Back News 3

Sad Day as Yaxham leave Breckland League

At a meeting this week Yaxham members decided to leave the Breckland League as they now have insufficient players to sustain a league presence. Yaxham have been one of the leading clubs in the Breckland League for several years and won the league title on three occasions. After finishing runners-up behind Connaught “A” in the 1999/00 season they finally ended Connaught’s seven year stranglehold on the title by becoming champions in 2000/01. After six more years of Connaught triumphs Yaxham enjoyed two great years winning the title in 2007/08 and successfully defending the title in 2008/09 before the rise of Wymondham changed the Breckland League landscape. The club will continue to meet for its members to enjoy friendly roll-ups.

Posted 24-9-11

Date & venue announced for International Open

Craig Burgess has announced details of the 3rd International Short Mat Open. The event will be held at Havering Indoor Bowls Club, Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1JU on the 7th & 8th April 2012. The David Hedges Trophy Fours competition will be on the Saturday with an entry fee of £80 per rink and the John Burgess Trophy Pairs will be on the Sunday with an entry fee of £40 per pair. The Fours event carries a top prize of £1,000 and the pairs winners will receive £500. Craig can be contacted on 07525448814.

Cambridgeshire Reverse Decision on I.C.C Pull-out

Just five days after Cambridgeshire informed Norfolk that they had withdrawn from the Inter-County Championships the E.S.M.B.A Chairman Chris Hopkins has contacted the Norfolk Chairman to inform him that following contact between him and Cambs supremo Roy Everitt the decision had been changed yet again and Cambs were back in the I.C.C "A" competition.
Posted 19-9-11

All Norfolk Final in Carlton Colville Charity Triples

Carlton Colville’s annual charity triples event, organized by Derek Barley, produced an all Norfolk Over 60’s final with Teresa Goldsmith of Kirby Bedon & Diane & Mike Boswell of Anglian Windows defeating Trevor Pinchen of Thorpe Marriott & Betty & Rex Cox of First Bus. Boswell’s triple started well building up a 6-1 lead by the halfway stage and with two ends to go led 9-1. Rex Cox and his triple scored consolation singles on the last two ends to cut the deficit to 9-3. In the semi-finals Boswell’s triple produced a superb comeback after trailing 8-2 against Rosemary Andrews, Arthur Davey & Archie Andrews of Ilketshall. They scored five shots over two ends to cut the Suffolk triples lead to 8-7 before conceding a three to fall 11-7 behind with two ends left. Boswell’s triple hit back with three shots on the penultimate end before scoring another three on the final end to win an amazing game 13-11. In the other semi-final Betty Cox of First Bus, Trevor Pinchen of Thorpe Marriott & Rex Cox of First Bus stormed to a massive 17-5 win against Jackie Fortesque, Mike Harvey & Josh Baxter of Bradwell to claim their place in the final. The event raised £330 for the Cardiac Unit at the James Paget Hospital.

Posted 19-9-11

Carlton Colville Triples Winners Teresa Goldsmith, Mike Boswell & Diane Boswell

Cambridgeshire Quit I.C.C on eve of season

Cambridgeshire have dramatically withdrawn from the Inter-County Championships on the eve of the new season. The unexpected move will leave Norfolk “A” in a group of just three teams. The news was received just minutes before a Norfolk Management Committee meeting took place at Lyng. Norfolk manager Lianne Mills announced that she hopes to be able to arrange a friendly match for Norfolk “A” to replace their previously arranged I.C.C game against Cambs on September 18^th at Lakeside. A decision to implement a new rule affecting the opening bowls on the last end, or extra end, of matches has caused much comment from leading bowlers in England. The new ruling in Ireland will mean that if either of the two opening bowls from either side touches the jack and finishes in the ditch they will be removed and declared dead. The rule change is seen as a way to combat the growing practice of running the jack into the ditch with a lead bowl when a game goes to an extra end in a sudden death situation, or on a last end when a game is level on shots. The rule will cover all licensed and National Competitions in Ireland for the coming winter season and it remains to be seen if there is any attempt to introduce a similar rule in England. In another rule change introduced in Ireland any substitutes used will be barred from playing in the skip’s position. Chris Mann of Wymondham & England will be the only Norfolk player taking part in the International Open Singles to be played at Wye Valley IBC in Guildford on the 1^st October. His opening game will be against Ben Haulkham and the other players he will meet in his group on the Saturday will be Nigel Nicholls and Robert Kidd.

Posted 18-9-11

Summer League Presentations

The NCSMBA Summer League held its Presentation Evening at Thorpe Marriott following the close of the 2011 summer season which saw Bob Carter successfully defend the Division One title finishing sixteen points clear of second placed Wymondham. Thurton were crowned Division Two champions finishing just three points ahead of Horsford “B” who will join them in the top flight next summer. Division Three champions were Horsford “A” who finished four points ahead of Watton Green. Bob Carter were also presented with the Summer Cup and Kirby Bedon “A” received the runners-up trophies. The successful teams enjoyed an informal night of bowling before tucking in to refreshments provided by the Thorpe Marriott ladies which was followed by the Presentation Ceremony and Photo-Call.

Presentation Night Photo-Call

Bob Carter - Div One Champions & Summer Cup Winners

Wymondham - Div One Runners-Up

Thurton - Div Two Champions

Horsford "B" - Div Two Runners-Up

Horsford "A" - Div Three Champions

Watton Green - Div Three Runners-Up (only two players attended)

Kirby Bedon "A" - Summer Cup Runners-Up

Posted 17-9-11

Potters Cup Weekend 2011

A full report of the Potters Cup Weekend at Potters Leisure Resort and all the photos taken at the Presentation Photo Call below.

Mike Boswell Triple Triumph

The annual Potters Cup weekend at Potters Leisure Resort in Hopton-on-Sea attracted its biggest ever entry with over 200 attending one of the biggest weekends in short mat bowls. 21 mats were in use in Potters famous International Arena and an appreciative audience witnessed one of the closest Potters Cup finals seen in years which was finally decided on a dramatic extra end. In a remarkable twist Felthorpe’s Mick & Val Harris both reached the final for the first time but on opposite sides of the fence. Mick was playing at lead for Anglian Windows stars Diane & Mike Boswell while Val was playing at lead for Suffolk’s Margaret Hastings & Bob Cousins. Mike Boswell ditched the jack on the opening end to take a 1-0 lead and umpire Peter Smart declared the second end to be no-scoring after deciding that both triples had a bowl touching the jack when he was called in to adjudicate. On the third end Bob Cousins’ triple moved 3-1 up after Mike Boswell was forced to attack the head with his final bowl but to no effect. Bob Cousins tapped the jack through to increase their lead to 4-1 on the fourth end but Boswell’s triple were back on terms at 4-4 after six ends. A superb backhand draw by Margaret Hastings and a perfect final wood by Cousins saw them take a three shot lead on the seventh end but that would prove to be their last scoring shots. Bob Cousins looked in control of the next end until Mike Boswell saved the day with a great last wood to take two shots and then held on to take a single on the last scheduled end to earn a 7-7 draw and force an extra end. With tension high the extra end began with some loose woods but came alive when Diane Boswell drew in a good bowl which was immediately outdrawn by Margaret Hastings. Mike Boswell dealt the killer blow taking out Hastings bowl and Bob Cousins failed to change the situation with his last wood leaving Boswell’s triple celebrating an 8-7 victory. The Potters Shield Final saw the talented Wymondham triple of Mark Linsdell, Debbie Phillips & Chris Mann sweep to a stunning 14-2 win against Joan Southton, Don Pamment & Pauline Pamment of Essex. Mann’s triple were just 3-2 up after four ends but there was simply no stopping them after that as they collected eleven shots over the remaining ends without reply. The ever popular Potters Cash Pairs saw just five pairs finish on maximum points with shot difference used to decide the four cash winners. The £100 first prize was won by Wymondham’s Mark Linsdell & Debbie Phillips who completed a hugely successful Potters weekend with +46 shots. In second place was Hempnall’s Jon Sparham & Wymondham’s Chris Mann with +34 shots. North Yorkshire’s Rose Haynes & Roger Green of Great Ouseburn were third with +27 shots and Jim & Jean Wetherill of North Yorkshire’s Knaresborough club were fourth with +19. The unlucky pair to miss out on the money despite winning all their games were last year’s winners Neil Davidson of Hempnall & Peter Smart of Sprowston with +16 shots. Potters Cup organiser Teresa Goldsmith introduced popular Potters entertainer Mark Brewer who conducted the Potters Cup Presentation Ceremony. At the beginning of the weekend Potter’s Mark Brewer announced that next year’s Potters Cup Weekend will begin on Friday August 31^st.He also announced the launch of a brand new event called The East Coast Triples, which will begin on Monday 7^th May 2012 and run through until Friday 11^th May. This event will be run by Potters Cup organisers Teresa & Selwyn Goldsmith and details can be obtained from Teresa by ringing 01603-403628.

