Match Results & Reports

 

POLECATS CLAW BACK WITH FANTASTIC HOME WIN!

East Preston Polecats vs. Wittering Waves

Date: Tuesday, 2nd December

Result: EP Polecats Win (52-22), gaining 6 league points!

What a wonderful turn-around for the East Preston Polecats this week! After a tough double loss against Wittering Waves away from home last week, the team could be forgiven for feeling a little apprehensive stepping onto their own mats this Tuesday.

However, any worries were instantly blown away by a magnificent, cohesive team performance that saw the Polecats dominate on both mats, securing a superb 6-point haul! The overall score finished at a resounding 52-22 in favour of East Preston.

Our winning teams were:

Mat 1 (Winners: 25 - 9) Sue F Ron R Roger B Ennis A (Skip)

Mat 2 (Winners: 27 - 13) Maureen D Malcolm P Hazel C Fred M (Skip)

A huge "Well Done" and thank you to the entire EP Polecats squad! That fantastic effort and home advantage clearly paid off, proving just how competitive this team is. Keep up the great bowling!

SUPER FRIENDLY - EAST PRESTON V EAST WORTHING

East Worthing Short Mat Bowls Club hosted East Preston and Kingston for a delightful and very friendly short mat bowls triples match this afternoon, Saturday 22nd November, commencing at 2 pm. The atmosphere at East Worthing Community Centre was lovely throughout, contributing to a highly enjoyable event played across three rinks. The standard of bowls was high, showcasing great skill from both sides. A welcome break was taken at the 9th end for a delicious tea featuring wonderful homemade cakes, adding a perfect social touch to the day.

The match saw some competitive scoring across the three mats. On Mat 3, Maureen M, Craig and Hazel for East Preston secured a narrow victory, finishing ahead with a score of 18-11. However, East Worthing dominated the play on Mat 2, recording a win with a score of 34-6 against a valiant effort from Pat, Shirley and Alan for EP. The final mat, Mat 1, was a very close contest, with East Worthing just edging out EP's determined team of Stephen, Maureen and Ron, everyone was a winner on that mat despite EP losing 12-17. Overall, the event was a great success, combining excellent sporting spirit with warm hospitality. We can't wait to host East Worthing at our place.

A big thank you goes to the Captains, Keith (and Maureen for EPKBC), and all the members at East Worthing for their wonderful organisation and hosting. The friendship and delicious refreshments ensured a memorable afternoon for all the players involved.

Pumas Reach the Top!

The East Preston Pumas enjoyed a pleasant afternoon away at Arundel Bowls Club this Thursday, 20th November, securing a decisive victory and a full 6-points against the Arundel Swallows. The Pumas delivered two highly impressive performances across both mats. On Mat 2, the team earned a 28-6 win, which was quickly followed by a resilient performance on Mat 1 where the Pumas held off the Swallows to close out the game with a respectable 18-12 scoreline.

This excellent result ensures the Pumas have ignited their campaign and, following this superb outing, the East Preston Pumas have now climbed to the  top of Division 2! Congratulations to the squad on their performance.  Thank you to Arundel for their usual friendly welcome and an enjoyable afternoon of competitive bowls.

Match Report: East Preston Short Mat Friendly at Worthing

FRIENDSHIP IS THE WINNER

East Preston's short mat bowlers travelled to West Park School today for a very enjoyable friendly match against Worthing Short Mat Bowls Club, featuring three rinks of four players for each club. While Worthing ultimately secured the overall victory, the game was played in excellent spirits and it was a lovely afternoon.

Worthing started strongly, taking Mat 1 with a significant 27-8 victory. The closest and most tightly contested rink was Mat 2, where Worthing edged out a narrow 14-12 win.

However, East Preston took the honours on Mat 3, delivering a convincing performance to take the points with a 24-15 win, ensuring the final score reflected the friendly competitiveness of the afternoon.

The East Preston team wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Worthing Captain Mike for his warm welcome, and to Paul and Marion for their excellent catering and running the raffle. It's always a pleasure to play at Worthing. It was a very enjoyable afternoon for all involved, and we eagerly look forward to hosting the re-match at East Preston soon!

PUMAS EDGE OUT PANTHERS IN THRILLING EAST PRESTON DERBY

East Preston, November 12, 2025 — The East Preston Pumas secured a hard-fought 31-26 victory, claiming all six league points against fellow Club team, the East Preston Panthers, on their shared indoor turf.

In an exhilarating local derby, the lead constantly alternated, highlighting the parity between the sides (their previous meeting was a draw). The Pumas, however, decisively won on both rinks:

Mat 1: EP Pumas winning 16-12.

Mat 2: EP Pumas narrowly winning 15-14 in a nail-biter.

This collective effort earned the Pumas a valuable six points. The match, featuring excellent shots and was played in great spirit. Captains Ellen and Russell gave short speeches over a well-earned drink, after the Pumas broke the recent deadlock with a well-earned win.

 

EAST PRESTON PANTHERS vs. NORFOLK TIGERS

West Sussex County Short Mat League - Division 2

4 November 2025 - It was a chilly afternoon outside, but the spirit on the mats was wonderfully warm inside and very friendly! The East Preston Panthers hosted the Norfolk Tigers today for a crucial Division 2 clash, and both teams contributed to a fantastic afternoon of competitive short mat bowling.

The home side delivered a strong performance.

On Rink 1, the Panthers put on a majestic display, with their bowling resulting in a significant lead. The final score of 23 - 11 was a great result from East Preston, but credit must go to the visiting Tigers who never stopped smiling and kept the game enjoyable right to the very last wood.

Meanwhile, over on Rink 2, the contest was a tighter affair. However, the Panthers held their nerve and maintained the pressure, just edging out the Tigers with a solid 14 - 11 win. Every point was hard-fought, showing great determination from both sides, but always in the best of sporting spirits.

Final Result: East Preston Panthers win on both rinks!

This superb double victory keeps the Panthers firmly in the hunt in Division 2 and a massive thank you to the Norfolk Tigers for a competitive and friendly match!

EP Polecats Secure Valuable Points Against Infinity Black

East Preston and Kingston Bowls Club, Saturday 25th October - EP Polecats welcomed the strong Infinity Black team to a highly anticipated home fixture, looking to reverse a previous 6-point loss suffered away from home on October 12th.

The Polecats delivered an excellent performance, securing 5 out of 6 possible points in a hard-fought battle.

Mat Highlights:

Mat 1 Dominance: The rink of Sue, Ennis, Bob, and John (Skip) was in commanding form, dominating their opposition. They finished the game with a comfortable and impressive victory, winning 22 to 14.

Mat 2 Nail-biter: The team on Mat 2—Maureen, Roy, Hazel, and Fred (Skip)—faced a much tougher challenge. The scores remained neck and neck throughout the match. In a tense final end, with Infinity holding a shot, Skip Fred bowled his final wood perfectly to steal two shots, securing a dramatic draw for the team.

The overall result—a win on one mat and a draw on the other—sees EP Polecats gain a crucial 5 points, marking an excellent start to their season.

Division 2 Derby: Panthers and Pumas Battle to a Dramatic Draw (3-3)

The Division 2 short mat season got off to a blistering start today as EP Panthers and EP Pumas played out an incredibly close internal derby. After a thrilling afternoon of short mat bowls, the two teams could not be separated, ultimately sharing the points in a dramatic 3-3 draw.

The match was defined by its perfect balance, with the spoils split evenly across both mats. The Panthers were in the pink and secured the win and 2 points on one mat, only for the Pumas to respond strongly and with a little cattitude, taking the victory and 2 points on the second mat.

With the mat points locked at 2-2, the overall result came down to the final shot count—a fittingly tense conclusion that almost had the spectators having kittens. Both teams finished with an identical total of 31 shots, resulting in an overall draw and a crucial bonus point for each side.

This intense 31-31 finish means both EP squads take home three points (2 match points + 1 bonus point), marking an excellent and competitive start to their respective Division 2 campaigns.  This you could say was a purrfect result for the EP teams - which the sharp-eyed amongst us will have noticed are named after members of the feline family. And as the match finished, it was time for tea and speeches which saw the team captains positively purring with delight. 

Men's Triples League Winners Turn Victory into Legacy

East Preston, September 9th - Apart from a wet start that had to be abandoned, the Men's Triples season was blessed with good weather and concluded on Tuesday with the league winners, Bowls in Motion (Ernie, Russell, Derek, John C, Roger and John B) drawing against The Marauders who have valiantly propped up the league for most of the season. The draw did not affect their healthy lead of 18 points and they were followed by Royal Flush on 14 points. More good news! There was a celebratory BBQ and prize giving following the last matches. In memory of David Davies the team have donated their prize winnings to the NHS South East Coast Ambulance Service.

A huge thank you to everyone (you know who you are) who pitched in with the tasty BBQ, well-stocked bar, and other catering. Your help made everything run smoothly and truly brought a wonderful atmosphere to the final. And a special shout-out to Simon and Barbara for organising the men's and mixed triples this year—your hard work was a huge part of what made it such a success.

An Excellent Finish for the East Preston Ladies Blue Team!

And the good news keeps on coming. The East Preston Ladies Blue Team have ended their season with an exhilarating victory on their home green against Pagham. With a potential top spot in Division Two on the line, the home team were playing for the perfect six points - find out what happened on the green below in this report from our Ladies Captain. The good news continues as the East Preston Ladies Yellow Team secured an impressive third place, capping off a fantastic year for the Ladies Section.  Well done Ladies!

East Preston, Tuesday September 9 2025 - On Tuesday the Ladies GS&M League Blue Team played their last match of the season, a home game against Pagham. This was a match that we wanted to win and get 6 points with a chance we would be top of Division Two. It would all depend how Middleton Blue had got on in their last game, a result that we did not know.

The match was played in a good spirit and fairly reasonable weather, Pagham being long standing opponents but always nice to welcome them to our club.

We did have a great win and managed to pick up 6 points!

 Rink 6  - Sue, Pat, Mary, Julie - East Preston 23 Pagham  7

 Rink 5 -  Maureen, Ennis, Alison, Hazel - East Preston 14 Pagham 9

We lost the top spot in the League by one point to Middleton but gained second place, with the Yellow team coming third, what an excellent result all round for the Ladies Section. It is possible that the Blue Team will be promoted to Division One next season, it all depends on how many teams go up/come down.

