Match Results & Reports
Short Mat Plate Competition
On Saturday 30th November East Preston achieved a good win, 48 to 23, playing at home against a team from Lavant in the first round of the 'Plate' competition. Sue Fordyce, Bryan Saunders, Ennis Allum and Mary Greenfield scored 26 to 11. Maureen Davies, Hazel Comber, Debra Baker and Steve Tully scored 22 to 12. The match was played in a very good competitive spirit and East Preston now look forward to the next round.
County Fours Short Mat Competition
Four members of the Club, Matt David, Hazel Comber, Ellen David & Russell Granat, entered the County Fours Short Mat competition played at Worthing Pavillion on Sunday 24th November. After a long and gruelling day they reached the final, where they played a Horley team that they had played and beaten in the first match of the day. Disappointingly, Horley took their revenge in the final. However by reaching the final the team was entitled to represent the County at the National Finals in Melton Mowbray next March – a great an achievement and something to look forward to in 2025. Photos are available to view in the Gallery.
Arundel Friendly Match 15th November
An 8 member short mat team went to Arundel to play a friendly match and both teams were fielding one or two inexperienced players. In a close fought match Arundel prevailed by 4 shots; a draw on one rink and a loss of 4 shots for us on the other. The match was played in a very friendly spirit and was enjoyed by all.
COD David Davies thanked the hosts for a very nice tea and looked forward to Arundel coming to us in the new year.
West Wittering Ladies Open
On Thursday 12th September a team of four ladies, Jan Cooper, Trish Baldwin, Maureen Davies, Hazel Comber, went to Witterings Bowls Club to play in their Ladies Open. There were twelve teams taking part and 3 sessions of eight ends were played, changing rinks at the end of each session. In spite of the exceptional weather, at one point playing through a hail storm, it was a very enjoyable afternoon as most of the opposing teams came from clubs that we don't usually play against, it was good to meet new clubs. The game was followed by a most delicious cream tea served by some of the men club members dressed in suits complete with bow ties.
East Preston came second just a couple of points behind the winners, Crablands. This was a most enjoyable competitive afternoon and Witterings were thanked for their hard work and hospitality
Friday Afternoon Mixed Triples
After 12 enjoyable weeks of Mixed Triples, the season concluded on 30th August with another splendid afternoon tea, with a large selection of sandwiches, cakes, and other goodies provided by our catering team led by Jan, Ellen, and the excellent team of volunteers.
The weather was kind, the green in good condition, and bowling was of a high standard.
The winners of this our second year of the popular competition was won by The Beachcombers, led by Simon Smith, and Jan Cooper, Vince Harvey, Mick Bushby, Jo Solomon, Debra Baker and Bill McMurray. Each team member was presented with a cash prize of £20.
Runners-up by only Two points were the Unbelievabowls.
The superb organisation and management of the event was once again in the very capable hands of Fred Muddle, who received a loud ovation from the participants.
Sadly Fred is standing down as Organiser, and the search is now on for a volunteer to take up the reins for next season. A photo of the winning team can be seen on the website Gallery.
Embassy Cup
On Wednesday 28th we played the Embassy Cup and what a wonderful sight it was to have 7 rinks of members playing in our green. The game was arranged for a rink shuffle which meant all the teams played 6 ends then all reams changed rinks, so 3 rink changes in the 18 ends. The game was played in a good spirit with lots of laughter and fun, the afternoon really enjoyed by all who took part.
The winning team presented with the Embassy Cup were Rita Bushby, Peter Lloyd, Ennis Allum. A photo of the winning team can be viewed in the Gallery.
Arundel vs East Preston August 26th
The match ended with Arundel 78 and East Preston 44. This was a poor result caused in part by the fact that of the original 16 selected players (4 Rinks), 8 withdrew and had to be substituted. Unfortunately, we could only then use 6 of the 8 substitutes listed, as 2 of the substitutes also withdrew. One further substitute was found and Arundel kindly provided 1 of their players to complete the team.
For East Preston, a club with 130 players available this was very poor. It was a Bank holiday and Arundel was very crowded with the Arundel Festival being celebrated all over the town, therefore in hindsight, it was probably not the ideal day for a fixture. However, this should be no excuse for this lack of support and commitment for this club.
This sort of thing is happening more and more, and making the job for the Captain of the day very time consuming and very stressful.
That being said, for the most part, players enjoyed the match and the atmosphere of the day. Our hosts were very friendly as always.