Potters Cup Photo Call

Potters Cup Winners Diane & Mike Boswell of Anglian Windows and Mick Harris of Felthorpe with Mark Brewer

Potters Cup Runners-Up Bob Cousins & Margaret Hastings of Suffolk and Val Harris of Felthorpe, Norfolk

Potters Shield Photo Call

Potters Shield Winners Mark Linsdell, Chris Mann & Debbie Phillips of Wymondham

Potters Shield Runners Up Joan Southton, Pauline Pamment & Don Pamment of Essex with Mark Brewer of Potters

Potters Cash Pairs Photo Call

Potters Cash Pairs Winners Mark Linsdell & Debbie Phillips of Wymondham with Richard Beare

Potters Cash Pairs R/Up - Chris Mann of Wymondham & Jon Sparham of Hempnall with Richard Beare

Potters Cash Pairs 3rd - Roger Green & Rose Haynes of Great Ouseburn (North Yorks) with Richard Beare

Potters Cash Pairs 4th - Jim & Jean Wetherill of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire with Richard Beare

Posted 6-9-11

Boswell saves the day for Windows

Anglian Windows’ county team star Mike Boswell ensured Division Two survival as he skipped his triple to two big wins and earn a 4-4 draw at home to Thorpe Marriott “A” in their final match of the season. The result sent Anglian Windows ahead of Framingham Earl on shot difference and condemned Framingham Earl to relegation. Diane Boswell, Keith Halford & Mike Boswell cruised to a first half 18-5 win against S Warnes’ triple but Marriott’s Sheila Redwood, Trevor Pinchen & Tony Turner hit back with a 25-8 win against A Johnson’s triple. After the break Mike Boswell’s triple, with Avril Walker substituting for Diane Halford, beat Tony Turner’s triple 20-8 to keep Anglian Windows Division Two status intact but Sylvia Turner’s 15-14 win earned the visitors a draw. The last game in Division One saw Hevingham needing maximum points at home to Kirby Bedon “B” to finish in third place but they were held to a 4-4 draw and finish fourth. The visitors took a 4-0 points lead in the first half as Peter Johnson, Bob Pattison & Gerald Chilvers beat Vic Woods’ triple 14-13 and Shirley Brown, Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown beat David Sharpe’s triple 20-13. Sharpe & Woods both skipped their triples to second half wins to earn Hevingham a 4-4 draw but it was not enough to overhaul Kirby Bedon “A” for third place. The final Division Three match of the season was contested by the two bottom teams. Deaf Sports emerged with a 5-3 win at Thorpe Marriott “B” with Gillian Amos, John Robertson & Robin Amos drawing their opening game 14-14 and winning their second game by 15-8 against Malcolm Roe’s triple.

Over 200 set to go to Potters Cup Weekend

Over 200 people will be heading to Potters Leisure Resort this Friday for the 11^th Annual Potters Cup event organized by Teresa & Selwyn Goldsmith. The biggest ever entry of 61 triples will take to the mats on Saturday in the famous International Arena with bowlers from Norfolk, Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Kent, North Yorkshire, Lincolnshire & Cheshire taking part. Defending champions Gill Bunn, David Bunn & Pat Williamson of Norfolk side Hevingham will be there as will three times winner Phil Watson of Kirby Bedon and his triple. 2009 winners Jon Sparham of Hempnall, David Lamb of Halvergate & Paul Baker of Hempnall will also be taking part. North Yorkshire’s Roger Green, who played well in last season’s National Fours at Kempston, will be skipping a triple in the Potters Cup for the first time. Another top North Yorks bowler, Arthur Jackson, will be playing with Saxlingham’s Alice & Geoff Payne. Mark Linsdell, Debbie Phillips & Chris Mann of Wymondham are sure to be in the hunt as will Suffolk’s Terry Cooke, Doreen Cook & Derek Barley. Shirley Minx of Essex always plays well in this event and her triple will be one to watch.

Last season's Potter's Cup Winners Pat Williamson, David Bunn & Gill Bunn

Thurton Division Two Champions as

Div One beckons for Thurton & Horsford “B”

Thurton are Division Two champions after finishing three points clear of runners-up Horsford “B”. A 6-2 away win for Thurton at Watton Yellow was vital in clinching them the title. Jenny Walker, Pam Grint & Peter Walker won their games by 13-12 & 13-11 while Jan McClintock’s triple contributed a 13-11 win. Thurton lost their final match of the season 6-2 at Thorpe Marriott “A” where Sylvia Turner’s triple won both their games but the title was already won after Horsford “B” had lost 5-3 at home to Anglian Windows four nights earlier. Windows now require at least a draw in their final match against Thorpe Marriott “A” if they are to overhaul Framingham Earl and avoid going down with Watton Yellow.

Horsford “A” & Watton Green promoted to Div Two

Horsford “A” & Watton Green can look forward to life in Division Two next summer. Horsford “A” had already been confirmed as champions and Watton Green beat Hingham Yellow 8-0 to make sure of the runners-up spot. Roger Braham’s triple won by 15-10 & 15-12 while Ron Harvey’s triple won by 17-6 & 20-10.

Posted 27-8-11

Thurton's Peter & Jenny Walker - Looking forward to life in the top flight!