Whatever happens I would like to say well done and thank you to all the ladies who played in the Blue Team this season, the girls did good. Ladies Captain Maureen

Friendly Match Report: East Preston Bowls Club vs. Southwater

Sunday, September 7th, 2025 - saw a fantastic, friendly encounter at East Preston Bowls Club as the home side hosted Southwater BC for an enjoyable afternoon on the green. The weather was a little cloudy but perfect for bowls, and the atmosphere was buzzing with friendly competition.  It was triples on four rinks, with one on the first two ends and a break at 9 ends for a quick cuppa. At 2 pm we were off with the first jacks rolling and we were all resplendently dressed in whites!

The match was closely contested between the two sides hailing from Sussex North and Sussex South, from the first bowl to the last, with both teams displaying great fun, skill and sportsmanship. If it hadn't been a friendly it would have been a nail-biting affair, with the lead changing hands several times throughout the afternoon. In the end, it was Southwater who edged out a narrow victory, winning by a final score of 63 to 60.

Following the match, both captains, Peter and Peter (what a coincidence!), gave perfectly judged speeches. They extended a warm welcome to each team and expressed sincere thanks to everyone who made the day possible. Special appreciation was given to Bryan, Mary, and Julie for their exceptional service running the bar and providing some very welcome snacks, which was a huge hit with everyone tucking in. Gratitude also to Fred, Debra and Craig for match steward duties.

The afternoon was a resounding success, filled with good bowls, good company, and great fun. Both clubs are already looking forward to a repeat fixture next year to continue this wonderful traditional get together. 

East Preston Secure West Sussex Bowls League Title 

EAST PRESTON, West Sussex 5 September — Today's home match against Soutbourne was preceded by a squad photograph to commemorate the occasion. And so, the 2025 West Sussex Bowls League Division One season ended its 40th anniversary year with a title victory for East Preston & Kingston Bowls Club. Their remarkable winning campaign, 21 years after the coastal club’s last championship win in this Division, has been hard-earned and thoroughly deserved.

An unforgettable season that began well for East Preston, as they put their local West Sussex rivals on notice with a win against Pulborough. A series of victories and a hard-fought draw established them as early front-runners in the nine team bowls league. While a challenging mid-season stretch saw the club face some rare losses, their reply was a witness to their character. Not to be discouraged, they set off on a comeback, with a series of wins that propelled them back to the top of the table.

The championship was secured in a thrilling penultimate match against Worthing Pavilion Bears, where a decisive 75-43 victory earned the crucial 10 points needed to clinch the league title. With their closest rivals at the top of the table dropping points, the celebrations began. This season has been a solid team effort, with dominant home form and a collective strength that salvaged points even in difficult matches. The final home match of the season, with the title secure, was a very narrow loss 4 points to 6 with East Preston scoring 72 to Southbourne's 75.

The West Sussex Bowls League is a staple of the local bowls scene, this year’s finals presentations will be held at Worthing Pavilion Bowls Club, on Saturday September 13th. East Preston & Kingston Bowls Club would like to thank all the other league clubs for the camaraderie and sportsmanship they displayed throughout this truly memorable season.  

Special mention to super fan Ann, and of course Ellen, Linda and Simon for the bar and catering - well done for all your hard work and support all season - it was amazing! This is Churchill's final report and it is hoped the photo and the report will be in the Gazette next week.

Ladies Invitation Triples Afternoon

On Tuesday September 2nd the ladies section hosted a Ladies Invitation Triples Afternoon. This is an event which in the past the ladies hosted every year. However, in the last few years, it was dropped due to lack of interest from other clubs - so this year the Ladies decided to re-introduce it.

Seven teams were invited, but sadly due to the weather conditions, Worthing Pavilion pulled out the two teams they had entered.

The day started with coffee/tea and warm pastries as the visiting teams arrived, although still on tenterhooks as to whether play would start due to the rainy conditions. This respite gave all players time to purchase their raffle tickets being sold by Hazel, Mary and Julie, thank you to them. Thanks also go to Sue and Ellen  for being on hand and helping in various capacities throughout the day whenever required.  

Play got started more or less on time playing six ends, then the visitors moved a rink left and the home teams moved a rink right for a further six ends. Unfortunately, just when changing rinks again for the last session the heavens opened up so it was decided to finish after playing just two ends and agreed it was time for tea.

All the players came in for a most delicious cream tea of sandwiches, scones and cakes, prepared by Jan C, Jan J, Linda and Pat P, many thanks go to them for all their hard work in the preparation. The winning team were Witterings who each received a 'goody bag' with the runners up Ellen, Maureen D, Shirley H each receiving a bottle of prosecco.  

All the visiting teams remarked on what a good afternoon it had been and played in such a good spirit.  All together a fun afternoon which was the whole idea and what was hoped for in the first place.

Thanks go to all the ladies who helped in the preliminary preparations for the day, those who helped on the day and all who helped in the clearing up. Compliments from the visiting teams followed by complimentary emails all stated they want an invite next year. 

West Sussex Bowls League Division One 2025 Season

A Report on Champions Elect East Preston & Kingston Bowls Club

The 2025 West Sussex Bowls League season was a thrilling ride, culminating in a well-deserved championship for East Preston. It was a season of resilience, strategy, and dominant performances that saw the team climb to the pinnacle of Division One.

A Season of Highs and Lows

The campaign began with a strong statement of intent. East Preston kicked off the season with a commanding 78-42 victory over Pulborough at home, immediately putting their rivals on notice. A hard-fought draw against Chichester and back-to-back wins against Tarring Priory and Worthing Pavilion Bulls cemented their position as early contenders.

The team continued their winning streak in June, securing victories against Norfolk A and Bognor A. However, the season presented its challenges. A tough trip to Southbourne resulted in a rare loss, a significant setback, but one that the team used to fuel their resolve. This was followed by a couple of close losses on the road to Worthing Pavilion Bears and Pulborough in July.

The Comeback Trail and the Championship Charge

Refusing to be discouraged, East Preston rallied in the second half of the season. They started a remarkable comeback, with a decisive victory over Worthing Pavilion Bulls. This was followed by another series of impressive wins against Tarring Priory, Bognor A, and a dominant 10-point haul at Norfolk A.

The championship was ultimately sealed in a dramatic penultimate match against Worthing Pavilion Bears. In a performance that epitomised their season, East Preston delivered a crushing 75-43 victory, securing the crucial points needed to clinch the title. The news that their closest rivals, Southbourne, had dropped points, confirmed the victory and sparked a memorable celebration.

Key Highlights of the Season:

Dominant Home Form: East Preston's home green was a fortress. They won all their home games, a testament to their skill and the passionate support of their fans.

A True Team Effort: The season's success was built on consistency across all four rinks. Even in losses, the team often managed to secure points, demonstrating their collective strength.

Resilience and Determination: After a challenging patch in the middle of the season, the team showed incredible resilience to bounce back and finish the season with a powerful winning streak.

Congratulations to East Preston on a superb and memorable season. Their championship victory is a testament to their dedication, skill, and unwavering team spirit.

East Preston to be Crowned Champions!

East Preston, 31st August 2025 at 2 pm.

The last but one match of the home side’s West Sussex Bowls League season brought unexpected high drama to the green at East Preston & Kingston Bowls Club today, where it turned out that the fate of the Division One title rested on a single, sun-drenched afternoon.

With a championship on the line, East Preston faced off against Worthing Pavilion Bears in a match that would etch the home side's name in the history books. From the very first bowl, East Preston was on a mission.

Their focus and precision were unwavering as they systematically dismantled their opponents across all four rinks. The home team's dominance was absolute, culminating in a resounding 75-43 victory and securing all 10 crucial points. This was a true team effort, with every player contributing to the triumph. The individual rink scores tell the story of their complete control: 18-9, 21-13, 15-11, and 21-10.

But the real celebrations began as news filtered through from Pulborough: their closest rivals, Southbourne BC, had stumbled, losing 8-2. The result would soon be official — East Preston had clinched the championship with a game to spare! The pre-match tension on the green was magically transformed into post match pure elation.

The after match atmosphere was equally electric. It was smiles all round! 

Players and supporters gathered in the clubhouse to celebrate a hard-fought and well-deserved title campaign. Amidst the joyous cheers, one moment captured the spirit of the day: A Team Captain Webb's impromptu "champions" song, a performance that our superfan Ann New will surely never forget.  The sweet sounds serenading the victorious team.  The song has  ended but the melody lingers on!

A special thanks is extended to Pam, Matt, and the entire bar team for their outstanding work in ensuring the initial celebrations were a success.  Watch this space for news of more celebrations this coming Friday with the last match of the season.

Congratulations to the entire East Preston team on a phenomenal season and a spectacular championship victory!  Well done team you kept it going!

East Preston Men's A Team Dominates Norfolk Gardens in Division One Clash!

Littlehampton, 23 August 2025 – East Preston Men's A Team delivered a commanding performance this afternoon, securing a decisive 10-point victory over Norfolk Gardens BC in their Division One encounter. Despite a gruelling mid-afternoon start away at Norfolk, our lads showed incredible grit and skill, triumphing with a final score of 75 points to 56.

The match, contested across four rinks, saw East Preston consistently outplay their opponents. The individual rink scores tell a story of consistent pressure, never giving up and well-earned points: 17-16, 25-14, 12-10, and 21-16. Each rink contributed significantly to the overall win, demonstrating a strong team effort and depth of talent.

Beyond the scores, the spirit of the game was commendable. It was a genuinely friendly yet competitive affair, played in a sporting and good-natured atmosphere, a testament to both teams' determination.

The afternoon also offered some charming, unexpected moments for our contingent of superfans, including the ever-present Ann New our superfan in chief. Spectators were delighted by the surprise entry of a determined squirrel, busily burying nuts on a corner of the green. Not to be outdone, a majestic fox was spotted casually sunbathing behind the loyal supporters, adding a touch of nature's tranquility to the competitive buzz.

It was a fantastic day for East Preston, cementing their strong position in Division One with a truly convincing win. Captain Spider broke into a smile as he collected the cards and the team can now look forward to the last two matches of the season at home.  Keep it going lads!

East Preston Secure Points Victory at Home Over Bognor 

It was a windy but bright, sunny day in beautiful downtown East Preston by the sea (Saturday 9th August) when the home team welcomed their visitors at 2 pm for their latest Division One game.  There were now just 4 matches left in the WSBL season as the teams lined up for the opening words from the team captains.

