After a superb season, in which both Norfolk Premier and Norfolk “A” reached the final of their respective Inter-County Championship events, there was disappointment at Melton & District IBC on Sunday as both sides were beaten by West Mids. Norfolk Premier had swept aside all opposition on their way to the final but on the day found the hugely successful West Mids Premier side in uncompromising mood. Norfolk, and their Player-Manager Jack Pye, knew just what to expect on the day from West Mids. They tend to overwhelm opposition with their attacking style of play and have caused many teams before to wilt under pressure. But knowing and being prepared was not enough to stop this West Mids side who are always prepared to attack the jack with uncanny accuracy at a moment’s notice and are not slow in letting everyone know about it with a cacophony of noise. The talent of the West Mid’s players is immense, and so is this star- studded Norfolk side, but on the day one team hit top form while the other failed to replicate the superb form that had carried them this far. Norfolk Premier collected seven out of eight points in the pairs with Debbie Sparham & Jack Pye winning their games by 14-13 & 13-11 while Neil Davidson & Gary Best won 18-9 and drew their other game 11-11. Jack Marshall, Morgan Warnes & AJ Brown won by 15-5 and drew their other game 18-18. One point was earned in the fours by Jason Woods’ rink in a 10-10 draw. West Mids took all ten points in the singles. AJ Brown’s Norfolk triple finished the season unbeaten as did Gary Best. All one can do is stand back and applaud this West Mids team who won the match by 27-13 and secured their ninth I.C.C Premier title, now more than any other County. Cheshire Premier won the title eight times in a row from 2007 to 2014 and Kent Premier have lifted the title seven times, the last time was in 2005. Norfolk won the title in 1995 and most recently in 2016. Norfolk “A” faced West Mids “A” and despite a brave effort went down by 34-6 on points. Norfolk’s points were earned with a 15-10 win for Chloe Suffolk in the singles, a 14-10 win for David Blundell & Kacy Suffolk in the pairs and a 13-6 win for Jenny Walker, Joy Townsend, Steven Lamb & Ray Lamb in the fours. West Mids “A” have won the I.C.C “A” Team title four times before. Afterwards Player-Manager Jack Pye commented that it was a “disappointing day which shows there is still work to do” as he and Assistant-Manager Chris Willies start to plan for the 2024/25 campaign. This begins with the Norfolk Squad Trials on Sunday 19th May at Hingham Sports & Social Club. Any player wishing to take part should contact Jack Pye.
Norfolk Premier
Norfolk "A"
Norfolk Player-Manager Jack Pye with Trevor Brown in the background
Action from the Premier final
West Mids on their way to victory
More action from Norfolk Premier v West Mids Premier
Norfolk "A" v West Mids "A" players
An ESMBA Umpire called into action in the "A" Team Final