Bob Carter beat Kirby Bedon “A” in Cup Final Classic

Bob Carter 5 (50) v Kirby Bedon “A” 3 (47)

With so much pre-match interest in the Norfolk Summer Cup Final clash between Bob Carter & Kirby Bedon “A” there was a worry that the actual event would be an anticlimax. Even ESMBA Chairman Chris Hopkins and Cheshire ace Gareth Stanway had commented on the outcome! With two current England internationals, five ex England internationals and one former Scottish international taking part all the ingredients were there for an exciting night of bowls. In reality the match lived up to all expectations and delivered a classic cup final with Bob Carter winning by 5-3 on points and 50-47 on shots at the neutral Anglian Windows venue. The match looked like finishing level on points until Melly Woods took shot with his final bowl of the night to snatch a 12-12 draw against Neil Davidson’s triple and finally put the tie beyond doubt. Carter had assembled an awesome looking side for the summer season and with the league title won and the National Club Championship in the bag they were determined to add the Summer Cup and emulate the triple crown achievement Kirby Bedon “A” pulled off in 2009. In the first half Carter’s David Lamb, John Turner & Melly Woods found themselves on the back foot against Kirby’s Teresa Goldsmith, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith but finally took the lead for the first time on the tenth end. The Kirby triple struggled to get woods into the head for the next three ends and that proved fatal as Carter took a grip on the game and won 14-10. Kirby’s Phil Watson, Alistair Hunter & Neil Davidson led 12-6 after ten ends against Carter's Nigel Willard, Trevor Brown & George Clarke. A change of skip prompted a comeback by the Carter triple but a two on the last end saw Davidson’s triple win 15-12 leaving the game level on points at the interval but with Carter just one shot up. The second half was played out at the same intense level as the first and was not for the faint hearted. The Kirby triples were unchanged but Bob Carter decided to bring in Jason Woods in place of George Clarke, with Nigel Willard at number two and Trevor Brown at skip, to face Selwyn Goldsmith’s Kirby triple. Kirby started well and led 6-1 after four ends but Brown’s triple won four out of the next five ends to level the game at 7-7. Kirby regained the lead on the ninth end but back came Carter to lead 10-9 with two ends remaining. The penultimate end decided the issue as the Kirby skip was forced to drive the jack back from a two down position. The jack stayed live though and two great woods by Trevor Brown gave Carter a 12-9 lead to take into the last end. The last end had to be replayed after Carter killed the end and Jason Woods ditched the jack from the lead position on the replayed end. With Carter’s toucher close to the ditch Kirby were in deep trouble and the best they could do was take a single with the skips last bowl to leave Brown’s triple celebrating a 12-10 win. On mat two Carter’s David Lamb, John Turner & Melvin Woods were quick off the blocks against Phil Watson, Alistair Hunter & Neil Davidson and led 6-0 after three ends. A determined fight back by Davidson’s triple took them into a 9-8 lead after ten ends. Carter edged back into the lead scoring two shots on the eleventh end and a single on end twelve to lead 11-9. The Kirby triple hit back to win the next two ends and with one end to play led 12-11. Neil Davidson’s triple still had shot after he had played his last wood but Carter supporters erupted as Melly Woods took shot with his final bowl to earn a 12-12 draw and seal a 5-3 victory for Bob Carter to lift the Summer Cup.

Posted 24-8-11

Bob Carter - Norfolk Summer Cup winners 2011
L to R. George Clarke, David Lamb, Trevor Brown, Nigel Willard (Captain), Melvin Woods, Jason Woods, John Turner

Melvin Woods joins Lamb & Mann in England Squad
The full England squad, numbering 51 players, has been named for the 2011/12 season by team manager Keith Smith. It was already known that Halvergate’s David Lamb & Wymondham’s Chris Mann were in the squad but Bob Carter’s Melvin Woods has also retained his place. The requirement of England players to appear for their county sides in I.C.C action continues to deny England the opportunity to name all of their very best players to compete in the all important British Isles Championships. Notable names missing from the squad this time include Grant Soller, Gareth Stanway, Steve McAllister & Trevor Brown.
England Senior Squad 2011/12 Season

Norfolk (3) – David Lamb, Chris Mann, Melvin Woods

West Sussex (1) – Keith Hawkins

Essex – (7) Craig Burgess, Anthony Fautley, Dom Reed, Nigel Reed, Jack Shephard, Matt Sifford, Mitchell Young

Northants (2) – Chris Hopkins, Edward Sawbridge

North Yorks (5) – Bronagh Malone, David Newsome, Ben Render, Gareth Townend, Jacinta Townend

West Mids (3) – Keith Alders, Simon Willies, Chris Willies

Shropshire (7) – Darren Beardsmore, Herbie Bowden, Warwick France, Alan Jones,Nick Tideswell, Alan Williams, Chris Williams

Oxfordshire (6) – Julian Bradbury, A.J Brown, Micheal Keevil, Roger Wiggins,David Wiggins, Les Woodward

Hampshire (3) – James Bucknall, Jason McLean, Ben Pay

Cheshire (3) – John Manley, Stephen Proctor, Martin Walker

East Sussex (1) – Andrew Beard

Cornwall (2) – Peter Hore, Karen Watson

Devon (3) – Lee Toleman, James Trott, Michael Ivings

Surrey (1) – Mark Jones

Somerset (2) – Chris Shakeshaft, Kevin Pinkawa

Warwickshire (1) – Jon Pitcher

Gloucestershire (1) – Ryan Knight

Melvin Woods of Bob Carter - Back for England

ESMBA Chairman Chris Hopkins - named in England Squad

Posted 23-8-11

Wymondham clinch runner-up spot

As expected Wymondham clinched the runner-up spot in Division One with a decisive 8-0 home win against Kirby Bedon “B” in their final match of the season. Neither side was at full strength but Wymondham proved too strong for the visitors to contain. Pat Saunders, Mark Linsdell & Brian Saunders beat Gerald Chilver’s triple 23-8 in the first half and added a 16-12 win against Joe Brown after the break. Peter King, Andrew Stratton & Chris Mann opened with a 16-9 win against Joe Brown. In the second half Mary Fisher substituted for Peter King in an 18-13 win against Peter Johnson, Carol Johnson & Gerald Chilvers.

Posted 22-8-11

Thurton & Horsford “B” battle for Division Two title

The fierce battle for the Summer League Division Two title continues but both Horsford “B” & Thurton look certain to occupy the top two places and clinch promotion to the top flight. Thurton took ten points from this week’s games to move just two points behind leaders Horsford “B” and have the advantage of a game in hand. Thurton will be pleased with a 4-4 draw at Diss, a venue where it is never easy to get a result. Shirley Francis, Trish Taylor & Terry Newby opened in style for Diss with a 21-8 win against Trevor Howard’s triple and Keith Buck’s triple added to Thurton’s first half misery as they beat Peter Walker’s triple 13-12. Thurton hit back after the break to claim a draw as Peter Walker’s triple beat Terry Newby 14-10 and Margaret Newcome’s triple beat Keith Buck 14-7. Thurton moved nearer to promotion with a 6-2 home win against Anglian Windows. Margaret Newcome, Kerry Greenacre & Jan McClintock were in sparkling form winning their first game 22-5, and with John Ford subbing for Newcome, beat county star Mike Boswell 17-10 in their second game. Horsford “B” needed to win at Diss to keep clear blue water between themselves and Thurton but failed. Graham Mobbs’ triple beat former Bob Carter star Roger Frank 16-9 and followed that up with a 13-12 win against Keith Chapman in a 6-2 home win for Diss. Thorpe Marriott “A” saw their outside chance of promotion diminish further as they lost 6-2 at Diss Green where Graham Mobbs’ triple won by 17-11 & 17-10. Bottom team Watton Yellow are relegated and either Anglian Windows or Framingham Earl will go down with them. Windows need to pick up ten points from their last two games to be sure of overhauling a Framingham Earl side who have already completed their fixtures. It is surprising to see both sides struggling in Division Two when recently Framingham Earl were in Division One while Anglian Windows surely have too many good players to be where they are. Horsford “A” are Division Three champions and can look forward to promotion but Watton Green, Hingham Green & Deaf Sport all have a chance of grabbing the remaining promotion spot. Watton Green thumped Deaf Sport 8-0 to make themselves firm favourites to go up. Roger Braham’s triple beat Dennis Kemble 19-8 and Roger kept up the pressure beating Robin Amos 18-12. Daphne Braham’s triple beat Robin Amos 14-11 and Dennis Kemble 16-8 to complete a whitewash. Hingham Green are in no mood to concede the runner-up spot yet as they showed in a superb 8-0 win at Thorpe Marriott “B”. The home side conceded 82 shots against a rampant Hingham side as Ken Buller’s triple won by 19-10 & 19-4 and John Higgs won by 28-8 & 16-8. Summer League champions Bob Carter completed their league campaign with a 6-2 win at relegated First Bus. The contrast between these two sides is summed up by the statistics, 11 wins and one draw for Carter and 11 defeats and one draw for First Bus.