East Preston and Kingston BC delivered a winning performance on their home green, securing a 6-point to 4-point victory over fellow seasiders Bognor BC. The overall scoreline of 75 to 49 in favour of East Preston reflected their points total across the rinks, despite Bognor claiming two individual rink wins.

The match, which began with an unexpected but impressive flypast by a formation of aeroplanes, saw some impressive individual displays. Overall, East Preston's Rink 6, in particular, was in formidable form, delivering a dominant 32-8 defeat to their Bognor counterparts. This victory was ably supported by Rink 2 for East Preston, who also registered a significant win with a 26-4 scoreline. 

Bognor, however, showed resilience on the other two rinks. Rink 3 for the visitors put in an excellent shift, emerging victorious with a convincing 22-6 score. They also managed to edge out East Preston on Rink 5, securing a narrow 15-11 win.

Despite Bognor's efforts on these two rinks, East Preston's shots on Rinks 6 and 2 ultimately proved decisive, securing them a well-deserved extra 2 points to get the home victory and the crucial league points. 

After the match it was back to the Club for a chat and a  bite to eat which were ably provided by Ellen, Ann and the superfans. Captains Karl and John wished each team well for the rest of the season and thanks were extended to the ladies for their welcome hospitality. All eyes, including Captain Spider's, are now on the table and the results from the rest of the weekend's league one fixtures.  Keep it going East Preston!

Match Report: A Valiant Journey Concludes in the Semi-Finals

The Rod McBeth Trophy is awarded to the winners of the Sussex County Bowls Mixed Pairs knockout competition. This year saw a remarkable campaign from East Preston & Kingston's Paul and Shelley. This prestigious event features mixed-gender teams competing over 18 ends.  It was a valiant journey for Shelley and Paul.

The Road to the Semi-Finals

The East Preston pair's journey began in June with a dominant 27-3 home victory over a mixed pair from Worthing Pavilion, followed by a 23-9 win in their next match against a Bognor BC pair. These early successes led them to the Area 4 Final on July 23rd, 2025.  A significant achievement!

In the Area 4 Final, Paul and Shelley faced Terry and Denise from Maltravers BC. In a hard-fought match at their home green, a pivotal run between the 9th and 12th ends saw them accumulate 14 shots, building a significant lead. Despite a late surge from Maltravers, East Preston held their nerve, clinching a 21-19 victory.  On to the quarter finals!

Quarter Finals: A Dramatic Last Bowl Triumph

On July 29th, 2025, our East Preston & Kingston pair faced West Hoathly BC in the Sussex County Mixed Pairs Quarter Final. With Jon stepping in for Paul, Shelley and Jon secured a dramatic last-bowl victory. Played at Worthing Pavilion in challenging wet and fading light conditions, the match was a true test of resilience. After falling behind 12-2, Shelley and Jon staged an incredible comeback to lead 18-13. West Hoathly fought back to level the scores at 18-18, but Jon's masterful final bowl secured the 19-18 win for East Preston & Kingston.

Semi-Finals: A Valiant Effort

The hard-earned quarter-final win propelled Shelley and Paul into the Semi-Finals of the Sussex County Mixed Pairs. Their incredible journey in the Rod McBeth Trophy competition concluded on August 4th at Popes Mead, where they faced a strong pair from Lindfield, ultimately succumbing to a 13-22 loss.  Our gallant pair fought until the final bowl making a strong come back to get close to levelling the score mid way through the match but as the light faded it just wasn't to be this time.  

What a remarkable journey it has been for Paul, Shelley, and Jon! Their dedication, skill, and ability to perform under pressure have truly shone throughout this competition, bringing immense pride to East Preston & Kingston Bowls Club.  Well done to our semi-finalists!

Match Report: East Preston Achieve Crucial Victory at Tarring Priory

In a beautiful setting for bowls, East Preston faced Tarring Priory in a highly anticipated West Sussex Bowls League Division One clash on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025. With the Tarring Priory BC green overlooked by a soaring 15th-century church clock tower, the atmosphere was as classic as the game itself. The sunny weather, with a few gentle clouds, provided the perfect backdrop for a closely fought contest where every point was vital.

East Preston, sitting second in the league on 68 points, entered the match just a single point behind leaders Southbourne. Tarring Priory, in fourth place with 56 points, were determined to defend their home turf. The stakes were high, and with supportive travelling fans including Club Cheerleader-in-Chief Ann New and Debra B. cheering them on, East Preston Captain Spider's quiet encouragement to "keep it going" set the tone for a competitive afternoon.

The match started with a few moment's silent reflection for our absent friend Emilio and a round of applause to his memory led by Captains Jon and Chris. 

Overall Result

After a gripping afternoon of play, East Preston emerged victorious with an impressive final score of 62 shots to Tarring Priory's 54. This hard-fought result saw East Preston take home 7 points from the fixture, while the home side secured 3 points. The win ensures East Preston maintains immense pressure on the league leaders as the season progresses.

Rink-by-Rink Breakdown

The overall result was a testament to East Preston's strength on the day, with two dominant rink wins overcoming a loss and a tight draw.

Rink 1: East Preston got off to a flying start, securing a commanding victory with a score of 20-11.

Rink 2: Tarring Priory fought back fiercely on the second rink, delivering a significant win of 23-10 to keep their hopes alive.

Rink 3: This rink was the most evenly matched of the day, with neither side able to gain a definitive advantage. The game concluded in a tense 12-12 draw, highlighting the close-fought nature of the competition.

Rink 4: The final rink sealed the deal for East Preston, with another dominant performance culminating in a 20-8 win that secured the overall victory.

Final Thoughts and Next Match

It was a great day of bowls, played with excellent sportsmanship from both teams. A big thank you is extended to Tarring Priory for their welcome, hospitality and friendly play. East Preston now looks ahead to their next fixture, a home game against Bognor Regis on August 9th, where they will aim to build on this crucial victory.  The day ended with news that East Preston are back at the top of the table.  Keep it going lads!

Match Report: Last Bowl Triumph in County Mixed Pairs Quarter Finals

Date: July 29th, 2025 East Preston Team: Shelley Rindsland and Jon Clear Opponents: Faye De Brett and R De Brett (West Hoathly BC) Competition: Sussex County Mixed Pairs Quarter Final Venue: Worthing Pavilion Result: Win Score: East Preston & Kingston BC 19 - West Hoathly 18

In a thrilling and hard-fought Sussex County Mixed Pairs Quarter Final last night, East Preston & Kingston's Shelley and Jon (stepping in as a super-sub for Paul) secured a dramatic last-bowl victory against the De Bretts of West Hoathly BC. The match, played at Worthing Pavilion, was a thriller and a true test of resilience, concluding in near darkness and challenging wet conditions. 

There was a small but enthusiastic band of travelling East Preston fans cheering our lad and lass on (there may have been 4 of us but we supported like 40) despite the elements and lack of night vision googles!  As the light faded the concern of the umpire was would the last few ends be played or would it be a case of coming back tomorrow to play them in the daylight.

From the outset, both pairs battled not only each other but also the deteriorating weather and light. The persistent dampness made drawing bowls accurately a significant challenge, and as the evening progressed, visibility became a crucial factor. Despite these obstacles, the quality of play remained remarkably high, with neither side willing to concede an inch.

The score remained tight at the end, a testament to the competitive spirit and skill on display. Early on it looked very different and on the 8th end the West Hoathly pair had taken 5 to make them 12 shots to 2 ahead of our gallant East Prestonites. Then Shelley and Jon rallied and at the 15th end they were a remarkable 18 to 13 ahead. What a turn around!  As the final ends approached, the tension was palpable. The 16th and 17th ends went to their opponents with a 3 and a 2. The West Hoathly pair were back in the match. With the scores locked at 18-18 and the light fading rapidly, the match came down to the very last bowl. It was in this climactic moment that Jon, with Shelley's crucial guidance, delivered a masterful shot that secured the decisive point for East Preston & Kingston.  

The 19-18 victory was met with a mix of relief and elation for the East Preston & Kingston pair. Their ability to perform under pressure, especially in such difficult conditions, highlights their tenacity and composure. This hard-earned win propels Shelley and Paul or Jon into the semi-finals of the Sussex County Mixed Pairs at Popes Mead against a team from Lindfield on 4th August, marking a significant achievement for the club.

Bowls Match Report: East Preston & Kingston Ladies vs. Southwick

Date: Yesterday (July 24th, 2025) Venue: Southwick and East Preston (Home and Away Double Rink)

East Preston & Kingston Ladies faced a formidable challenge yesterday, taking on highly skilled opposition from Southwick in a double rink match played both home and away. The encounter proved to be a nail-biting affair, showcasing the competitive spirit and talent of both teams.

From the outset, it was clear this would be a tightly contested match. At the 5-end mark, East Preston & Kingston Ladies held a slender lead, 9 shots to 8, demonstrating their ability to compete with their strong opponents. This momentum continued into the middle stages, with East Preston extending their advantage to 19 shots to 13 by the 10th end, hinting at a potential victory.

However, the quality of the Southwick side began to shine through in the latter half of the game. Despite East Preston's best efforts, Southwick mounted a significant comeback, turning the tide by the 15th end to lead 28 shots to 20. This shift in momentum put East Preston under considerable pressure and our ladies rose magnificently to the challenge determined to win.  It was a super friendly and competitive match with supporters from both sides showing great appreciation of each team's efforts.

Undeterred, East Preston & Kingston Ladies rallied strongly in the closing ends, fighting for every shot. Their determination was evident as they pushed hard to narrow the gap. Despite this valiant effort, Southwick ultimately held their nerve, securing the win with a final score of 33 shots to 27. It was oh so close!

The final margin of just six shots – a three-shot difference at home and another three shots away – truly underscores the closeness of the match against such strong opponents. East Preston & Kingston Ladies can take immense pride in their performance, having pushed a very skilled Southwick team to the very last bowl. It was a testament to their resilience and growing prowess on the green.

East Preston & Kingston Ladies demonstrated great character and skill in a very challenging fixture. This close result against top-tier opposition bodes well for their future matches.  They did so well as a team to reach this stage with a string of wins along the way in the knockout stages.  Well done ladies of East Preston!

After the game everyone wished each other well and looked forward to meeting in future.  

East Preston & Kingston Mixed Pair Triumph in Area Finals

Date: July 23rd, 2025 Opponent: Terry & Denise (Maltravers BC) Competition: Sussex County Mixed Pairs Area Final Venue: Home Result: Win Score: East Preston & Kingston BC 21 - Maltravers BC 19.

