Bexhill Bowls Open Tournament 2022

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This year’s Bexhill Bowls Open Tournament (BOBT) has sadly come to an end, but it was surely one to remember. We are very proud to have been a part of the Tournament, which Toni and her team did a fantastic job at organising. The week (and 2 days) was packed with thrilling matches across all the competitions. The format of singles, pairs and triples for men and singles and pairs for ladies allowed for multiple games to be played across the different greens at the Polgrove Bowls Club. It was amazing to see the massive turnout of people taking part, plus hundreds of supporters. This year’s Bexhill Bowls Open Tournament was played over 9 days, most of which had perfect weather conditions.

In total there were 354 entries to all the competitions which is a large increase on previous years. With most competitors being accompanied by family members/friends and locals coming to view the tournament, the turnout for the event reached up to 400-500 people.

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The Ford Puma, Kia Sportage and ŠKODA KAMIQ we parked at the Bowls and they all got a lot of attention over the week!

Overall, the feedback at and after the tournament was very positive. Here are a few of the highlights this year:

The weather! How lucky were we to have such glorious weather throughout the whole week?

This year’s free gift was greatly received.Every year the committee look at different options as a gift to all entrants.Last year it was a personalised water bottle which, we are pleased to say, many of the competitors brought back this year, so they have obviously been useful.This year it was a cooling towel and a bottle of water.Given the weather it was a great choice, and it was nice to see people using them whilst playing.

This year “Real time” results were added to the Bexhill Bowls Open Tournament website. This meant that all the scores were posted to the website as soon as the score card was handed in, keeping everyone up to date with the results.

A second competition “2 Woods” was introduced, which started on Thursday, so that competitors who were unfortunate to be knocked out earlier on in the week had another chance to compete.

A popular new addition this year was “BOB” the Bexhill Open Bar! Which, had a large portable trolley all decked out with beers, wine, pimms, soft drinks etc. The Trolley was taken around the greens so that spectators could sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink or two while they watched!It was very successful Spectators!

A party night was also added. With 100 tickets sold, ticket-holders got the chance to enjoy a night of music with the local band Ska-Per. The night was fantastic and a great way to celebrate all being together.

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The Results!

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the tournament...

Many of the competitors mentioned that they plan to bring other club members with them next year. Toni, one of the organisers said, “We get a lot of people travelling down from Surrey and staying in Bexhill, we are so pleased to see the tournament growing each year.”

The committee are planning to get together next week to do an "after-action" review and to start thinking of any new ideas for next year. The planned dates for next year’s tournament are Sunday 5th August - Saturday 12th August. Previous years have started on the Monday but recently, due to the number of entries, a pre-liminary round has been introduced on the Sunday. Next year will be the 84th year of running the tournament!

For anyone wishing to start or try bowls locally, you can head to Polegrove/Bexhill Club, the location of the BOBT, which is located and accessed on Richmond Road.There is also the Spartan and Lakeside Club in Egerton Park and Sidley Martlets off Canada Way in Sidley.If anyone is interested in starting or trying bowls all they have to do is turn up at the Polegrove greens and speak to the attendant, Ray Hodd or Julian Wood, at the hut who will provide them with all the necessary equipment to have a go (Including the bowls themselves)! Lessons are available for those who decide they want to take up the sport.

For anyone wishing to start or try bowls they can locate their nearest bowls green via The Bowls England site.

We hope to see you there next year!