Battle for runner-up spot heats up

Wymondham suffered a 6-2 defeat in their penultimate league match away to Kirby Bedon “A”. The result leaves the battle for the runner-up spot still in question with both Wymondham & Hevingham having one game each to play while Kirby Bedon “A” now occupy the position just ahead of both. The evening proved a nightmare for Pat Saunders, Peter King & Debbie Phillips who suffered two heavy defeats. In the first half they slumped to a 20-3 defeat against Leonora Chilman, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith and trailed 16-0 after nine ends. After the break their misery continued as they went down 21-4 against Neil Davidson, John Aggas & Phil Watson. Roger Steele, Brian Saunders & Chris Mann earned what could be two vital points for the visitors in the first half as they beat Carol Aggas, John Aggas & Phil Watson 12-10 despite winning just six ends. End twelve proved to be fatal for Watson’s triple as Mann’s triple picked up five shots. After the break Jill Watson, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith enjoyed a great start against Chris Mann’s triple moving into an 11-2 lead after seven ends. A change of playing order saw Brian Saunders move to skip for Wymondham and it paid dividends as the visitors stormed back to take a 12-11 lead with three ends to go. The closing ends were not for the faint hearted but Goldsmith’s triple scored three singles to win 14-12.

Posted 16-8-11

Trevor “The Beast” Brown wins Thrash Singles

The Neil Davidson organized “Thrash Singles” at Carleton Rode featured twelve of Norfolk’s top singles players and proved an exciting affair with an innovative scoring system in place to encourage positive play. Extra points were awarded to any player scoring a full-house with points deducted for any player conceding four shots on an end. Bob Carter’s Trevor Brown reached the final against Wymondham’s young England ace Chris Mann and Trevor’s vast international experience helped him to a 5-0 lead after three ends. Chris Mann had no intention of going down easily though and hit back to lead after seven ends. A full-house by Trevor Brown on the penultimate end gave him a 10-6 lead to take into the final end on which Chris Mann could only score a single leaving Brown the first winner of the Thrash Singles. A great night was had by all and hopefully the competitive play will have helped players prepare for the start of the county season.

Thrash Singles Organizer Neil Davidson with winner Trevor Brown of Bob Carter

Runner-up Chris Mann of Wymondham & Winner Trevor Brown of Bob Carter

Mobb’s triple star in vital Diss win

Keith Buck, Gill Coleman & Graham Mobbs won both their games as Diss beat Framingham Earl 6-2 to move off the bottom of Division Two. In their first game they beat Karl Bunn’s triple 14-10 and followed that up with a 17-9 win against Mervyn Blaza’s triple. The result lifts Diss above Watton Yellow and leaves them just three points behind Anglian Windows.

Posted 14-8-11

Carter win semi-final classic at Hevingham

A sensational Summer Cup Semi-Final tie at Hevingham saw three games won by just one shot as Bob Carter overcame their Division One rivals. In the first half Carter’s Nigel Willard, Trevor Brown & George Clarke were 16-15 winners against Ian MacLean, Marjorie Hall & Pat Williamson and their first half joy was complete as David Lamb, John Turner & Melvin Woods beat Pat Bunn, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe 13-12. After the break Ian MacLean, Marjorie Hall & Pat Williamson hit back for Hevingham with a 12-11 win against David Lamb, John Turner & Melvin Woods but the night belonged to Carter as Nigel Willard, Trevor Brown & George Clarke ran out 18-14 winners against Pat Bunn, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe. Bob Carter will now meet Kirby Bedon “A” in the Summer Cup Final at Anglian Windows on Tuesday 23rd August.

Posted 12-8-11

Two stars of Bob Carter's team - Trevor Brown & George Clarke

Double away joy for Kirby “A”

First Bus will probably greet the end of the season with relief after suffering their tenth league defeat in eleven games at home to Kirby Bedon “A”. Ralph Wilson, John Cummins & Maurice Kemp kept things tight against Kirby’s Phil Watson, Neil Davidson & John Aggas and the game was level at 9-9 after eight ends. A late flurry of shots propelled the visiting triple to a 19-13 win. Another close game saw Kirby’s Carol Aggas, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith survive a spirited comeback by Maureen Munford, Colin Coman & Bob Oatway to win 11-10. After the break Goldsmith’s triple enjoyed a comfortable 18-6 win against Ralph Wilson, Elaine Oatway & Maurice Kemp. John Aggas’ triple also appeared in control leading 11-4 after ten ends against Bob Oatway but with an end remaining the home side were just one shot behind. Oatway appeared to have done enough to earn First Bus a consolation win until John Aggas produced a great final bowl to give Kirby a 15-12 win on shots and an 8-0 away win. Hevingham’s hopes of finishing as runners-up in Div One took a knock as they suffered a 6-2 home defeat against a rejuvenated Kirby Bedon “A” side who have surged up the table. Carol Aggas, Neil Davidson & Selwyn Goldsmith opened with a 20-11 win followed by a 15-9 win with Jill Watson subbing for Carol Aggas at lead. Phil Watson, Jim Couling & John Aggas added a 17-14 win while Marjorie Hall, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe scored a consolation 15-14 win for Hevingham against John Aggas.

Posted 10-8-11

Wymondham beat Kirby “A” 5-3 to move second

A superb match at Wymondham produced four tight games that all went to the wire. In the first half Wymondham’s Jack Barrett, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann faced Kirby’s Phil Watson, John Aggas & Neil Davidson and after thirteen ends the game was level at 14-14. The Wymondham triple dug deep to score one shot on the fourteenth and another two on the last end to win 17-14. On the other mat Pat Saunders, Peter King & Debbie Phillips had built up a 10-5 lead after eleven ends against Alistair Hunter, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith but the Kirby triple took the last four ends to earn a 10-10 draw. After the break Goldsmith’s triple faced Mann’s triple and another great game developed with the Kirby triple scoring a four on end twelve to level the game at 13-13. Chris Mann’s triple scored a single on the thirteenth to move ahead but Kirby replied with three shots to take a 16-14 lead into the last end. Four superb bowls by Hunter & Couling put all the pressure on Wymondham number two Mark Linsdell but he produced two stunning attack shots to leave the home side holding two. Selwyn Goldsmith drew his opening wood onto the jack to leave skip Chris Mann in trouble but Mann produced a brilliant shot to open the end up again. Goldsmith drew his last wood into the head leaving Chris Mann with a difficult shot choice. After a long delay while the Wymondham triple decided on the shot to play Mann stepped up on to the mat. His shot left a measure to determine shot wood but Kirby emerged with another single for a 17-14 win. On mat 2 Pat Saunders, Brian Saunders & Debbie Phillips faced Neil Davidson’s unchanged triple. The Wymondham triple had a flying start and appeared to be on their way to the only comfortable win of the game leading 10-1 after six ends. A change of playing order in the Kirby triple saw John Aggas at skip and the change worked wonders for Kirby as they came back strongly to level the game at 12-12 after twelve ends. Two singles for Wymondham saw them take back the lead at 14-12 with one end remaining. When John Aggas stepped up to play the last bowl Debbie Phillips held shot but a running wood from the Kirby skip had every chance of taking the Wymondham bowl out of the head to snatch a win. To the relief of the Wymondham side the Kirby bowl just came under the head and missed Debbie Phillips’ bowl leaving the home triple with a 15-12 win on shots and a 5-3 home win on points. The match was a great advert for short mat bowls at its competitive best.