Yesterday was all smiles as our powerful pairing of Paul Peters and Shelley Rindsland secured a hard-fought victory yesterday evening against Terry and Denise from Maltravers BC in the Sussex County Mixed Pairs Area Final. The home match was played in sunny and calm conditions, setting the stage for a close and competitive game of bowls.  

The East Preston & Kingston pair displayed remarkable determination and skill throughout the 18-end contest. A pivotal moment came on the 9th end when they picked up 2 shots, with 4 on the 10th, followed by an impressive 6 shots on the 11th, and a further 2 shots on the 12th. This incredible run saw them accumulate 14 shots in just four ends, creating a significant advantage. Then they displayed their grit!

Despite a late surge from Maltravers BC, who outscored the home side 9-3 in the final six ends, Paul and Shelley held their nerve - taking a much needed 3 shots on the 15th - which enabled them to clinch the win with a final score of 21 shots to 19.

Congratulations to Paul and Shelley to get this far! We eagerly anticipate their next match in the Quarter Finals next Tuesday, where they will face the winner of Area 2 at Worthing Pavilion.

"Keep it going" said Captain Spider! As winners of the Sussex County Mixed Pairs Area Final, Paul and Shelley are very firmly in the running to be awarded the Rod McBeth Trophy.  What a week this has been for East Preston!

Match report:  WSBL 3 - East Preston B vs Goring Manor - July 21st at Goring Manor.

A windy day with early light showers gave way to 2 close fought matches ending with a draw on one rink and a 3 shot loss on the other.  The third rink lost leaving the overall score 53 - 36 to Goring Manor, 7 points to Goring Manor and 1 point to East Preston.  Not a good start to a series of 3 matches against the top 3 sides in League 3. On Wednesday away to Pagham and on July 30th away to Arundel.    

 

Match Report - Sussex County Bowls Men’s Singles Championship

Eastbourne is a famous sporting venue. It hosts a prestigious international tennis tournament every year and the challenging Beachy Head Marathon amongst many other events. Today (Sunday 20th July) in Hampden Park, it hosted an event no less eagerly anticipated and no less fiercely contested - the Sussex County Bowls Men’s Singles Championship.

Stepping up to the challenge as well as the mats were Jon Clear of East Preston and Martin Law of Preston.  Two fine bowlers who fought hard to get to the finals.  The atmosphere was electric only occassionally punctuated by the din of distant drums.

The match began at 2 pm, each player focused on the target of being the first bowler to score 21 shots (4 bowls each player). The winner would hold the Towner Cup and receive a commemorative blazer flash. The runner-up would hold the Hollis Cup. Two fine and impressive trophies that glinted like silver stars on a field of emerald.

The boiling afternoon sun cast few shadows across the green and gave very little shade.  Every seat was taken by the huge crowd of travelling East Prestonites led by superfan Ann New and many others, fresh from the morning Division One match at Worthing.  They were still wearing their Club shirts proudly and the streets of East Preston were deserted.

A coin toss decided who placed the mat and bowled the jack to start the first end.  A perfect start! Jon took the first end.  Not to be outdone Martin secured the second, it was one apiece. Jon took 2 points on the third end and by sheer determination by the sixth end he was 6 v 1 up but his opponent nabbed a point on the seventh. 

It was the start of a closely fought comeback and by the 16th end it was Jon trailing by 7 points to 12. Who would have believed it! Now it was Jon’s turn over the next 8 ends because Jon scored on every end taking the score to 20 v 12.  What a fight back!  Cometh the hour cometh the man! Despite the scores it was oh so close. Martin wasn't going to go down quietly.

As the final ends of the Bowls Championship unfolded, a testament to the skill and nerve of both competitors. Jon kept his cool, and his unshakeable focus, he knew he was locked in a tense battle with the equally formidable Martin, whose dynamic play had captivated the East Preston spectators and earned their applause. With the match almost in Jon’s hands somehow his opponent took 2 points on the 25th end. Could Jon do it on the 26th, would he get the elusive point to get to 21?  Not yet, it was 3 points to Martin on the 26th end making it 20 v 17. 

The final end was to be the 27th and there were only four bowls left for each player in the deciding end, the air was thick with anticipation, every whispered comment from the gathered crowd seeming to hang in the stillness. Drinks were undrunk, mouths were agape it was so exciting.

Jon delivered his penultimate bowl with his characteristic precision, nudging one of Martin's perfectly placed woods just enough to secure a potential two points but he only needed one. The crowd collectively gasped, but Martin, undeterred, stepped onto the mat with a determined glint in his eye. His final bowls just couldn’t get beside the jack, they were outside Jon’s bowls. Jon got to 21, a true nail-biting finish for an unforgettable contest.  Played in a sporting and friendly way throughout.

It was a richly deserved win for Jon, who demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the contest. His relentless effort and strategic play culminated in a performance that truly earned him the trophy. Everyone extended their commiserations to his opponent, who displayed admirable resilience and fought valiantly until the very end. The two players efforts made for a compelling and exciting competition, and both can certainly hold their heads high as well as their respective trophies.  Jon could now proudly hold the Towner Cup and received a commemorative blazer flash and a pennant for the Club. 

Well done on your achievement Jon! You should be incredibly proud of what you've accomplished. This is a fantastic result, and it's a testament to your efforts. Congratulations from us all!

A big thank you to our Captain Mike "Spider" Webb for compiling the scorecard which enabled the writing of these reports.

Match Report: East Preston Men's A Team vs. Worthing Bulls

Early Start Sees East Preston Victory Over Worthing Bulls

Date: 20th July 2025 Time: 9:30 AM

It was an early morning start for the East Preston Men's A Team on Sunday, 20th July 2025, as they faced the Worthing Pavilion Bulls in a Division One clash. With the dawn chorus barely finished and a noon deadline to get to Eastbourne to support Jon Clear in the Men's Singles Championship final, the East Preston players were keen to make it a quick game and an early finish. 

The game started with Captain Warwick from Worthing leading a round of applause for Jon Clear and wishing him good luck in the final.  A lovely touch - thank you Warwick!

The match, contested across four rinks, proved to be a rewarding morning for the East Preston visitors. Despite the early hour, they quickly found their rhythm, securing a dominant 10-point victory with a final score of 78 points to Worthing Bulls' 56.  It is never easy to play at Worthing and the result was a good omen for Jon's match later in the day.

The individual rink scores were:

East Preston 22 - 14 Worthing Bulls

East Preston 18 - 13 Worthing Bulls

East Preston 22 - 16 Worthing Bulls

East Preston 16 - 13 Worthing Bulls

The game was played in a friendly yet competitive spirit, characterised by sporting conduct and good nature from both teams. It was an enjoyable morning of bowls for all involved. As the game finished, superfan Ann New, who was joined by Linda and Debra in the cheerleaders' box today, took the travelling supporters out to join Captain Webb who then led the multi-car convoy to the road for Eastbourne.

Thank you to the Worthing Bulls for an enjoyable morning and allowing us to dash off early for Eastbourne. Keep it going East Preston!

Bowls Match Report: East Preston vs. Pulborough

Date: July 12th, 2025

Venue: Pulborough 

Time: 2:00 PM

The East Preston seasiders arrived early to Pulborough, we were "up north" nestled in the beautiful Sussex Downs. It was time for the much anticipated return match. The sun, a relentless orb in a cloudless sky, beat down with unwavering intensity, causing the air to shimmer above the parched green. How we missed the gentle sea breeze at our home Club and the cooler temperatures by the sea.

A scorching afternoon witnessed a strongly contested match. The green, feeling like an inferno, necessitated copious amounts of water and other refreshing beverages for players and spectators alike to combat the heat.

The blazing sun was relentless and the atmosphere was electric, with the visitors' spirits immediately lifted on the arrival of East Preston's superfan Ann New, ably assisted by our ever-enthusiastic A Team Captain Spider.  They were there leading the cheers for the East Preston side.  It was tough for the spectators today as there was very little shade.  There was a good home crowd but our small band of travelling fans made their presence felt and East Preston appreciated their support - thank you!

The match proved to be a tight affair, with both teams demonstrating skill and resilience despite the boiling cauldron of the green. East Preston secured victories on two rinks, mirroring Pulborough's success on the other two rinks, resulting in an even split of 4 points apiece for the rinks.  That took care of 8 of the 10 points available.

What became of the remaining two points? The crucial 2 points for the aggregate score, however, went to Pulborough, who deservedly edged out East Preston with a final score of 62 to 51.

East Preston's big bowls weekend saw them secure 8 points from two challenging away matches over two days. While not as many points as the team had aimed for, it was a solid performance given the difficulty of the greens.  A number of the players had played internal and County competitions in previous days so it is a creditable result in the circumstances.

A memorable moment occurred on Rink 3 during the sixth end when a white feather drifted down onto the green just by A Team favourite James H – a symbolic moment, perhaps, but East Preston and James were certainly not going to give up the fight!  The wings of victory weren't going to be surrendered cheaply or easily.  East Preston kept the fight going.

Following a very enjoyable and hard-fought match, both teams retired to the Clubhouse for a well-earned drink and a chance to cool down. The Captains extended their sincere thanks to the catering team for the usual lovely spread, and congratulations were warmly given to players from both teams for their sportsmanship and recent successes in the County Competitions, highlighting the strong talent present on both sides.  It was also good to see some youngsters showing the old 'uns how to play!

In the words of our Captain "Keep it going East Preston!" All eyes are now on the results from the other teams that played today.  

Match Report

East Preston Men's A vs. Worthing Pavilion Bears

Date: 11 July 2025 Division: One Location: Away at Worthing Pavilion.

It was the much anticipated start of a very big weekend of Division One bowls for East Preston tonight. Our Men's A travelled to Worthing Pavilion on what was a bright and sunny Friday evening, for a fixture against the Worthing Pavilion Bears. The green was in an interesting condition, favouring the home side, which made a competitive game extra difficult.  Some very noisy squirrels in the trees adjacent to the football stand added to the atmosphere.

The early ends saw both teams settling into their rhythm, with East Preston's bowlers setting up some excellent heads. Not to be outdone, the Worthing Pavilion Bears, playing on their home green, demonstrated strong drawing and accurate weighting, often converting difficult situations into advantages.

