Australian Pairs Tournament preview
May 2nd from 9.45 all day. Spectators warmly welcome. Scroll down for the schedule.
Messages have been coming in from around the world wishing our 20 pairs of bowlers bowlers good luck in the Gildredge Australian Pairs tournament on Monday 2nd May. Each pair of Gildredge bowlers is representing one of the commonwealth games bowls countries who will be at Birmingham2022. Some of the messages so far include:-
Representing New Zealand are Alison Williams and Andy Wratten
New Zealand Lawn Bowls Head Coach Mike Kernaghan says "It sounds like you have a full contingent of players ready to make the event a success and will do wonders to create a positive atmosphere in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Best wishes to Alison Williams and Andy Wratten who will represent New Zealand in this tournament. Have a wonderful, successful day."
Representing Guernsey are Arthur Strevens and Jet Tait
On behalf of all at Team Guernsey may we wish our two honorary representatives Arthur Strevens & Jet Tait the very best in the competition. Faot Allai Guernesiais ! " Let's go , Guernsey ! " writes Peter Priaulx, Guernsey Bowls Manager for 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Representing Isle of Man are Mal Rossell and Howard Medway
"...send best wishes to Mal Rossell and Howard Medway!!", writes Win Kewley, secretary of Lawn Bowls Isle of Man. "Best wishes for a successful tournament and come on Isle of Man team !!!"
Representing Malaysia are Mike Hunnisett and Val Butler
The Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation writes "Hoping for a successful and friendly tournament and your two players Mike Hunnisett and Val Butler representing Malaysia. Hope they do well at the game". Syed Zainal Abidin, Team Manager
Representing Malta are Eileen Harris and Richard Scullion
"It certainly would be my pleasure to thank yourself and Eastbourne England Club , and your two players Eileen Harris and Richard Scullion who will be representing Malta in your upcoming event. We would like to wish them well along with all involved for a successful event. It’s very nice to know that we now have two adopted MALTESE FALCONS ,( as we are known )" Joe Saragozza .( Maltese Falcons )
Representing England are Sue Boyland and David Forge
Mal Evans, Director of Coaching at Bowls England sends a message to Sue Boyland, David Forge and the whole club. "On behalf of Bowls Team England we are delighted to hear about the special tournament you have organised at your club on the 2nd May. It sounds as if you have an exciting day ahead of you and how fitting that it is to take place within a Commonwealth Games season. Who knows perhaps you might unearth someone that might represent England at the next games in four years time! Can we send extra special wishes to Sue Boyland and David Forge who have the distinction of being England's representatives at your tournament and wish them every success and hope that they set the tone by winning your tournament - this will then send a fantastic message to the Commonwealth Squad to replicate it at the Games in Leamington.
Go Sue and David and come on Team England!!!"
Schedule for the day
The morning group stage
9.15 am Players register
9.45 am Three rounds of matches, each of five ends. 10 rinks in operation.
Lunch break
From 12.30 to 1.15 while the league tables from the morning are sorted out and the draw for the finals is made
The afternoon knock-out and play-offs
The boomerang knockout stage starts at 1.15 pm
Quarters and semis followed at 3.05 by the Grand Final and 3rd/4th play-off
The down under play-offs start at 1.15 pm
Two rounds of five-end matches for the losing teams from the morning
The presentations
Presentations will start at 3.55 pm
The draw for consolation cash prizes from amongst the losing teams
The 2nd and 3rd place prizes
The winning team who will receive the Jim Ashby Plate and a cash prize
Refreshments
Tea, coffee and biscuits on a help yourself basis during the day (usual price of £1.00)
Bring your own lunch
Bar should be open for the final and the prize-giving