Vale David J. Bryant CBE

by Bowls Australia on August 28, 2020

Bowls Australia (BA) has added its voice to the chorus of admiration and praise coming from all corners of the globe following the passing of Englishman David J. Bryant CBE, 88, widely regarded as the greatest bowler of all time.

Bryant, dubbed the ‘Bradman of Bowls’, amassed an astonishing 11 World Bowls Championships medals and five Commonwealth Games gold medals across four different Games from 1962 to 1978, four of which were in the blue-ribbon singles event.

Known as a dapper gentleman who would often compete with a tobacco pipe in his mouth, Bryant had a close affinity with Australia, enjoying his first taste of success in both of the sport’s pinnacle international events during his time down under.

Bryant, who masterminded a unique bowls delivery that started in a crouched position, claimed his first Commonwealth Games successes at the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, Western Australia, where he secured gold in both the singles and fours disciplines.

He later won the inaugural World Bowls Championships singles title at Kyeemagh, NSW, in 1966 and went on to win a further four gold medals over the next 22 years.

Among a litany of other achievements were nine PBA World Indoor Championships titles and 16 English national champion titles.

BA National Coach Steve Glasson OAM paid tribute to Bryant as an icon and stalwart of the sport.

“The bowls world is in mourning following the passing of David Bryant,” Glasson said.

“In the golden era of bowls, David conquered every major title available, numerous times, indoor, outdoor, fast and slow conditions.

“For Australian bowls tragics, many will fondly remember the mesmerising skills David displayed over and over again; his friendly but competitive battles with Australian great John Snell producing the finest quality of play one could ever imagine.

“For me, I first met David Bryant at the 1982 Commonwealth Games at the Moorooka Bowls Club in Brisbane; David wasn’t playing on this occasion, he was deemed to be a professional which under the criteria at that time, ruled him ineligible to participate in the Games; he did however still entertain in the role of expert commentator.

“I was a 13-year-old kid who was in awe to meet the great man; he was my idol before meeting him and to have him sit down and talk bowls with me at such a young age, share his thoughts, provide advice, was something I have always cherished.

“David clearly loved bowls and later in life, it was always a highlight to sit with him and chat; he was so humble, approachable and giving.

“David Bryant will forever be known as the greatest of all time, but, as good as he was on the green, it’s fair to say he was even better off the green; a gentleman who always played with pride and sportsmanship through and through.

“Rest in peace David Bryant; your legacy is and will forever be unprecedented.”

Former English and Scottish international turned Australian Tactical Coach, Andy Thomson, who was a long-time teammate, combatant and friend, also praised Bryant.

“When I moved from Scotland to England I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity of leading in the England team for the great David Bryant,” Thomson said.

“To be selected for England was fantastic, but to be given the chance to play with the greatest bowler ever was a dream come true; I have played all over the world with David and you would not meet a nicer person both on and off the green.

“It’s a very sad day for bowls, he will be greatly missed.”

Bryant’s last competitive game in Australia was at Karingal, Melbourne, when he was a guest skipper in a pennant match on November 26, 2005; his rink won 45-5.

BA extends its condolences to Bryant’s wife Ruth, their family and friends.