As the evening progressed and the sunset, the desire for a win was strong on both sides, with several ends coming down to the final bowl. There were moments of brilliant play from both sides, including some impressive draws.  It was all much to the appreciation of the travelling spectators led by our superfan-in-chief Ann New who was tonight joined by her willing apprentice Ellen David in leading the chorus of green side cheers.  Thank you ladies!

East Preston fought hard across all rinks, showcasing their team spirit and determination to secure every possible shot. Despite a valiant effort and some very close rinks from East Preston, the Bears ultimately proved to be too consistent on their home turf, winning 66 vs. 52. All was not lost, East Preston took two rinks and the home side two rinks with the shot total making it 6 points Worthing and 4 points to the visitors. 

A commendable performance from both teams, but it was the Worthing Pavilion Bears who secured the most points on this occasion. East Preston will look to learn from this away fixture and bounce back in their next league game tomorrow away at Pulborough.  Keep it going East Preston.

Meanwhile there was good news over in Peacehaven Jon Clear took the honours in the Men’s County Singles semi-final.  Well done to Jon who triumphed 21 vs. 4.

The Secret's Out!

It's a truth universally acknowledged, well probably in some parts of Manchester more than others, that Sir Alex Ferguson reigns supreme as the greatest football team manager of all time. With a trophy cabinet of 13 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, and 2 Champions League victories during his 26-year reign at Manchester United, his secret to success has been the stuff of legend... until now!

For years, football pundits and pub philosophers alike have pondered the source of his unparalleled genius. Was it the steely glare? The chewing gum? Was it the hairdryer treatment?

Prepare yourselves, because we're about to drop a bombshell that's been more closely guarded than East Preston’s biscuit tin with Stevie Hawkes around. You read it here first. Before every single big match, the successful Scotsman would, without fail, ring up our very own Captain Mike “Spider” Webb for a quick bit of tactical advice.

That's right, fellow bowlers! While the world thought Fergie was planning his next move, he was actually on the dog and bone to Captain Webb, getting the full monty on what to do - “keep the focus and the wins will follow”. 

As Michael Caine (a personal friend who our silver-locked Spider taught to drive mini coopers in Italy, by the way, but that's a tale for another time) famously said, "Not a lot of people know that!" And now, thanks to us, you do. 

Keep it going East Preston! Tomorrow is a new match and a fresh opportunity. As told to our reporter CB.

The Olympic Shield -  9th July

The match was well supported, played on a lovely sunny afternoon, with twelve teams playing 3 sessions of 6 ends on 6 rinks. There was a break for tea after 9 ends and then followed by a raffle and the presentation of the Olympic Shield at the end. The winning team were Paul Hooton, Roy Whittington and Pat Taylor, who won all 3 of their games. A friendly afternoon, enjoyed by everyone. 

 

East Preston & Kingston Ladies Advance in Sussex County Inter Club Competition

Date: 8th July at 2 pm.

Location: Home and Away for both Clubs.

Result: East Preston & Kingston Bowls Club 38 - 26 Horsham Bowls Club

East Preston & Kingston ladies have successfully progressed to the third round of the Women's Inter Club - Double Rink - Area 2 competition today (8th July 2025) after a convincing victory over Horsham. The match played one rink home and one rink away saw East Preston & Kingston dominate with a final score of 38-26.

This win follows their narrow first-round triumph against Burgess Hill, where they secured a 31-29 victory. Their consistent performance has now earned them a spot in the third round, scheduled for July 17th.  Keep it going ladies! Well done all!

Match Report:  East Preston vs Norfolk Division 3

Date: July 7th, 2025

Place: Norfolk BC

Time: 2.00 PM

A close fought match and a close result in very windy conditions with East Preston winning 2 rinks and Norfolk 1.  The overall score was 59 - 52 to Norfolk, so the points were shared, 4 points to East Preston and 4 points to Norfolk.

Match Report: County Quarter Final

Congratulations, Jon Clear!

Well done Jon Clear on his nail-biting 21-20 victory at Peacehaven on July 4th! It was a truly thrilling match that kept everyone on the edge of their seats right up until the very last shot.

The tension was palpable as the score reached a 20-20 deadlock. With the pressure on, Jon delivered a phenomenal final shot, landing his wood perfectly to secure the win. The roar from the travelling fans was deafening, a testament to the incredible excitement and their delight in seeing Jon emerge victorious after such a hard-fought contest. Well played, Jon!

Match Report: East Preston vs Norfolk Division 3

Date: July 3rd, 2025

Place: East Preston

Time: 2.00 PM

The match was a closely fought game with East Preston winning 2 rinks and Norfolk 1.  The overall score was a 50 all draw, so East Preston took 5 points to Norfolks 3.

Match Report: Ladies Double Fours 3 July 2025

Hard-Fought Victory for East Preston Ladies

The East Preston ladies delivered a strong and determined performance yesterday, July 3rd, triumphing over Burgess Hill in the Double Fours competition. Their exceptional play secured victories on both the home and away rinks, showcasing the depth of talent within the team.

This comprehensive win is a testament to the ladies' hard work, strategic prowess, and unwavering focus. Their success in both challenging environments underscores their dominance and sets a high bar for future competitions. Well done to the entire East Preston ladies' team!

Match Report: County Mixed Pairs 3 July 2025

Congratulations Paul and Shelley!

Paul Peters and Shelley Rindsland secured their place in the County Mixed Pairs Area Final last night, triumphing over their opponents with a commanding 23-9 victory at Bognor. Despite the notoriously tough green conditions at Bognor, the dynamic duo from East Preston demonstrated exceptional skill and determination.

Their performance was particularly impressive given the challenging playing surface, highlighted by a remarkable seven shots picked up on a single end. This decisive win sees Peters and Rindsland advance in the competition, showcasing their strong partnership and form.  Watch this space for news of the area final.

Match Report: East Preston Men's A vs. Southbourne

Division One | 29 June 2025 | 2:00 PM

It was a scorching Sunday afternoon. East Preston Men's A team travelled away to face Southbourne in Division One, under conditions that proved to be a significant challenge. Played on an artificial bowling green, the sun's glare created a 'real feel' temperature some four degrees higher than the already blistering heat, making for an incredibly difficult day for bowls.

The artificial surface, reflecting the intense sun, certainly gave the home side a considerable advantage, turning every bowl into a gamble for visiting East Preston. Despite their determined efforts to adapt, East Preston found themselves battling not only their opponents but also their own lack of recent match experience on such a surface.

The match, contested across four rinks, saw many shots narrowly or widely missing their mark. Some bowls were short and others very long.  Even when East Preston managed to get close to the jack, a well-placed following bowl from the home side often nudged it astray. This unfortunate pattern ultimately prevented East Preston from securing a single win on what was a truly difficult day.

Although the honours were never in doubt, there was nothing artificial about East Preston's desire to win. The hope was at least to take some points from the home side but it was sadly not to be. Southbourne claimed a convincing 10-point victory, demonstrating their prowess on their home astroturf.

Despite the result, the spirit of the game remained very friendly yet competitive, marked by good sportsmanship and a nice atmosphere throughout. Following the match, both teams enjoyed drinks and friendly chat in the Clubhouse. A special thanks is extended to Southbourne for their always excellent bar, raffle, and buffet. East Preston even managed to take home three out of the four raffle prizes, ensuring they didn't leave entirely empty-handed!

With an unwavering spirit, our incredible cheerleader and superfan Ann gently and calmly willed us on every time we bowled from the Clubhouse end, ably assisted by Audrey from Southbourne. Thank you for your encouragement it means a lot.

Special mention to David Leach who stepped in to play today for East Preston!  Thank you also Southbourne, for an enjoyable afternoon, despite the challenging conditions and the final score.  We played a challenging side today, facing a strong opponent who seemed to have an answer for every shot. Despite our best efforts we just couldn't quite get any points to take away.

It was a tough loss, but we'll learn from it and come back stronger next time. Upcoming matches in July are against Worthing Pavilion Bears (11th) and Pulborough (12th) both away. Come on East Preston!

East Preston Men’s A vs Chichester Bowls Club

Bowls England Two Fours Competition – Saturday 28th June 2025

East Preston and Kingston Bowls Club played host to local West Sussex rivals Chichester Bowls Club on Saturday afternoon, in a highly anticipated Bowls England Men’s Club Two Fours competition match. The conditions were absolutely perfect for bowls, with bright late afternoon sunshine and warm temperatures setting the scene for a thoroughly enjoyable encounter.

The Bowls England Two Fours format sees each club field two rinks of four players, playing 18 ends with two bowls per player. The ultimate winner is determined by the highest aggregate score across both rinks, with the competition progressing through knockout rounds from county to national finals.

The match, contested across two rinks, was played in an very friendly yet competitive spirit, showcasing the good nature and sporting camaraderie between the two clubs. While both sides were clearly keen to advance, the atmosphere remained amicable throughout.

On rink 4, East Preston’s Men’s A team showed their strong form, securing a commendable victory with a score of 14 shots to 11. One rink to East Preston! However, over on rink 3, Chichester proved to be the stronger side, winning 21 shots to 11. This meant that while the rink results were drawn one apiece, Chichester emerged victorious by a narrow margin of 7 shots overall, with a final aggregate score of 32 shots to East Preston's 25.  There were opportunities for East Preston to win on rink 3 and the match could easily have gone the other way but in truth the best team won on the day, the visitors playing some excellent shots.  With such a close and enjoyable match, East Preston's spirits weren't dampened.  It was time to take the drinks orders.

Following the competitive play, both teams retired satisfied to the Clubhouse for a beverage or two and a friendly chat, catching up with old friends and reflecting on the afternoon's bowls. Captains Jon Clear for East Preston and Stuart for Chichester both delivered their speeches, acknowledging the enjoyable afternoon, wishing each side well for the remainder of the season, and sharing a toast with raised glasses.  Stuart and the assembled players all wished Jon well in his next singles competition - well done Jon!  keep it going!

Hearty congratulations to Chichester Bowls Club on their win. East Preston will now shift their focus to their Division One match at Southbourne tomorrow. Come on East Preston!  

SEASON UPDATE FOR LEAGUE 3 MEN

Commentary by Alan Taylor Moore

After a somewhat wet start to the season we move to a hotter patch and faster greens.

Storrington (Home)

A wet and windy day for our first game against a strong side. One rink held on skipped by David Davies. Games started slightly late due to the weather and were close to being rained off. Despite a valiant effort we lost 6-2.

