Pairs trophy from Mayor Rodohan
Something for everyone
One of the great things about our club is that it caters for all competitive interests. Some members love the more relaxed inter-club matches, or perhaps the Thursday club day leagues, some enter the internal club competitions, others want to test themselves at Town, County, National, and Open level.
Some competitions are over, others are continuing. Here's some of the progress so far this season, and some thoughts from some of our members.
Thursday club leagues
The ladies league continues all season. Teams are named after famous authors. It is close at the top as Team Charlotte Bronte battle Team J.K. Rowling, but with many matches yet to play all the teams are possible champions. The men's John Batten league has teams names after Sussex villages. The league finished with a three way tie between Coggins Mill, Broad Oak, and Heron's Ghyll with Coggins Mill being declared winners on a count back of shot difference. The men now move from the John Batten league to begin the September Shield in late July when teams named after the knights of the round table will do battle. Will Galahad beat Percival? Will Lancelot overcome Gawain?
Bob Hapgood says "I have learnt a lot from playing with experienced players. The league has been competitive but not stressful. Everyone is really friendly and I have enjoyed playing against lots of different people".
County/National Competitions
Congratulations to the ladies county double rink squad who progressed through the early round. Mary Bowley, Carole Forge, Jenny Townsend, Eve Goldsmith, Ellen Strevens, Cathy Greenwood, Mal Rossell, Ros Pickering, Eileen Harris, and Marilyn Doust, were finally pipped against Lindfield on Thursday so missed out on reaching the Zone Final….next year team!
In the Tony Allcock over 60s National competition Mary Bowley, Arthur Strevens, Jenny Townsend, George Murray, Ros Pickering, Ellen Strevens, Duncan Pickering, and Rob Ramsden did brilliantly to reach the zone semi-final.
Congratulations to Jenny Townsend on reaching, and winning, the County Semi-Finals of the unbadged County Singles. Jenny's next round will be in August.
Photo: Jenny Townsend about to put another bowl on the jack
Congratulations to our Ladies Senior Fours team who entered the County Competition and have reached the county semi- finals. This will take place at Preston Bowling Club, Brighton on 31st July at 10 a.m. Good luck to Marilyn Doust, Ellen Strevens, Cathy Greenwood, and Jenny Townsend.
Club competitions
These are reaching the quarter and semi final rounds. 2022 has seen a great interest in the club competitions with an amazing 91 different club members entered in at least one competition. There have been some notable matches. Several of our new members have done particularly well. Kevin McMichael has reached five quarter finals in his first year! He says "I have really enjoyed playing in inter-club matches and find I have learnt a lot and playing away matches on other club's greens also helps me improve. The camaraderie at Gildredge, and the friendliness of visiting clubs is wonderful. I also entered the club competitions. These have been competitive and exciting although it is getting to the sharp end now!"
You can see all the results so far on the notice boards in the men's and ladies' changing rooms.
Meg Reed says "I'm learning fast and everyone has been so helpful. Playing inter-club matches was a step up for me but they have been friendly and increased my confidence. I have even entered a couple of the club competitions this year!"
Town and other competitions
In singles, pairs and triples our club members are progressing. Around 30 members entered these more challenging competitions. Amongst those who have reached third round or quarter finals are Brian Whittaker, Marlene Gallagher. Kevin Hilton, Eileen Harris, Carol Forge, Jo Doust, Mary Bowley, Ian Dixon, Andy Seymour, Marilyn Doust, Kevin Hilton, Anita Dixon, and others. Matches are underway continually. You can see how members are progressing through the rounds by looking in the Town Competitions folder on the green steward's desk.
New to bowling or matches?
Why not come to the Friday evening BBQ? George Murray says "Lots of people enjoy the game on a Friday evening. For some new members it is their first experience of a match. For more established members who can't make other matches, the Friday evening is a great opportunity to play. The more experienced bowlers help the new bowlers understand match play in a friendly and not stressful evening! The Friday night is a useful stepping stone into competitive bowling. There are also cash prizes! It's casual but competitive"
What about you next year?
All club members are encouraged to enter the competitions, whatever your level. Sign up for the inter-club matches on the clipboards. Enter the club competitions when the forms come out in Jan/Feb next year. And why not try the Town or County or Eastbourne Open Competitions? Many competitions are personal entries, not club entries, so you don't need to be selected. Look out for entry forms and procedure next year. And there are always members who will help you if its your first time.
p.s. don't forget short mat during the winter!
