Unified Open proving a ‘brilliant’ success

Players have travelled from all over the country to spectate and play in the event at Beach House Park which features pairs, fours, singles and triples competitions.

Action got underway last Monday and all through last week the fours and pairs were contested.

Essex’s Mark Banning, Bill Nelson, Terry Ewart and Glyn Walls lifted the fours title after a 22-6 win in the final over Steve Wessier’s side.

In the pairs, there was victory for Darren Anderson and Scott Edwards who beat Dave Wells and Chris Ions, who was substitute for Dave Clark, 23-13.

The singles and triples are taking place this week with the finals set for 2pm on Saturday and the presentations at 4.30pm.

Secretary Chris Young said: “It’s going brilliantly and the weather really makes it for us.

“Everyone is having a really good time and some of the quality of bowls has been brilliant.

“We’d also like to thank Mitch Brenner, who has played this year, and turned up with a £1,000 donation towards running the tournament and prize money.

“He has promised us another thousand again next year and it’s brilliant for us. The committee are very grateful for the help.

“People from all over the country have come down, from Torquay, Hemel Hempstead, Leighton Buzzard, Essex, Surrey, Middlesex, all over. With the nationals gone now, although we aren’t as big, it’s still helping to bring people to the town.”