Wymondham skip Debbie Phillips & Kirby "A" skip Selwyn Goldsmith - 3 points apiece

Posted 7-8-11

Thurton’s Cup Run ends as Kirby Bedon “A” reach final

Kirby Bedon “A” claimed a Summer Cup Final place beating Thurton 8-0. The Division Two team faced a difficult task drawn away to Kirby “A” but fought hard in the first half. Maureen Newson, Pam Grint & Trevor Howard were just two shots down with three ends to go against Carol Aggas, John Aggas & Phil Watson but the Kirby triple eased home by 16-10. Shirley George, Kerry Greenacre & Jan McClintock made a poor start and trailed by 9-0 after just three ends against Leonora Chilman, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith but hit back to narrow the gap to 13-9 after nine ends. The home triple moved up a gear after that winning all but one of the remaining ends to score a 27-12 win. After the break substitutes Jill Watson & Alistair Hunter entered the fray for Kirby to play at lead & number two with Selwyn Goldsmith against Trevor Howard’s triple. A low scoring game saw Kirby edge to a 7-1 lead after eight ends but then a flurry of shots saw Goldsmith’s triple win 22-3. Phil Watson’s unchanged triple pulled clear early on against Jan McClintock’s triple and went on to win 22-6 and ensure a place in the Summer Cup final.

Kirby's Alistair Hunter pictured in his Scottish international days

Thorpe Marriott “A” Promotion Push

The Division Two promotion battle heated up as Thorpe Marriott “A” pulled off a 6-2 win at second placed Thurton. Janet Pinchen, Trevor Pinchen & Sylvia Turner won 17-12 against Peter Walker’s triple and the Pinchens, this time with S Warnes, also won against Trevor Howard’s triple. Marriott’s other win was scored by Tony Turner’s triple who beat Trevor Howard 14-10. Their late push for promotion continued with an 8-0 maximum home win against Framingham Earl with the night’s biggest win of 18-6 scored by Sheila Redwood, D Knights & S Warnes. Anglian Window’s 6-2 home win against Watton Yellow eased their relegation fears as Mike Boswell’s triple stormed to wins of 21-10 & 23-9. The bottom two teams met with Watton winning a tight match 5-3 at Diss. David Quadling, Joan Bebee & Margaret Hunter were Watton Yellow’s match winners with a 17-12 win against Terry Newby’s triple and a 12-12 draw against Graham Mobbs. In Division Three Horsford “A” are now confirmed as champions and the only question to be answered is who goes up with them. This division is so close that any of the other six teams could still finish in the runner-up spot. Watton Green helped their cause with a 5-3 home win against Hingham Green with J Capell, B Davies & R Harvey winning by 18-11 & 16-11. Hingham Yellow held on to third spot beating Thorpe Marriott “B” 6-2. Deaf Sports are putting their poor early season form behind them as they won again, this time by 6-2 at home to Hingham Green with Robin Amos winning twice. Kirby Bedon “A” claimed a Summer Cup Final place beating Thurton 8-0 with Selwyn Goldsmith’s triple winning 27-12 & 22-3 while Phil Watson’s triple won by 16-10 & 22-6. Thurton will be pleased to have reached the semi-final stage, the only team outside Division One to do so. The match will have given them a taste of how competitive the top flight can be if they win promotion this season.

Posted 6-8-11

Thorpe Marriott's Trevor Pinchen in relaxed mood

Bob Carter retain Summer League Championship

Bob Carter have won the Summer League Championship title for the second year running after an 8-0 home win against Kirby Bedon "B" made it impossible for any other team to catch them. It has been an excellent season for Carter who are still unbeaten. They won the National Club Championship title for the first time at the weekend and have reached the Summer Cup semi-final stage. If Bob Carter go on to win the cup as well they will emulate the "triple crown" feat achieved by Kirby Bedon "A" in 2009.
Posted 4-8-11

Nigel Willard - Bob Carter Captain

Alan Baldry – Rest in Peace

The N.C.S.M.B.A is saddened to learn of the death of Alan Baldry of Watton Short Mat Bowls Club. Alan died suddenly on Tuesday 26th July, he was aged 74. Alan previously played for Wayland S.M.B.C. The N.C.S.M.B.A would like to express their condolences to Alan’s family and friends. The funeral will take place at Earlham Crematorium on Wednesday 10th August at noon.

Hevingham hand Division Two ticket to First Bus

Any hopes First Bus had of avoiding relegation from the top flight were finally brought to an end as they went down 5-3 at home to Hevingham. The visitors went into the match needing every point they could get in their battle at the top end of the table and won both opening games. Ian MacLean, Marjorie Hall & Pat Williamson battled back from behind to beat Colin Coman, John Cummins & Bob Oatway 15-10 while Pat Bunn, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe beat Ralph Wilson, George Munford & Maurice Kemp 17-12. First Bus fared better after the break with Ralph Wilson, Maureen Munford & Maurice Kemp winning 17-7 against Pat Williamson’s triple. With Julia Cummins subbing for John Cummins the other game also looked like going the way of First Bus but David Sharpe’s triple came from behind to grab an 11-11 draw.

Posted 2-8-11

David Sharpe - a win & a draw at First Bus

Bob Carter beat Wymondham on shots in National Club Championship Thriller

It was an all Norfolk showdown in this year’s National Club Championships as Bob Carter & Wymondham met in the final at Kempston I.B.C in Bedfordshire. The Norfolk teams were in separate groups with Bob Carter up against defending champions Doddington of Cambs, Kent side Burham & Templecombe of Somerset. Wymondham’s opposition in the group stage were Chanctonbury of West Sussex, Hazelbury Bryan of Dorset & Middlezoy of Somerset. Bob Carter & Wymondham both made great starts and quickly established themselves as favourites to reach the final. Having duly disposed of the competition from the other counties the two Norfolk sides faced each other in the final. Wymondham captain Chris Mann scored a notable 12-9 win against Trevor Brown to give Wymondham a super start in the singles game. A close 5-3 rinks win for Jack Barrett, Mark Linsdell, Debbie Phillips & Andrew Stratton against Jason Woods, George Clarke, David Lamb & Melvin Woods put Wymondham 4-0 up on points. Carter hit back with a 13-7 pairs win for Trevor Brown & Nigel Willard against Mikey George & Chris Mann. The triples game also went Carter’s way as John Turner, David Lamb & Melvin Woods beat Mark Linsdell, Debbie Phillips & Andrew Stratton 7-4. With the points tied at 4-4 Bob Carter’s total shots of 32 against Wymondham’s 28 earned the bonus point that made them the new National Club Championship title holders.

