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LES LANDS BACK-TO-BACK OPEN SINGLES CIRCUIT TITLES AS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS LOOM |
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The 2022 World Champion has
opened the autumn with consecutive Open Singles Circuit victories -
first at Lincoln, then at Shrewsbury the following week - a run he
describes as both "really special" and "unbelievable". "To win the first OSC event at Lincoln was really special as this was the fifth time I have managed to win it," he said. "But to then go onto Shrewsbury the following week and repeat this win was unbelievable." Les praised the standard and intensity of the OSC format, calling the events "a fantastic initiative and a great test of endurance and mental strength." With limited entry places he says "you have to be on the ball" the moment entries open. The timing was calculated - Gillett used both OSC events as purposeful match-play ahead of the World Bowls Tour Scottish International Open event. "You can practise all you like," he said, "but until you play competitive games you're never quite sure where your game is at." 'You get out of bowls what you put in' Asked what continues to drive his consistency, Les was emphatic: "I am a great believer in, you get out of bowls what you put in, so practice to me is imperative." Over recent years he has consciously altered his tempo and mindset at major events: "I am far more relaxed... this stops putting undue pressure on yourself," he said, adding that taking longer with his pre-delivery has "certainly improved my game". "With the accuracy required to succeed indoors, I do spend a lot of practice time, doing all different things to replicate potential scenarios faced during a game." Les recalled advice from a former teammate with a smile: "I can remember Tony Allcock saying to me years ago when we played together, 'Les stop rushing - you can't have it back once it's gone.' New club, new fuel A switch to Nottingham Indoor has given Les a renewed hunger for the game he has played for so many years. "New surroundings, new teammates... I have felt invigorated," he said. He now also plays mixed and family pairs with his wife Sadie, which acts as a new motivational lever: "That's making me try even harder for her." Les believes that bowls has become "more aggressive" with "more weighted shots being played earlier in games" under shorter set formats. There are so many youngsters coming through, they play with freedom and are carefree which is refreshing to see, they are the future, so it's also great to see them do well and progress to higher level tournaments. As for the next generation: "There are so many youngsters coming through... they play with freedom and are carefree which is refreshing to see. "I have been playing the game for many years and over that time I have been privileged to be around some of the game's greatest players, has the standard of play changed, that is a hard one to answer, as there really have been some wonderful players over the years, it will be interesting to see if you could do an AI game!" Targets: National honours, Potters, England Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Les is very clear about his aims: "I would love to win another national title... With the World Championships not too far off at Potters, that is always high on my priority list." And the international jersey still matters: "There is something very special when you put the England shirt on, with a sense of pride and passion. "The thing I love about bowls is that it is a sport for all and no two games are the same. It's great to meet new people and give advice, knowledge and experience to others to help improve their game." Career highlights Les lists three stand out moments above all from his decorated career: 1. First TV title - Bupa Care Homes Open, 1997: "This shaped my bowls career... would things be different if I had not won this? Yes absolutely." 2. World Open Singles, Potters 2022 - "I actually thought I would never win it... to win is something I will remember forever." 3. England caps (indoor & outdoor) - "Being selected for your country is a great honour." But with two OSC titles already banked and a World Championship on the horizon, the 51-year-old shows no sign of easing off. "My passion for bowls is more now than ever," he said. "There is always a new challenge around the corner." Sian Honnor. We' d love to know what bowls means to you, get in touch at info@eiba.co.uk Previous Article - Win a festive cruise with our partner Ambassador Cruise Line |
November 2025
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