With reigning champion Carl “The Mesh” Mesham, also winner of the last two major tournaments held at the club, away on vacation and a number of veteran players not involved, it meant there would more likely than not be a new name on the honours board once play had concluded.
A total of 15 players registered for competition last Monday (Mar 17), with the preliminary rounds played across four groups, meaning everyone played each other.
With high temperatures in the low 30s and a possible 44 ends of bowls required for victory, it was going to be an arduous task for whoever wanted to take the title.
As play got underway on the freshly mown lawn there was once again saw some very high-class bowling on display, with the preliminary round played over 8 ends witnessing some very close matches.
First place in each group qualified for the semi-final, with runners-up entering the plate semi-final – and what a truly international flavoured line-up it proved to be!
Thai lady bowler Sireeton “Wan” Sirimuangjan, the only previous winner of a major, finished ahead of Britain’s Mark Swaffield in Group A, while Frank Born of Germany edged out Canadian Doug “The Coach” Reid in Group B.
Group C saw Irishman Paul Mcilreavy reaping the luck of the occasion being held on St. Patrick’s Day to finish ahead of Brit Dean Simmonds, while American Joe topped Group D in front of Aussie Ray “The Rocket” Austin. Unfortunately Ray had to subsequently retire, with his place being taken by Brit Rose Swaffield in the second plate semi-final.
EXCEPTIONAL BOWLS
In the first semi-final of the main competition Wan faced Frank, with the latter ultimately edging the contest by the slimmest of margins, 8-7 on the final end, while Paul defeated Joe 11-7 in the second semi-final.
The plate semi-finals saw Mark triumph against Doug and Rose lose out to Dean, meaning no family affair showdown of husband versus wife with Mark and Rose in the final.
The Open final between Frank and Paul was once again played at a very high level. With neither player having lost a previous match in the competition so far, there was some exceptional bowls on display as each man strived to out do his opponent in challenging conditions.
After a series of hard fought and tightly contested ends, Frank managed to prevail by a score of 10-4 to deservedly be crowned Phuket Open Champion 2025.
In the plate final it was Mark who came out on top, ultimately winning by a score of 13-3 against a visbily tiring Dean.
It was a fine day of bowls competition and a thoroughly enjoyable occasion overall for everyone involved. A big congratulations goes not only to the winners but to all players, organisers and spectators for making it such a memorble occasion.
Kamala Lawn Bowls Club is open six days a week and all equipment is provided. Group bookings availabe for private tournaments, company or social events. For further information contact the club on 094 898 7476.