Pavilion Badgers (Home)

The weather in the morning produced more rain and it dried out for the match. Our visitors had a mixed team of new and older players and East Preston took advantage of longer jacks to win 8-0.  Well done East Preston!

Arundel (Home)

Another match played in wet and windy weather. Despite feedback on the conditions from the away team East Preston continued to put in a good performance for a draw 4-4. It was pointed out at the end if the match had been abandoned the score would have stayed the same!

Bognor B (Away)

Our travels did not turn out well this time. Rain in the morning and longer grass produced a heavy, uneven green. We did not get to grips with the conditions and lost 8-0. One rink drew 14 all on the last end and lost by 1 on a tight measure.  

It was Alan Taylor Moore's first Captain of the Day for 2 years (not a good start) but it was good to be back.  Welcome back Alan!

Pagham (Home)

First game against Pagham, who dropped to this League due to shortage of members. EP knew it would be a challenging game but put in a strong performance to end 4-4.  Well done East Preston!

Goring Manor (Home)

Another of the teams dropping down a division this season but known to us through friendly matches. A very hot day and a green playing very well saw East Preston put in a good performance to draw 4-4. One rink won on the last end due to a "tied end" and winning by 1 point .

All of our matches have been played in a good spirit and the points totals when we have lost have been close. Thanks to all the supporters, bar staff and other volunteers off the green.

We continue to have a mix of core players and bring in other volunteers for experience. Put your names on BowlR PLEASE!

Needless to say we are all sorry to hear of the passing of David Davies. A member of the League 3 team this season and always available for advice.  

MATCH REPORT

Disappointment for East Preston Men's A Team versus Maltravers

Date: Wednesday, 18th June at 6 pm. East Preston Men faced their near neighbours Maltravers Bowls Club tonight in a keenly anticipated Bowls England "Top Club" Area Quarter-Final. Having previously secured wins against Tarring Priory and Norfolk in this prestigious competition, East Preston were hoping to continue their run. Hopes were high amongst the players and supporters alike but despite the sunny conditions the sun didn't shine quite so brightly on the home side tonight.

The "Top Club" competition is a significant inter-club event featuring 11 players from each side competing across five distinct disciplines. The overall winner is determined by the number of disciplines won, with aggregate shots deciding ties.

Today was a closely contested match, with the final outcome hanging in the balance until the very end. A handful of shots deciding the encounter. Here's how it ended:

Two-Bowl Singles: Win for Maltravers

Four-Bowl Singles: Win for East Preston

Four-Bowl Pairs: Win for Maltravers

Three-Bowl Triples: Win for East Preston

Two-Bowl Fours: Win for Maltravers

Final Score: East Preston: 2  Maltravers: 3 

Despite valiant efforts from East Preston and lots of welcome encouragement from the East Preston skips tonight, Maltravers ultimately took the honours with the 3-2 victory. The match was so very close and could have gone either way, highlighting the competitive spirit between the West Sussex rivals.  

Following the conclusion of play and warm handshakes, both teams gathered in the East Preston clubhouse. Captain Jon Clear for East Preston delivered a speech, acknowledging the good nature of the match and wishing Maltravers well for the remainder of the competition. 

Better luck next time East Preston! While this match may not have ended with a spot in the next round, your continuing dedication and hard work will undoubtedly pave the way for future success in the League and the PC Cup. Keep on pushing forwards!  Come on East Preston!

 

MATCH REPORT

East Preston Triumph Over Bognor Regis in Challenging Conditions

Bognor Regis, Saturday 14th June at 2 pm – The East Preston Men’s A Team secured another hard-fought victory today, this time against Bognor Regis in their West Sussex Bowls League Division One match. 

The match took place at the green on Waterloo Square just off the seafront. The visitors - who before the match were top of the table - turned out to be mightily relieved as a result of winning 66-59 and EP Team Manager Mike "Spider" Webb was seen happily claiming the honours and a respectable 7 points.

Before the start of play, both teams respectfully observed a minute's silence in memory of David Davies, East Preston's much-missed former President. Following this, the 18-end match commenced with the visitors' jacks.

The game, played away at Bognor in beautiful Sussex-by-the Sea, was marked by bright sunshine but a cold, blustery wind whipping in from the Pier and the Ice Cream Parlour, creating challenging bowling conditions on a quirky green.  There was no danger of ice creams melting this afternoon as it "blew up a hooley"!

East Preston demonstrated a strong performance in the battle of Waterloo Square, securing wins on Rinks 2 and 5, a draw on Rink 4, and a loss on Rink 3, leading to their overall 7-point haul.

A good crowd of spectators, including East Preston's super supporter Ann New and joined today by Debra Baker, enjoyed a bird's-eye view from the top floor of the Clubhouse, creating a lively atmosphere. 

Following the game, a very welcome afternoon tea was served in the Clubhouse, with East Preston extending their thanks to Bognor, and particularly Peter and Denise, for their much-appreciated hospitality.

Captains Craig and Jon concluded the event with speeches thanking everyone for an enjoyable game and wishing each other's teams well for the remainder of the season. East Preston now eagerly awaits the results from the other matches in the league.  Come on East Preston!  Keep it going!

MATCH REPORT: LATE PC CUP WINNER FOR EAST PRESTON MEN'S A 

Maltravers, Littlehampton, 11th June at 6 pm – In a thrilling PC Cup encounter, East Preston Men’s A Team secured what ended up being a hard-fought victory against Maltravers, triumphing 68-67 after an extra end was needed to separate the two sides. The game was played at first under bright sunshine with a cold easterly wind sweeping across a perfect green.  Both sides were partially shaded by an enormous weeping willow tree which witnessed a contest remarkable for a true nail-biter of an ending.

The atmosphere was friendly yet competitive, with both teams displaying sportsmanship and good nature throughout. A good crowd of spectators, including East Preston's super supporter and chief cheerleader Ann New (who was making a welcome return) cheered the players enthusiastically from the sidelines.

East Preston showed strong form across the four rinks, at one point winning on three of the four rinks played but it wasn't going to be enough tonight. All eyes were on the overall scores from the rinks and the game remained incredibly tight because it was total points - not rinks won - that counted. As the last ends were played the match ended at 67-67 after the required 18 ends. This meant the fate of the match rested on an extra end to be played out on Rink 2. The crowd gathered tight to watch the final action.  No time to stop or rest!

The shadows were now falling across the green and one team was going to be disappointed. The tension was palpable, and it all came down to the penultimate bowl. Paul Peters, showing a steely focus and an air of determination, was the man who stepped up to the mat and delivered the crunch shot that gave East Preston that crucial lead, finally securing the one-point victory and sending the away team through to the next round of the PC Cup.

What a scorcher of a finish!  A collective gasp from the crowd, followed by a roar as East Preston secured their victory. The cheers were deafening, a mix of elation from the East Preston faithful and a sense of disappointment from the Maltraversians.

Hands and everything else (including Karl's new cap) were thrown into the air, some were in triumph, others in disbelief, as the reality of the one-point difference settled over the darkening green. It was a true testament to the match's final intensity, a shared moment of raw emotion that encapsulated the competitive yet friendly spirit of the day.

Following the intense on-green action, both teams retired to the Clubhouse for well-deserved tea and biscuits, enjoying friendly chat. The captains exchanged speeches, wishing each other well for the remainder of the season, a fitting end to a truly memorable and sporting contest.  Keep it going EP! Next opponents Crablands. Come on East Preston!

 

MATCH REPORT:  Tense Bowls England Club Two Fours Clash

East Preston, Sunday 8th June 2025 at 10 am - East Preston & Kingston Men's A emerged victorious over West Sussex rivals Pagham in a closely contested Bowls England Club Two Fours match, securing a narrow 38-33 win.

Club Two Fours consists of two rinks of four players and they play 18 ends, two bowls each player. Players can be all men, all women or a combination of both. 

The final scoreline reflects a hard-fought encounter, with East Preston ultimately finding the extra shots needed to clinch the win. This result is a boost for East Preston as they now progress to the semi-finals which will be against Chichester at home. Watch this space.  Come on East Preston!

 

JUBILEE CUP – June 7th, 2025

Report from Barrie T, Captain of the Day

Yesterday was a lovely day with everyone really up for the game. The weather was kind to us right unto the very last end, when we had to run to stay dry!

As Captain of the Day, I was very proud of everyone who took part, my thanks to all those members who stood in at the last moment to allow us to field a full green.

Congratulations to Pat Lewis, Jo Solomon, Roy Whittington and Bryan Saunders who won Cup on the day.

Thanks also to Maureen D and Ann New for making sure we had a very welcome hot drink halfway to keep us going, and thanks to Hazel and Maureen for the raffle.

It was a very close finish with only 5 shots separating 1st - 3rd place - so well done everyone.

The bar offered us refreshments - thanks to Simon Smith and Ellen David thank you all.

 

EAST PRESTON EDGE OUT NORFOLK IN TIGHT​ TOP-OF-THE-TABLE CLASH

East Preston, West Sussex – June 6, 2025 – East Preston Men's A strengthened their position at the top of West Sussex Bowls League Division One tonight, securing a hard-fought 8-point victory (64 shots to 60) over third-placed Norfolk Men's A.

The home match, played under overcast skies with a blustery easterly wind that made it feel more like autumn than summer, saw a good crowd of spectators witness a tense and closely contested battle.

With East Preston leading the league by four points over Pulborough and nine points over Norfolk heading into the game, the stakes were high for both sides. The early 5:30 pm start allowed the teams to catch the occasional last gasps of the afternoon sun, adding to the atmosphere of this crucial encounter.

The overall score reflected the tight nature of the match, with very little separating the two teams shot-wise. In the end the hosts took the honours. Rink 2 experienced a narrow 19-22 loss for East Preston, but crucial wins on Rink 3 (a very close 15-14), Rink 5 (a good 14-11) with an exceptional performance from "Ron the Greek", and Rink 6 (a solid 16-13) ultimately sealed the victory for the home side.

This top of the table clash marked the second meeting between the two teams this week, featuring slightly altered line-ups on both sides. Despite the competitive spirit, the match was played in a sporting, and good-natured manner, a testament to the excellent camaraderie between the clubs.

Following the action on the green, players from both teams enjoyed drinks, snacks and friendly conversation in the Clubhouse. Captains John and Jim delivered short but enjoyable speeches, reflecting on the evening's match and wishing each side well for the remainder of the season. They also thanked the Club volunteers who set up the green and the Clubhouse. Their contributions were met with well-deserved applause. A special thanks was extended by all present to Barbara and Ellen for their welcoming refreshments and excellent service at the bar. Keep it going East Preston and Kingston Bowls Club!