Mens Tuesday Evening Triples League
The Men's Tuesday Triples was won this year by the Footpads, comprising Bill McMurray, Jon Clear, Vic Ruocca, Simon Smith and John Halls and Stephen Tully (not in picture), losing only one game.
Ellen David, assisted by family members and her team, put on an excellent barbecue on the final night.
Fred Muddle did a great job of organising the ten-week tournament, keeping the league table up to date, and presenting the prizes. See Gallery for Photo of winning team without John and Stephen.
Ladies Monday Triples League
On Monday 19th August the ladies held their last Monday Triples game of the season. Although there was a clear winning team, 'Coopers Cuties' the last game was played in a good spirit and thoroughly enjoyed. Following the game a most delicious tea was organised and grateful thanks must go to the ladies who organised and prepared the tea. The Milly Allen Plate was presented to the winning team who were:- Ellen David, Helen Bender, Pat Charlton, Jan Cooper, Joy Granat and Maureen Muddle. See Gallery for Photo.
Match against the Chelsea Pensioners 21Aug 2024
A team of 24 EPKBC Bowlers paid a return visit to the Royal Hospital Chelsea as a result of an invitation given when the Chelsea Pensioners visited as part of our Centenary Celebrations last year. A friendly match was arranged as part of the day.
After a 3 hour journey by coach the team were greeted by Pensioner Ivan Sangster and given a guided tour, lasting almost 2 hours, around the Hospital and grounds including the Hospital Museum, the founders statue ( Charles II) a display of accommodations during the 300 years of the Hospital’s existence, the Chapel and the Great Hall, most of which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Ivan, who was very knowledgeable, gave a running commentary and answered any questions.
The team were then provided with a snack and tea and the match was then played on the 4 rink green within the hospital grounds. The match was played in a friendly but competitive spirit and each team won 2 rinks But EPKBC won overall by 4 shots. The green was described by some of the winning team as “Character Building”
After the match both teams adjourned to the Great Hall for a very pleasant meal of cold meat and salad and then to the residents bar for drinks and presentations. David Davies, as Chairman and CoD, thanked our hosts for a very interesting and active day and presented their Captain Mike Simmonds with a small memorial gift. Each of the Chelsea Pensioners team were presented with a button badge as a memento.
The EPKBC ream returned to the club at about 8pm and all members expressed their satisfaction at having had a very interesting and enjoyable day.
EPKBC vs Southwater 17th August
It was a closely fought match to win on 2 rinks but unfortunately losing on the other 2 rinks by 8 and 11 points, losing 58 - 72 overall.
EPKBC top rink were Ed Scott, Pat Charlton, Mark Sullett and skip Pam Tottman. The weather was very kind with a breeze to keep the players cooler and all enjoyed the day.
President v Captain match Sat 10th August 2024
The match was played in bright sunshine with a nice fresh breeze to keep the players cool. 48 members took part in teams of 4 on 6 rinks and everyone enjoyed the afternoon.
The result was a win for the President’s team who scored 114 shots to the Captain’s team score of 71 shots. A number of our newer bowlers took part and it was a good opportunity to introduce them to the rules and formats for match play which some had never played before.
The top rink for the President’s team were Rita Bushby, Jim Roberts, Stephen Tully and skip Terry Rollason and for the Captain’s team Jann Haggis, Ed Scott, Malcolm Paton and David Willis. Tea was taken after 9 ends and the teams gathered in the clubhouse at the end for a social drink and to draw the raffle.
A very successful day.
Congratulations to the Men’s East Preston B team who had their FIRST full points win in the West Sussex Bowls League today, the 7th August, playing away against Norfolk B. Lets hope they keep up their winning ways in their final two matches against Marine Gardens and Maltravers next week.
On Saturday 3rd August, East Preston A welcomed Tarring Priory for a West Sussex Bowls League One return match. At 2.00pm exactly it was the leads who were first to play. Conditions on the green were good, it was warm with a few dark clouds in the distance as both Clubs fielded their teams of four, with two bowls each player, on rinks 2, 3, 5 and 6. It was well and truly a game of two halves between the two Clubs sharing mid-place in the League One Table. At the ninth end, East Preston were leading on 2 rinks and Tarring Priory were leading on the other two, a ding-dong battle indeed. Some rain drops fell but spirits weren’t dampened. On shots, Tarring Priory were one ahead, 31 to East Preston’s 30. Neck and neck, the home side kept up the pressure and by the nineteenth end were 73 shots to the visitor’s 64 who were now trailing by 9. Hopes were high and Tarring battled on but East Preston matched them and came back to finish with wins on rink 5 and 3. Sadly, despite a valiant effort East Preston just couldn’t stretch to beat the visitors on rink 2 who in the end took a very close game 18-16. All eyes were now on rink 6 to see the final total. The match finished with each Club winning 2 rinks a piece but it was on the 21st end that Tarring got control of the day with the shot that gave them an extra 2 points and the overall victory 77-76. Despite the close result on the last end of the game, it was 4 points for East Preston and all smiles in the Club House over a well-earned drink. Next match is home against Chichester.
