The English Riviera welcomes bowlers from all parts of the UK to participate in this friendly but competitive tournament held at Torquay’s three seafront host clubs. This year sees the 26th Anniversary of the popular tournament which runs over an eight day period from Sunday to Saturday and is always in the week which includes the third Monday in June.
Since 1994, when the English Riviera Open Bowls Tournament started, it has seen clubs from as far afield as Australia and South Africa take part. You can certainly understand the appeal; the three host clubs each have wonderful settings, with views of the sea and attractive Abbey Gardens. The friendly and inclusive nature of the tournament also makes it a popular event.
The three host clubs, Kings, Torquay and Victoria are all within easy walking distance of each other so moving around from green to green is no problem. You can find out more about these clubs, as well as some of the other outdoor clubs in the area on another of our bowling blogs here.
Victoria Bowling Club, Torquay
Back in the 90s, the tournament was run by Torbay Council and It is presently run by that committee with elected officers, one of which is Leisure Resort’s own Bowls Co-ordinator Sarah Vinnicombe. This year they are lucky enough to have gained sponsorship from WBW Solicitors and WBW Chartered Financial Planners and this funding has secured the future of the tournament for the next two years.
Kings Bowling Club
Cash prizes are an added bonus to an exciting week of play. This year the total tournament prize money is over £3500 with the Open Singles winner receiving £750.
Events programmed for 2019:- Sunday 16th to Sunday 23rd June.
• Open Singles. Supported by Taylor Bowls.
• Second Chance Singles for early round losers
• Men’s Pairs.
• There will also be a limited entry “Consolation Men’s Pairs” for early round losers.
• Open Triples.
• Mixed Pairs.
Each competition is played through to a conclusion so there is no “finals day”.
The 2018 champions were:
Open singles: Sam Tolchard
Mens pairs: Matt Bass & Jamie Chestney
Ladies pairs: Linda Sampson & Jenny Snell
Triples: Jim Collins, Keith Alders & Richard Moule
Mixed pairs: Sara Quayle & Stuart Evans
This year the Ladies pairs will not be running and the Men’s triples has been replaced with Open Triples.
Let us know if you’ve been following the English Riviera Open Bowls Tournament.
Find out more about bowling holidays at TLH Leisure Resort over on our bowling website.
Trudie Crouch
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