LADIES GLADYS ROWLAND CUP

Sue Fordyce, Maureen Davies, Allison Randell & Hazel Comber played in this competition against Burgess Hill on 5th June and won the match 17 - 13.  They now play Popes Mead in the next round

 

MATCH REPORT: East Preston Men's A Triumph Over Norfolk Bowls Club in Top Club National

Norfolk Bowls Club, 4th June 2025 6 pm – East Preston Men’s A team delivered a dominant performance this evening, securing a resounding 4-1 victory over Norfolk Bowls Club in the Top Club National competition. Despite sunny skies, conditions were challenging, with a blustery and very cold wind sweeping in from the sea. 

East Preston demonstrated their strength across the board tonight and came within a hare's breath of winning on all 5 rinks. The Pairs clinched a commanding 28-10 win, while the Triples secured a comfortable 22-12 victory. The Rink  put on an impressive display, triumphing 22-4. In the 2-wood singles, East Preston continued their winning streak with an 18-7 scoreline. Norfolk just managed to secure a late, very close 21-18 win in the 4 woods.

Tonight's match, contested across five rinks beside the sea in Littlehampton, was characterised by a friendly yet competitive spirit, with both teams displaying good natured sportsmanship throughout.

Following the action on the green, players from both sides retired to the welcome warmth of the clubhouse for drinks, a tasty ploughman's supper and a friendly chat. Captains from both teams delivered their speeches, reflecting on an enjoyable evening match and wishing each other well for the remainder of the season.

The camaraderie continued as old friends caught up over welcome drinks. East Preston Captain Jon extended our thanks to Pauline and Norfolk Bowls Club for their hospitality, especially for providing bar and catering services.  Both clubs will meet again this Friday at East Preston in a keenly anticipated Division One match, come on East Preston!

 

MATCH REPORT: EAST PRESTON VICTORY OVER WORTHING BULLS IN DIVISION ONE CLASH

East Preston Men’s A Team versus Worthing Pavilion Bulls Saturday 31st May at 2 pm.

East Preston maintained their commanding position at the top of the table today with a comprehensive home victory over Worthing Bulls in a friendly yet competitive encounter. Played out under muggy conditions, with a sea fret adding a touch of atmospheric mystery, East Preston emerged triumphant with an impressive 88-58 overall scoreline, securing 8 points.

The match, contested across four rinks, saw East Preston demonstrate their dominance on three of them. The home side secured wins with scores of 27-15, 26-12, and 16-10, showcasing both consistent performance and strategic play. While Worthing Bulls took an early lead on Rink 2, in the end they just managed to narrowly hold off against EP's come back with a 21-19 victory. So in the end it wasn't enough to significantly impact East Preston's overall lead.

Despite the competitive nature of the game, the spirit between both teams remained excellent throughout. The friendly atmosphere was a testament to the sportsmanship on display, making for an enjoyable afternoon of bowls for players and spectators alike. East Preston's continued strong form bodes well for their season as they look to solidify their top-of-the-table status.

Afterwards in the Clubhouse Captains Ron and Warwick wished each side well for the rest of the season and enjoyed a welcome drink.  Thanks to Ellen for the bar and catering.

 

LADIES SENIOR FOURS

Pam /Shelley /Maureen & Hazel had their first game in this competition on Friday May 30th against Horsham but unfortunately lost 12 - 21.

 

LADIES COUNTY TRIPLES

On Friday 23 May, our County Triples Team were informed at extremely late notice, that instead of going on to the semi finals, they now had to play an extra round of the competition first, just 3 days later on Monday 26th May at Polegrove, Bexhill.  With having to make new arrangements in such a short time frame and also having to get to Bexhill for the match at 6.00pm, it took its toll on the team and they lost 17 - 3.     

 

MATCH REPORT: EAST PRESTON VICTORY OVER TARRING IN DIVISION ONE CLASH

East Preston secured a valuable eight points in Division One today 24th May, overcoming Tarring Priory with a final score of 70-62 in blustery conditions. The match, the third against Tarring this week, kicked off at 2 pm under a somewhat cloudy and windy sky, making for  challenging play for both sides.

The home team, welcoming a number of new members to the team, started well, adjusting to the testing weather and the new experience. However, Tarring Priory, known for their resilience, steadily clawed their way back, demonstrating strong teamwork that kept the scores tight throughout the game.  

As the match entered its latter half, the wind picked up, adding another layer of complexity. While Tarring Priory pushed hard for a late comeback, East Preston held their nerve across all 4 rinks, closing out the game with a well-deserved 70-62 victory.  Well done to all our players.

This win sees East Preston take a crucial eight points in Division One, a result that will undoubtedly boost  confidence as the season progresses. Tarring Priory, despite the loss, can take heart from their competitive spirit and will look to bounce back in their next fixture against East Preston.

So a hat trick for East Preston this week and three games that were full of competitive, friendly, good cheer on both sides.

 

MATCH REPORT: EAST PRESTON WIN IN MEN'S DOUBLE FOURS

Date: Friday 23 May Time: 6 pm. Visitors: Tarring Priory.

East Preston Men's A secured a convincing 38-20 victory on 2 rinks over local rivals Tarring Priory tonight in the Men's Double Fours competition. This is the second time East Preston has played Tarring this week with a third match against them in Division One tomorrow afternoon.

Tonight, the home side displayed a strong performance across both rinks, outscoring Tarring Priory by a significant margin. This excellent result sees East Preston progress to the next round, where they will face either Pagham or Worthing Pavilion B.

The East Preston team will be looking to carry this momentum forward as they continue their pursuit in the competition. Here's hoping for a hat trick.

It's always a pleasure to play against Tarring and renew old friendships. The match was played in the usual competitive and sporting spirit followed by an excellent post match drink and bite to eat. 

 

MATCH REPORT: EAST PRESTON TOP CLUB WIN

Tuesday 20th May. Time 6 pm. East Preston Men's A Team emerged victorious tonight in a hard-fought Top Club competition match against Tarring Priory, with the outcome decided on the very last end. The teams were playing the usual Top Club format of two and four wood singles, pairs, triples and a rink.

As the evening drew in, the singles, pairs and triples games concluded and all eyes were on the result of the rink which was still playing and very close indeed. It was a nail-biting finish on the last end and it had the spectators from both sides on the edge of their seats. 

As the light faded, fortunately East Preston brightened up their evening by securing the crucial win. This hard-earned overall victory propels East Preston and Kingston into the next round, where they face the winners of Norfolk versus Chichester away.  

Over a friendly chat in the warmth of the Clubhouse, both teams wished each other well for their season and extended their sincere thanks to Joy, Ellen, and Linda for their excellent work in running the bar and providing a much-appreciated buffet.  Both teams will meet twice more in the coming days.  Watch this space!

 

LADIES COUNTY TRIPLES

On the next round of this competition on 13th May, Pam Tottman, Shelley Rindsland & Hazel Comber won 39 - 7 against another EP team.  Then on Friday 17th May they won   19 - 9 against Arundel.  Today they played their next round against Crablands and won    17 - 15. Many congratulations to the team as they are now into the semi finals to be played in Brighton in July.
 

SANDY'S DAY

Another successful Sandy’s day competition was held on Monday 19th May.

The weather was sunny, the food excellent, a super raffle and the ladies had a great day of bowling.

The winning team were Mary, Sue and Eileen.

The day raised £620 for the Motor Neurone Disease association.

Thank you to all who took part and thank you to those who donated money.

 

THE CUDMORE SHIELD -  MAY 13th

On Tuesday 13th May nearly 50 players took part in a friendly Club Day competing for the Cudmore Shield.

The game was arranged to be played in three sessions of six ends with all teams changing rinks at the end of each session which is good to allow players to mix and also playing different teams which make the final results quite interesting..

The weather was beautiful and judging by the comments a good time was had by all. 

There was one outright winning team:-

David Leach

Alison Randall

Julie Brooks 

Peter Smith

It is very rewarding that we get such a good response from members wanting to take part in these club days.

 

Match Report: East Preston and Kingston vs. Pulborough

Under sunny conditions and in front of a good crowd of spectators, East Preston Men’s A Team faced Pulborough in a Division One fixture on four rinks. East Preston demonstrated a strong start to their campaign this season, securing a convincing overall victory.  

Rink Results: Rink 2: 26 - 8; Rink 6: 14 - 12 (this was a closely fought rink); Rink 5: 23 - 5; Rink 3: 15 - 17 (this was hard fought and a very narrow defeat). So a final score of 78 - 42 to East Preston and Kingston Bowls Club.

After post match handshakes it was off to the Clubhouse. Everyone agreed it was a very friendly match, remarking upon the competitive spirit of both teams and wishing both teams success in their upcoming matches. This victory marks a great start to East Preston's Division 1 campaign, setting a positive tone for the season ahead. It will be an eagerly anticipated return match at Pulborough.

Special thanks are extended to James, the Captain of the Day, and to the excellent bar and catering volunteers (Pam, Ann and Linda) for their very refreshing and much enjoyed contributions to a successful and enjoyable day at the club. 

Overall Result: East Preston emerged victorious with a final score of 78 - 42 securing a valuable 8 points. Well done to East Preston!  

 

LADIES COUNTY TRIPLES

Pam Tottman Shelley Rindsland & Hazel Comber played their first round today, May 9th, against Norfolk and won 24 - 7.

 

East Preston vs. Arundel - 3 May 2025

A keenly anticipated local derby unfolded on Saturday as East Preston and Kingston Bowls Club met their neighbours from Arundel in the friendly curtain raiser for the men's outdoor season. 

The atmosphere was convivial and it was all smiles as both teams, boasting a blend of experienced campaigners and promising newcomers, took to the green at 2 pm.  Captains Craig and Mark gave their opening remarks and it was 18 ends with 1 on the first 2 ends. 

The initial end in lovely, bright sunshine saw a cautious approach from both sides, with players carefully weighing their shots and the conditions of the green. Scores remained tight across the 4 rinks in the early stages, indicating a closely fought contest was in store.

As the match progressed, the intensity increased. East Preston and Kingston opened up a lead on 3 rinks and were glad to keep the lead all the way to the finish. The final few ends proved to be a nail-biting affair on rink 1 which ended in a draw 15 - 15. Rinks 6, 5 and 2 were won comfortably by East Preston with scores of 20 - 5, 19 - 9 and 16 - 9 respectively. East Preston happily emerged victorious with an overall score of 70 to 38. 