Bob Carter L to R. George Clarke, Trevor Brown, David Lamb, Nigel Willard, Jason Woods, Melvin Woods & John Turner

Wymondham L to R. Chris Mann, Debs Phillips, Mark Linsdell, Mikey George, Andy Stratton & Jack Barrett

Posted 31-7-11

Relegation Trapdoor opens for Sprowston

The relegation trapdoor opened for Sprowston as they were beaten 8-0 at Kirby Bedon “A” in a vital Division One clash between two teams who have struggled for points this season. Leonora Chilman, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith stormed to a 23-5 win against Colin Thornton, David Fuller & Terry Fletcher to give Kirby a great start. Fuller switched with Fletcher in an effort to stem the tide but there was no way back in this game. Carol Aggas, John Aggas & Phil Watson added a 13-10 win against Margaret Poynter, Les Chadwick & John Poynter in a game that was level at 8-8 after ten ends but three shots on end twelve proved vital for Kirby. The clock was ticking on Sprowston’s time in the top flight as the second half saw Jill Watson, John Aggas & Phil Watson win 22-6 as Fletcher’s triple again struggled. With substitute Neil Davidson putting in a faultless performance at lead with Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith the Kirby triple beat Poynter’s triple 13-8 leaving Sprowston one off the bottom with all their games played. In their previous match Sprowston had gone down 6-2 at Bob Carter where Jamie Foster, Jason Woods & George Clarke won their games 17-15 & 19-8 for Carter. After nine consecutive league wins Summer League leaders Bob Carter were forced to settle for a share of the points at Hevingham. The home side enjoyed a brilliant start as Pat Bunn, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe beat Melvin Woods’ triple 20-12 and Gill Bunn, Marjorie Hall & Ian MacLean beat George Clarke’s triple by 14-12. Bob Carter came out fighting in the second half to earn a 4-4 draw with Frank Edy, David Lamb & Melvin Woods winning 15-12 against MacLean’s triple while Nigel Willard, Trevor Brown & George Clarke beat David Sharpe’s triple 24-5. In Division Two Horsford “B” are still on course for promotion. They won 8-0 at home to Watton Yellow with Lynn Frank, Duncan Nixon & Roger Frank winning by 15-13 & 17-6. Peter Fox, Carol Kemp & Keith Chapman won 14-7 and, with Sue Fox subbing for Carol Kemp, they won 24-7. Four nights later Horsford “B” drew 4-4 at Thorpe Marriott where all four triples won a game apiece. Watton Yellow won 5-3 at home to Framingham Earl with D Quadling, Joan Bebee & Margaret Hunter winning by 13-7 & 16-14. Division Three is also seeing success for Horsford as their unbeaten “A” team is pushing for promotion. They won 6-2 at home to Deaf Sport with David Woodrow’s triple winning by 16-8 & 16-10.

Summer Cup Quarter-Final Round-Up

Bob Carter are through to the Summer Cup semi-finals after a hard fought win at Kirby Bedon “B”. In the first session a vital last bowl by the Carter skip saw Jon Sparham, George Clarke & Nigel Willard snatch victory against Gerald Chilver’s Kirby triple. On the other mat Carter’s Frank Edy, Trevor Brown & Melvin Woods were trailing with two ends remaining but won both ends to grab a 12-10 win. Shirley Brown, Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown hit back for Kirby after the break beating Nigel Willard’s triple 15-5 but Melvin Woods’ triple saw Carter over the finishing line with a 16-11 win. A great cup-tie at Diss saw visitors Thurton win the match by just two shots after the tie finished level at 4-4 on points. Jenny Walker, Jan McClintock & Trevor Howard were Thurton’s heroes beating Graham Mobbs’ triple 25-6 and Terry Newby’s triple 17-7. Thurton are now the only team outside Division One still in the cup. Hevingham proved too strong on their own mats for visitors Hingham Green to cope with. Mervyn Williamson, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe won by 18-8 & 18-9 while Pat Williamson’s triple added a 19-12 win. As previously reported Kirby Bedon “A” won at home to Horsford “B”. The semi-final draw has produced a mouth-watering all Division One clash with Hevingham entertaining Bob Carter. Division Two side Thurton face a difficult away tie against Kirby Bedon “A”.

Posted 30-7-11

Wymondham held at First Bus

After eight consecutive defeats First Bus will be delighted with a 4-4 draw at home to Wymondham. First Bus will have been surprised at the visitors line-up with several regulars missing from their team. In the first half Colin Coman, J Cummins & Bob Oatway looked to be on their way to defeat against Wymondham’s Mary Fisher, Jack Barrett & Chris Mann as they trailed 11-6 after twelve ends. Oatway’s triple pulled one shot back on the thirteenth but then shocked Mann’s triple as they took another four shots on the penultimate end to level the game at 11-11. England international Chris Mann was left with a difficult draw with his last bowl to try to win the game but he failed and Oatway’s triple were left celebrating a 13-11 win. Wymondham’s other triple was made up of Mikey George, Roger Steele & Peter King and they made sure the visitors went into the interval on level terms beating Ralph Wilson, Maureen Munford & George Munford 17-11. Two great woods by Peter King on end twelve helped Wymondham score a vital four and pull 12-8 ahead and there was no way back for First Bus from then on. After the break Chris Mann’s triple, with Jack Barrett moving up a gear, hit good form to beat George Munford’s triple 20-7 but the home side were not to be denied a draw. Colin Coman, Elaine Oatway & Bob Oatway made a storming start against Peter King’s triple leading 13-1 after nine ends. A comeback by the visiting triple came too late to save the game with Oatway’s triple finishing 15-9 up to earn a draw for First Bus, the first time they have avoided defeat in Summer League action this season.

Bob Oatway of First Bus helped his side hold Wymondham to a draw

Posted 26-7-11

Two Woods Enough for Carter

Bob Carter racked up another win, this time by 6-2 at Kirby Bedon “B”, and are still hot favourites to retain the Norfolk Summer League title. The first half was shared with Kirby’s Shirley Brown, Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown beating Carter’s Kim Bridge, Trevor Brown & Nigel Willard by 12-8 while Carter’s Jason Woods, David Lamb & Melly Woods beat Bernie Cudden, Bob Pattison & Gerald Chilvers by 22-13. After the break it was all Carter as Jason Woods, Frank Edy & Melly Woods won 14-7 and Kim Bridge, Trevor Brown & Nigel Willard won 15-9. In Division Two, title chasing Horsford “B” suffered their first league defeat of the season and it was on their own mats. Two close first half games both went Framingham Earl’s way as Ray Jennings, Mervyn Blaza & Karl Bunn won 12-11 against Roger Frank and Joan Blaza, Debbie Bunn & Colin Emms beat Keith Chapman’s triple 14-12. The second half saw the Jennings-Blaza-Bunn triple clinch the match for the visitors beating Peter Fox, Mally Kemp & Keith Chapman by 15-13. Roger Frank’s triple scored a consolation victory for Horsford winning 20-5 against Colin Emms. Bottom team Watton will be pleased with a 6-2 home win against Thorpe Marriott “B” that will give them fresh hope of avoiding relegation. Maggie Dibble, Brian Dibble & John Hunter did the business beating both Ted Redwood’s triple & Tony Turner’s triple by the same score-line of 12-11. Watton’s Eddie Bebee, Joan Bebee & Margaret Hunter got the biggest win of the night beating Janet Pinchen, Trevor Pinchen & Ted Tedwood by 22-2 while Tony Turner’s triple scored Marriott’s only win. Division Three pacesetters Horsford “A” moved clear at the top with a 7-1 home win against Hingham Green as David Woodrow’s triple won by 15-10 & 17-9 & Chris Woodhouse’s triple won their first game 19-14 and drew their second game 12-12. Watton Green drew 4-4 at Hingham Yellow. The night’s biggest win was for Hingham’s Ken Thomas triple who won their second game by 20-6 while Hingham’s other win was an 18-11 victory for Jane Frary’s triple. Roger Braham skipped his Watton triple to wins of 13-9 & 16-13.

