GULLIVERS BOWLS CLUB
2026 OUTDOOR SEASON
Gullivers enjoyed a wonderful Finals Weekend which was well organised by Competition Secretary Mike Laxton.
The men's Championship Singles final was a repeat of the indoor final with Rob Harris running out 21-10 winner over Steve Judd, in his first outdoor season at the club. Harris has represented Sussex this season and has settled into the club very quickly. In the ladies event, Lorna Hilton retained her Championship Singles trophy, with a 21-14 victory over Celia Morgan.
Celia had already won the Ladies O65 Singles with a 21-1 defeat of Wendy Catt, but then lost a thrilling 100 Up final 99-101 to Fiona Verrell. In the men's 100 Up, Judd made amends for his championship loss with a 102-78 win over Charles Wright, in an exciting encounter.
The Championship Pairs went to Michael Knights, who won the Championship Singles last season and John Bishop, who had a very good game at lead, as they defeated Bernie Catt & Tony Hopkins 20-6 after only ten ends. The Ladies Pairs went to Fiona Verrell & Linda Cooper, who won 21-13 over Sue Laxton & Mo Jones.
The men’s’ 2 Bowl Singles was won by long standing member, 82 year old Hopkins, who won 17-6 over Paul Whibley and the Progress Cup (for new bowlers who have not won a trophy) saw Rob Creasey play an excellent game, winning 21-2 over Mike Morgan. In the men's O65 Singles, club captain Jeff Coates defeated Steve Judd 21-14, a just reward for all the hard work he puts into the bowls club.
In the Handicap Singles, John Clark defeated Trevor Morgan 21-7 and Linda Gardiner won the ladies version 21-17 over Sue Laxton.
The Jubilee Mixed Pairs was an exciting affair with Steve Judd and ever improving Lesley Thompson defeating Trevor Morgan and Lorna Hilton 20-16 whilst the Handicap Pairs saw Trevor Morgan & Nigel Gooch win a close tussle 22-18 against John Clark & Rob Harris.
The club will hold its Annual General Meetings for the limited company and the bowls club on Saturday, 26th September, starting at 9 am. It is most important that as many fully paid-up members as possible turn up to ensure that the club proceeds smoothly, as it has done since 1952, when the Gullivers club was established.
OPENING EVENT
FOUNDERS DAY TROPHY MAY 2026
There was a good turnout; the weather was kind, with all matches played to a good standard.
The final was a close affair with Rob Harris, Rob Creasey and Eric Nicholson edging out Sue Bishop, John Bishop and Nigel Gooch by just one shot.
Congratulations are due to them and to the organisers for arranging the day.
It is important that this popular event stays a part of our annual calendar.