As in previous years, there was a friendly rink of East Preston players on rink 3 that ended up in a fitting and well-deserved draw 19 - 19.

As the players left the green, it was hand shakes all round and back to the Clubhouse for a well deserved drink or two and some very tasty snacks. Special thanks to Ellen for the bar service. Both Captains wished each other well this season and both East Preston and Arundel will now focus on their upcoming matches and competitions.

This local derby is always a highlight of the Club's calendar, and this latest instalment certainly lived up to its billing.  It was lovely to see old friends and make new ones. It was also great to see a good crowd of spectators enjoying the action and giving their support. As the sun set on the green it was interesting to reflect that Arundel were the Club’s first opponents in 1923.

 

MACKENZIE CUP - APRIL 29th

We had a record number of members playing in the Mackenzie Cup on Tuesday 29th April managing to fill seven rinks. The weather was perfect, lovely sunshine with just a breath of a breeze. The game consisted of 15 ends with change of rinks at every five ends. Apart from a little bit of confusion at one changeover, the game was played in an extremely friendly but competitive manner and all players appeared to have a good and enjoyable afternoon. At the end we adjourned to the clubhouse for refreshments and a raffle.

There were four teams that won every session but on shot difference with a score of +22 the cup was presented to:-

Jan Haggis 

Keith Bishop 

Jan Cooper

Russell Granat (Skip)

 

SHORT MAT FINAL RESULTS 2024/2025

Ladies Drawn Pairs

Hazel Comber & Janet Johnson 6    Ellen David & Ann Harrington 20

 

Mixed Singles

Matthew David 21   Bryan Sanders 14

 

Men's Drawn Pairs

Peter Smith & Steve Tully 21  Keith Chamberlian & Ernie Marnham 19

 

The Plate

Paul Peters 21  Simon Smith  14

Mixed Nominated Pairs

Paul Peters & Shelley Rindsland 22  Ernie Marnham & Sylvia Marnham 19

 

Ladies Singles

Sue Fordyce 21  Irene Steer 9

Mixed Drawn Pairs

John Brooks & Hazel Comber 16  Bryan Sanders & Maureen Davies 10

 

Men's Singles

Karl Lesh 22  Ernie Marnham 4

 

HIGH SALVINGTON FRIENDLY

5 April 2025 - today East Preston took 3 triples teams to High Salvington for a friendly match at the Catholic Church. Bright sunshine as we arrived was a good omen and we received a very warm welcome indeed from Captain Paul and the High Salvington members. With a beautiful stained glass window casting many colours on the 3 mats, East Preston took the lead at the halfway point when play stopped for tea and enough cake, biscuits and sausage rolls to feed the five thousand. East Preston’s good fortune continued with our Club taking 3 of the raffle prizes and play recommenced ending with a win on each rink. Rink 1 Craig, Terry and Eileen won 24 v 14. Rink 2 Alan, Ron and Eddie won 20 v 12. Rink 3 Lee, Irene and Ellen won 23 v 8. Captain Craig thanked our hosts and everyone agreed it was a most pleasant afternoon. We all hoped we could make this a regular fixture. Well done to all our travelling players on a clean sweep and sincere thanks to our new found bowling friends at High Salvington.

 

JEFF NASH COMPETITION 2025

On Monday 31st march the final round of the 4th Jeff Nash Memorial Trophy Competition  was played. Because of the number of members wishing to take part in this event a Preliminary, knock out event was arranged on 14th March to whittle the 42 players, in 14 randomly selected teams of 3, down to the 8 teams, which is all the final day can accommodate, by playing 1 game each of 9 ends. Because of the difference between the performance of the 2 mats the 4 highest scoring teams from each mat were passed through to the final.

The final day started play at 9.30 am with all 8 teams playing 4 sessions of 6 ends randomly arranged. Play continued to about 4.30 pm with breaks for lunch and coffee arranged. The catering was provided by Maureen Davies and Ellen David and helpers with tea and coffee and lunch time baps and cakes at the end for the prize giving. The bar, manned by Matt David, was available at the end for drinks if required.

The winning team, D, was Joan Crane, Peter Lloyd and skip Fred Muddle who won all 4 of their sessions and the runners up, team F, were Trish Baldwin, Roger Barnfather and skip Keith Chamberlain who won 2 sessions and drew 2 sessions. The trophy was awarded to the winning team and prizes to both teams. The organiser, David Davies, congratulated all the teams who played in both days for the for the friendly, competitive spirit in which the games were played in memory of Jeff Nash. He also thanked the members who provided the catering and the volunteers who moved mats and tables etc and cleared up afterwards.

A great day was had by all the members involved.

Photos of the winners and runner ups can be found within the 2025 Gallery under "Jeff Nash"

 

West Sussex Short Mat Plate Competition

On Friday 7th February East Preston played the Quarter Final round of The West Sussex Plate Competition at home against a team from Thakeham.  Following a very enjoyable and competitive game East Preston won with a score of 41 to 21. We now go forward to play at Worthing Pavilion in the semi finals/finals 

Thakeham have only been formed as a short mat club for a couple of years and they are very keen to play more clubs, expressing a wish to play some friendly matches with us. This is something that we will try and arrange.

 

Crablands Friendly Match 6th February

East Preston were very happy to meet up with some old friends and make some new ones as well, when they hosted Crablands today.

The line up was 2 rinks of short mat teams with 8 players on each rink. 2 bowls each, 2 trial ends and then with visitors' jack the game commenced. Today we played a closely fought but friendly match over 18 ends. The teams were made up of a mixture of new and experienced players.

After a very closely contested match, East Preston prevailed by 1 shot (32 Home v 31 Away); with a win on one rink (19 v 11) and a loss (13 v 20). 

Special mention to Albert (98 years young) and his wife Grace who played so well on each rink.

Captain of the Day for East Preston was Ellen David.  Ellen welcomed Crablands Captain Denise and her visiting team. Denise thanked the Club for the usual warm welcome. After the match, over tea and biscuits, visitors and hosts agreed it was a pleasure to return to East Preston and hoped to make this an annual fixture.
 

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.

 

Olympic Shield

Fortunately, the weather improved on 10th July and the scheduled Annual Olympic Shield competition went ahead with 36 members taking part. The competition was fierce but the winning team were the only one to win all three of their Sessions of 6 ends were declared the winners. The members of the team were Stephen Oliver, Helen Bender, Bob Palmer and skip Mary Greenfield and they were presented with the trophy by Chairman David Davies." A photo of the winning team will be in the Gallery shortly.

 

Jubilee Cup Match 2024

44 Club Members attended the annual Jubilee Cup Match enjoying fine weather although it was a little cool at times. The 12 teams played 3 sessions of 6 ends with a different opponent team and on a different rink each session. A break for tea was taken after the first 10 ends had been played. 

Points were awarded for each session; 2 for a win and 1 for a draw. 3 teams won all three sessions so the winners were the team that recorded the greatest shot difference which was team D whose players were Rick Gosnell, Beryl Patterson, Steve Tully and skip Pat Lewis and who achieved an excellent score of 18 points difference. Well done!

Despite some difficulties at the start because of the East Preston Festival Parade, a great time was had by all.

 

Arundel Ladies GSM League Match

On Thursday 6th June East Preston ladies played a League match at home against Arundel. Unfortunately due to a heavy green one East Preston rink was not able to find the green and suffered a heavy loss to Arundel although East Preston ladies won on the other rink, East Preston lost overall ending with 4 points for Arundel and 2 for East Preston. As always the game was enjoyable and played in a good spirit, we look forward to the return match at Arundel on 19th June.  

 

County Senior Fours

Our County Senior Fours: Pam, Maureen, Shelley and Hazel beat Burgess Hill 16-8 on Friday 7th June. They are now through to the County semi finals which will be played at Preston BC, Brighton in July. Well done and good luck in the next match ladies!

Following their win over Pagham on Tuesday 4th June our County Senior Fours: Pam, Maureen, Shelley and Hazel are through to the County Quarter Finals on Friday 7th June where they play Burgess Hill at home at 2:30.  

 

Ladies League

On Friday 25th May the Ladies played a very hard fought home league game against Marine Gardens.

On rink 2 the team consisting of Maureen Davies, Pam Tottman, Shelley Rindsland and Ellen David, after a very tight game, just managed to pinch the lead and won 15 to 13.

On rink 3 the team consisting of Sue Fordyce, Debra Baker. Ennis Allum, Julie Brooks, managed to pick up a 5 late in the game which helped them to win 20 to 12.

So the ladies won by 10 and picked up 6 points. 

 

Friendly Match against Marine Gardens 17th May

On Friday 17th East Preston played a mixed friendly away match against Marine Gardens. The weather was very good and as always, we received a very warm welcome from Marine Gardens members. The match was played in a very friendly rivalry spirit. 

Sadly East Preston just lost with the score of 71 to East Preston and 85 to Marine Gardens. We look forward to the return match later in the season on our home ground.

 

The Cudmore Shield Match

The club played the annual Cudmore Shield Competition on Monday 13th May. There was a full rink of 48 players from all levels of the club in randomly drawn teams of 4.  Each team played 3 sessions of 6 ends scoring points for winning or drawing a session. After some close fought games the only team to win all 3 sessions won the trophy. The winners were Craig Baker, Sue Fordyce, Roger Barnfather and skip Hazel Comber. After the match the members shared a drink in the clubhouse when the trophy was presented to the winners by the Club Chairman David Davies. The weather was kind and a great day was had by all.  See the gallery for a photo of the winning team.

 

Match against White Hall BC Essex May 7

On Tuesday 7th May we welcomed White Hall Bowls Club to our club for a friendly match. White Hall are an Essex bowls club who were on a five day tour, they were staying at Warners Hayling Island.

It was a most enjoyable afternoon playing against a very friendly fun club. Most rinks were very close in their scores so the final result was very tight with East Preston winning by just four shots. Following a drink at the bar, White Hall left for their journey back, looking forward to playing at Arundel on Thursday.  All players agreed it had been a lovely afternoon.

 

East Preston vs Goring Manor Friendly match - May 3

In the past it has been difficult to get a win at Goring Manor.  This time we came very close to a win, but not close enough losing 62 - 61.  Very close so looking good for us to win the return match later in the season.