Thank you to our treasurer Lynn Pritchatt for the below Tournament Report.
For one season only this long-standing prestigious event was forced to move from its normal Easter Monday calendar slot to the end of the season due to inclement weather. Despite numerous challenges thrown at tournament organisers this year, the day ran like clockwork in honour of two giants of Staffordshire bowls, Mel Evans MBE and his beloved Father Les.
Unusually for an invitation, there were 7 changes to the original line-up invited to compete in the 2024 event.
The top half of the draw saw a mix of new entrants into the tournament in the shape of Louie Furniss, invited in recognition of his 2023 BCGBA Junior All England victory, along with Staffordshire County star Kevin Hocknull. Add to the mix one of our sports prolific tournament winners Callum Wraight and Shropshire County player Stuart Rutter, fresh from his Penn 4 Man Team victory with his Sir John Bayley team mates.
It was Stuart who would quietly navigate his way through the top half of the draw, with a 21-14 win over Staffordshire’s Stuart Gittings, a 21-11 win over Staffordshire’s Nick Wyer and a quarter final 21-15 win over the experienced David East. In the semi final Stuart was up against newcomer to the event, Willenhall Nordley player Kevin Hocknull. Kevin had been in impressive form up until his semi final but it was to be Stuart to earn himself a place in the final with a 21-9 win.
The bottom half of the draw was equally littered with talent. First up reigning champion and arguably the country’s top player currently Greg Smith. Greg has been a regular in the winners enclosure this season and had his sights firmly set on retaining his title, one that I know is personally very special to him. Making their debut in the event was Birmingham based James Cosgrave who is now an integral part of one of Yorkshire’s finest teams Pudsey BC. Derbyshire’s Josh Furniss joined brother Louie as a debutante, earning his invite through his success in the 2023 Darren Smith Memorial Open. The bottom half of the draw also saw young Owen Evans make his debut. Owen has had a fantastic couple of seasons including runner-up in the 2023 BCGBA Junior Individual Merit. Add to that the experience of Gordon Hawkins, Daniel Petcher, Michael Beer, Scott Simpson, Chris Ward and Mark Picknell, could anyone in the bottom half stop the mighty Greg?
The answer was no. Shropshire’s Wayne Rogers, 2019 champion, was first to succumb at the hands of the in-form Greg. Greg proceeded to earn a 21-14 victory over Staffordshire’s Nathan Dawes, a 21-15 win over Derbyshire’s Dan Petcher and a 21-9 semi final win over Shropshire star and 2022 champion Michael Beer.
So, we come to the final – Stuart Rutter v Greg Smith. The final was closely contested at 10-12 to Greg. A double and two singles saw Greg break to a 16-10 lead from which Stuart could not recover, with Greg the eventual winner with a 21-11 win.
Greg takes the prestigious title for a 5th time. Greg must now have his sights on equalling the 7 time record held by the legendary Brian Duncan.
Thank you to tournament sponsors SKG Electrical, Horton Amusements, Verite CM Ltd and C&L Cox Carpets and Flooring Specialists for their continued support. Thank you to our hosts Heath Hayes Constitutional Club for providing a superb playing surface given the time of year. A big thank you to Jackie Rutter, Jessica Hirst and Joy Picknell for very kindly volunteering to support with catering on the day in the absence of our usual kitchen staff Tracey Baker and Julie Montague. Tracy is slowly recovering from a broken ankle and we wish you well in your continued recovery Tracy. Thanks must also go to Jodie Taylor and her lovely son Arnie who very kindly organised the raffle. Thank you both so much.
Sadly, I think the anticipated Storm Ashley had a big part to play in the very poor turnout of spectators for our 2024 event. Let’s see what Easter Monday 2025 brings
Finally, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to our 2024 champion Greg Smith. I have watched Greg grow and develop into not only a top player but also a fine ambassador and role model for our sport. Commiserations to our gallant runner-up Stuart Rutter. Stuart is a highly experienced player who, unfortunately for him, was the 5th and final unlucky player to come across an in-form Greg.
We return to our normal home on our sports calendar in 2025 – Easter Monday 21st April.
Winter well everyone.
Lynn