Posted 23-7-11

Clarke wins twice as Carter move closer to title

Kirby Bedon "A" reach Summer Cup semi-finals

Bob Carter moved closer to retaining the Summer League title as they beat Sprowston 6-2 at Drayton. Frank Edy, David Lamb & Trevor Brown started well beating Terry Fletcher’s triple 21-6 while Jason Woods, Jamie Foster & George Clarke added a 17-15 win against John Poynter’s triple. After the break Clarke’s triple proved too strong for Colin Thornton’s triple as they chalked up a 19-8 win. Relegation threatened Sprowston did earn two valuable points as Linda Chadwick, Les Chadwick & John Poynter pulled off a superb 18-8 win against Frank Edy, Trevor Brown & David Lamb and those points could prove vital in the fight to avoid the drop that now looks to be between First Bus, Sprowston & Kirby Bedon “A”. In the cup Kirby Bedon “A” reached the semi-final stage after a 6-2 home win against Horsford “B”. The Division Two side fought throughout, with Keith Chapman & Mark “The Marvel” Tuttle in particular proving tough nuts to crack, but Horsford’s Roger Franks’ triple had a night to forget on Kirby Bedon’s mat two. In the first half Carol Aggas, Jim Couling & Alistair Hunter beat Lynn Frank, Mally Kemp & Roger Frank 20-5 but Leonora Chilman, John Aggas & Phil Watson beat Keith Chapman’s triple 10-7 on the last end as the Kirby skip did the business. After the break Jill Watson came in for Leonora Chilman and Watson’s triple stormed to a 27-4 win against Roger Frank. Peter Fox, Mark Tuttle & Keith Chapman scored a consolation win for the visitors beating Carol Aggas, Jim Couling & Alistair Hunter 16-11.

Evening News Boobs Again!

The Norwich Evening News headline writers boobed again as last night's edition praised Sprowston for "strolling to victory over Wymondham." The column on the other hand correctly reported Wymondham's 8-0 win! It joins the list of headline boobs by the Evening News over the years, the most famous one hailed Woodbastwick as Tens League champions in a year in which they finished halfway down the table. The N.C.S.M.B.A would like to remind our readers that although the short mat bowls column in the Norwich Evening News is submitted by our Web & Press Secretary the headline is created by Evening News editorial staff. The column is also edited depending on space available. To read the full reports of what is happening in short mat bowls this web-site is the place to visit.

Posted 20-7-11

Keith Chapman - Good performance for his team Horsford in their cup defeat at Kirby Bedon "A"

Hevingham Happy as they draw at Kirby

A great first half performance earned Hevingham four valuable points at Kirby Bedon “A” but the home side will be relieved to have shared the points after reshuffling their triples for the second half. With Vic Woods out of the Hevingham side awaiting an operation Pat Williamson was skipping with Ian MacClean at lead & Marjorie Hall at two. They started well against Jill Watson, John Aggas & Phil Watson and led 4-0 after two ends but the home side quickly got back on terms and a close game developed. 11-9 up with one end to go Watson’s triple could only score a single leaving the Hevingham triple with an 11-10 win. On mat two Pat Bunn, Alan Bunn & left handed David Sharpe faced Kirby’s Leonora Chilman, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith. The game was another close encounter with the home side 12-11 up with three ends to go. A two on the thirteenth gave Sharpe’s triple the lead but the penultimate end proved vital. Three down and deep in trouble David Sharpe played the bowl of the night to take the shot. Another single on the last end earned them a 15-12 win and a 4-0 points lead at the interval. Special mention must be made of the superb performance by Pat Bunn at lead who outplayed the Kirby lead throughout leaving Couling & Goldsmith constantly under pressure. For the second half Kirby brought in Neil Davidson at lead in place of Leonora Chilman and Carol Aggas in place of Jill Watson. Hevingham’s only change was Mervyn Williamson for Pat Bunn which was a surprise considering the first half showing by Pat Bunn. Carol Aggas, John Aggas & Phil Watson quickly moved into a good lead and were 17-3 up after only eight ends and there was no way back for Sharpe’s triple. The final score was 23-10 to Kirby. On mat one Kirby’s Neil Davidson, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith were in good form but so were Pat Williamson’s triple who put in a tenacious performance. The score was 7-6 to Kirby after twelve ends with neither triple giving an inch but the next end decided the issue as Kirby took a five to lead 12-6. The final score was 13-7 to Goldsmith’s triple earning Kirby a much needed 4-4 draw in their fight for Division One survival.

Posted 19-7-11

Neil Davidson - Home debut helped Kirby Bedon "A" secure a 4-4 draw

Debbie Phillips in great form as 5-Player Wymondham beat Sprowston

Wymondham would have been counting on maximum points at home to Sprowston but captain Chris Mann found himself with a headache as one of his players failed to show up for the match. Normally Wymondham have reserves in place, but with Brian & Pat Saunders on holiday, Mann had named just six players for this match so the non-appearance of Peter King left them short. Andrew Stratton & Chris Mann went out without a number two and faced Colin Thornton, David Fuller & Terry Fletcher. Playing with four woods against six is never easy but a great game developed with Wymondham leading 7-6 after ten ends. A dropped four on the next end cost the pair dearly leaving Fletcher’s triple 10-7 up but the two Norfolk county stars fought back to level the game at 10-10 after thirteen ends. Fletcher’s triple took a two on the penultimate end with Wymondham scoring a single on the last end that left the Sprowston triple winning 12-11. Wymondham’s Mary Fisher, Mark Linsdell & Debbie Phillips beat Linda Chadwick, Les Chadwick & John Poynter 20-13 to make sure the match was level at the break. Debbie Phillips was again in superb form for the home side as she skipped her triple to victory. The second half saw Stratton & Mann continue the struggle against the Chadwick-Chadwick-Poynter triple and they trailed 7-3 after four ends. They fought back to 7-7 after six ends and then moved 11-9 up after eleven ends. Les Chadwick moved to skip for Sprowston on the closing ends and had a chance to win the match on the last end. His attempt to take out Wymondham’s woods and win the match failed as he also took out his second wood and scored just one shot. This left the Wymondham pair with a very satisfactory 13-12 win. On the other mat Debbie Phillips continued to play at the top of her game and she proved too hot to handle for Fletcher’s triple. With the Wymondham triple 18-6 up after eleven ends the game was as good as over although the visitors reduced the score to 19-11 by the end. Considering they only fielded five players Wymondham will be more than happy with this 6-2 win that moved them back to second place in the table.
Posted 18-7-11

Debbie Phillips in top form for Wymondham

Kirby “B” move into second spot
A good week for Kirby Bedon “B” saw them move into second place in Division One. Shirley Brown, Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown beat Terry Fletcher’s triple 28-5 and drew 14-14 with John Poynter as Kirby “B” won 5-3 at home to Sprowston. First Bus slumped to their eighth defeat in eight games as Kirby Bedon “B” picked up maximum points away from home. Shirley Brown, Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown won by 25-12 & 17-13 and Bernie Cudden, Bob Pattison & Gerald Chilvers won by 17-8 & 16-4. Division Two leaders Thurton romped to an 8-0 home win against Framingham Earl with Trevor Howard’s triple winning 22-12 & 16-11 and Peter Walker’s triple winning by 14-12 & 28-7. Horsford “B” are just two points behind them after beating Diss 7-1 with Roger Frank’s triple winning 17-7 & 28-8. Division Three leaders Horsford “A” had to settle for a 4-4 draw at home to Thorpe Marriott “B”. The away side were 4-0 down at the break but wins for Richard Kightley & Richard Perkins earned the draw in the second half. Watton Green won 6-2 at Hingham Green to move second in the table. B Davies, J Capell & R Harvey won both their games for the visitors by 23-3 & 15-10. Deaf Sport won 5-3 at home to Hingham Yellow to gain ground on the teams above them. Robin Amos’ triple won their first game by 21-8 and drew their second 15-15 against K Thomas’ triple. Hingham Yellow also lost at Thorpe Marriott “B” where two wins for Malcolm Roe’s triple helped Marriott to a 6-2 victory.