Report from Craig Baker
EPKBC vs Sussex Masonic - August 1st
As East Preston basked in the mid-summer sun, our Club was delighted to warmly welcome back old friends and new from Sussex Masonic. This friendly fixture is an annual highlight for East Preston and Sussex Masonic, with competitive bowls played as usual in a spirit of great friendship and old acquaintance.
The Captains of the Day agreed 18 ends, visitors’ jack and 1 on the first 2 ends and much needed refreshment at halfway. This year it was our visitors turn to raise the temperature on the green, winning the match 75 to 44 and on 3 out of 4 rinks but East Preston turned up the heat on rink 3 with a well-earned 18 to 14 victory.
The afternoon was judged a great success, with everyone coming away with a smile and looking forward to next year. Where does the time go between these fixtures? Thanks also to everyone who worked hard behind the scenes from match stewards to raffle organizers to kitchen and bar. Great job!
Ladies County Senior Fours
After a very hard final played at Preston Bowls Club yesterday the County Senior Fours Team of Pam Tottman, Maureen Davies, Shelley Rindsland, Hazel Comber sadly lost against a very strong team from Polegrove. Our team managed to stay level shots with Polegrove for the first half of the game but then then fell away in the second half.
The team would like to thank members for all their support and good wishes also a big thank you to those members who made the journey to support us on both occasions when we played at Preston, all this support was very much appreciated.
Men's League Division One match July 21st
It was a cloudy Sunday morning start at Worthing Pavilion but it was East Preston who were soon turning up the heat against the home side. After 3 hours of competitive bowls East Preston enjoyed well earned success by securing a 75 - 67 victory.
This closely contested game against the second in the table team Worthing Pavilion Bulls was hard fought all the way and East Preston wrapped up the contest with 7 points to the home side's 3. Nail biting at times but 2 wins and a draw secured the visitor's triumph to the delight of our travelling fans. Go EPKBC!
Ladies Senior County Fours
After a long, hard-fought game played against East Hoathly at Preston Park BC on Sunday14th July, the Senior County Team of Pam Tottman, Maureen Davies, Shelley Rindsland and Hazel Comber won through and will play in the final against Polegate at Preston Park on either Sat 27th or Sun 28th July. A brilliant effort by all involved to get this far, best of luck for the final.
Men’s Top Club
Last night (17th July), our Men's A Team faced Hove & Kingsway in the Top Club Area Final at Worthing Pavilion. It was a fine evening and the sun was shining on a near perfect green. After sealing success in previous games and with East Preston showcasing determined and competitive play our hopes were high but it was sadly our opponents who emerged victorious in the end. East Preston have displayed a fine team spirit throughout the Top Club competition putting in a strong team performance in this and all their matches to reach the final. It is many years since the team have reached this stage of the knock out competition. All the players enjoyed their matches and agreed it was a great opportunity to widen their experience against top quality opposition. Thank you to all those who took part, gave up their time to manage the team, the umpire and marker and it was fantastic to see so many supporters from East Preston turn up to cheer on our team. It was greatly appreciated. Watch out next year!
Friendly match at Selsey on 17 July
A team of 12 members, including a number of new players, went to Selsey to play a friendly triples match on 4 rinks. The result was 49 to EPKBC and 77 to Selsey with EPKBC winning on only one rink. The clubs top rink was Soona Cox, Joy Granat and , skip, David Davies. Despite the result, everybody had a very pleasant afternoon in bright sunshine with a nice cooling breeze. We will have a chance to reverse the result when Selsey pay a return visit on 4th August
Ladies Senior County Fours
Well done and congratulations to our Senior County Team of Pam Tottman, Maureen Davies, Shelly Rindsland and Hazel Comber, who after a long hard fought game played against East Hoathly at Preston Park BC on Sun 14th July, won the match and will now play in the final against Polegate at Preston Park on either Sat 27th or Sun 28th July.
Ladies vs Gents
"Unfortunately the Ladies v Gents match due to be played on 9th July was cancelled due to inclement weather and has now been rescheduled to September 10th.