Connaught “B” entertained SNL giants Hempnall in the first round of the Norwich Cup but after holding their illustrious opponents in the first half they finally succumbed after the break eventually losing 11-5. Hempnall’s Bernie Cudden, David Blundell & Paul Baker began in blistering form beating Peter King’s triple 20-2 but Connaught won on the other mat with Carolina LiRocchi, Jo Barnes & David Flatt beating Gerald Chilvers’ triple 8-6. Roger Parker & Neil Davidson of Hempnall stormed to a 17-3 win in the pairs against Alison Rush & Mike Minshull but John Winup & Joe LiRocchi ensured Connaught “B” were still level on points at the interval as they beat the highly rated pairing of Kerry Greenacre & Owen Cranston by 7-5. Hempnall finally achieved the breakthrough they sort immediately after the interval as they won both triples games. Paul Baker’s triple beat David Flatt’s triple 13-2 while Mike Greenacre, Mick Pearce & Gerald Chilvers beat Peter King’s triple 11-4. This left Hempnall leading 8-4 on points and 72-26 on shots. Roger Parker & Neil Davidson then put the result beyond doubt beating John Winup & Joe LiRocchi 17-2 while Kerry Greenacre & Owen Cranston drew 7-7 with Alison Rush & Mike Minshull.