David Whittington – Rest in Peace
The N.C.S.M.B.A is saddened to learn of the death of David Whittington, Captain of Stalham Short Mat Bowls Club. The N.C.S.M.B.A would like to express their condolences to David’s family and friends. Following their sad loss Stalham S.M.B.C have decided to withdraw from all bowls leagues that they are involved with.
                                                                                                                        Posted 16-7-11

Sprowston discover it’s a Mann’s World
Current form suggested that Wymondham would struggle at Sprowston but the home side had a bad night as the visitors recaptured their form to win 8-0. After playing well in recent games against Bob Carter and Kirby Bedon the Sprowston side failed to sparkle leaving Wymondham to control the match scoring 74 shots against 34. Wymondham’s Jack Barrett, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann trailed 7-0 against John Poynter’s triple after three ends but came back strongly to win 26-7. On the ninth end Chris Mann stepped up a gear playing Sprowston’s only wood out of the head to score a maximum six shots. Pat Saunders, Brian Saunders & Debbie Phillips completed a great first half for Wymondham beating Terry Fletcher’s triple 15-12. After the break Chris Mann’s triple won 14-9 and Debbie Phillips won 19-6 as Wymondham collected an unexpected maximum point’s haul.
      Posted 14-7-11
Sunday Day out ends in victory for Shirley, Gerald & Joe
The Dave Durrant Memorial Triples event was held at Thorpe Marriott on Sunday where Shirley Brown, Gerald Chilvers & Joe Brown of Kirby Bedon “B” emerged winners. The runners-up were George Munford, Maureen Munford & Colin Coman of First Bus. A raffle held at the event raised £88 which was donated to the Quidenham Children’s Hospice.
                                                                                                                                                                                                               Posted 11-7-11

              Shirley Brown, Joe Brown & Gerald Chilvers win Dave Durrant Trophy

New Carter "Dream Team" win at Wymondham
Wymondham’s title ambitions were shattered as Bob Carter inflicted the first home defeat on them since they entered the Summer League. After the 6-2 defeat on Tuesday at Carter the Wymondham side needed to strike back hard in the return match but Carter were just too good on the day winning once again by 6-2. The defending champions have taken their game to a new level this season with the addition of Trevor Brown & John Turner to their side. Brown is without doubt one of England’s finest exponents of short mat bowls while John Turner’s game appears to have been re-ignited by his involvement in Carter’s new-look dream team. Wymondham did well to keep Carter in check in a competitive first half that finished level at 4-4 on points and 22-22 on shots. Pat Saunders, Peter King & Debbie Phillips were involved in a close match against Jason Woods, Trevor Brown & Melly Woods and trailed by just 9-8 with two ends to go but Carter won those ends to complete a 12-8 victory. Jack Barrett, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann hit back for Wymondham with a 14-10 win against Jon Sparham, Nigel Willard & John Turner after building up a 7-0 lead after five ends. Despite a Carter fightback The Blazerman’s triple held their nerve to win. After the break Wymondham brought in Andrew Stratton & Brian Saunders to join Debbie Phillips against Kim Bridge, Jon Sparham & John Turner. A brilliant first end for Wymondham saw them score a full-house to lead 6-0. The Carter triple did not let this setback affect them though and after eight ends led 12-6 with Wymondham shell-shocked. They then made a tactical switch with Andrew moving to skip and Debbie to lead and this paid dividends as they reduced the deficit to 12-9 after ten ends. Wymondham’s hopes of winning then disappeared as Carter scored a single on the eleventh end and two more shots on the next to lead 15-9. After fourteen ends Carter were 17-10 up and home and dry despite dropping three shots on the last end. In the remaining game Jason Woods, Trevor Brown & Melly Woods faced Wymondham’s talented young triple of Jack Barrett, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann. A close start saw Mann’s triple 4-3 up after five ends but a great attacking bowl by Melly Woods on the sixth end earned them three shots. Wymondham found themselves under increasing pressure as Carter moved into an 11-4 lead after ten ends. Trevor Brown was in awesome form and Melly Woods hardly missed a shot as the Carter triple began to dominate from the lead and two positions. Chris Mann found himself with no other option then to attack on too many ends as Carter led 14-6 after twelve ends. The final score was 15-9 to Melly Woods’ triple as Bob Carter wrapped up a valuable away win.

Trevor Brown of Bob Carter - One of England's Greatest short mat bowlers
                                                                                                                                             Posted 10-7-11

Willard-Turner-Clarke triple see off strong Wymondham Challenge
The two teams who began the season with realistic hopes of winning the Norfolk Summer League title clashed at Drayton where defending champions Bob Carter came out on top with a 6-2 home win against Wymondham. A great first half was shared as Carter’s Nigel Willard, John Turner & George Clarke won 14-7 against Brian Saunders’ triple with Pat Saunders, Peter King & Chris Mann replying for the visitors with a 16-14 win against Trevor Brown, David Lamb & Melvin Woods. Wymondham made a change after the break with Debbie Phillips replacing King in Chris Mann’s triple but they slipped to a 17-13 defeat against George Clarke’s triple in a game that saw the Carter skip knock the jack off three times. A late surge by Jason Woods, David Lamb & Trevor Brown helped the Carter triple to a 17-12 win against Mervyn Barker, Mark Linsdell & Brian Saunders in an entertaining game in which Carter scored a five on end six with the Wymondham triple immediately countering with another five on end seven. Sprowston drew 4-4 at home to Kirby Bedon “A” with the home side winning both first half games and the visitors hitting back after the break to secure the draw. Sprowston’s Linda Chadwick, Joan Costello & John Poynter opened strongly winning 22-8 against Selwyn Goldsmith’s triple while Margaret Poynter, David Fuller & Terry Fletcher withstood a storming comeback by the Watson-Hunter-Davidson triple to win 13-12. Poynter’s triple started the second half how they finished the first and led 14-3 after seven ends against Phil Watson, Alistair Hunter & Neil Davidson but were stunned as the Kirby triple hit back to win 24-15. On mat one Carol Aggas, John Aggas & Jim Couling made sure of the draw with a 19-9 win against Terry Fletcher. Hevingham clinched a 5-3 win at Kirby Bedon “B” with Vic Woods’ triple beating Joe Brown 14-12 and drawing 12-12 with Gerald Chilvers. David Sharpe’s triple added an 11-10 win against Chilvers while Joe Brown’s Kirby triple beat David Sharpe 15-7. In Div Two Framingham Earl moved up the table with two good wins. Joan Blaza, Mervyn Blaza & Karl Bunn beat Avril Walker’s triple 18-10 and added another win in the second half as Framingham inflicted a 7-1 home defeat on Anglian Windows. This result followed Framingham Earl’s 8-0 home win against Watton Yellow. Division Three new-boys Deaf Sports scored their first win of the campaign beating Thorpe Marriott “B” 6-2. Gillian Amos, John Robertson & Robin Amos opened with a 16-8 win against Malcolm Roe’s triple and with R Hall subbing for Gillian Amos beat Richard Kightley 24-7. Dennis Kemble’s triple scored the Deaf Sports other win beating Kightley 16-11 while Malcolm Roe scored Marriott’s only win in the second half against Kemble.                                                                                                                                                                                                             Posted 9-7-11


                                     Two wins for Bob Carter's John Turner against Wymondham

Neil Davidson of Kirby Bedon "A" won 24-15 after trailing 3-14 after seven ends

Sprowston revival earns draw
Div One action saw Sprowston recover to earn a 4-4 draw at home to Kirby Bedon “B”. The visitors enjoyed a good first half as Chris East, Bernie Cudden & Gerald Chilvers won 20-12 against John Poynter’s triple and Shirley Brown, Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown beat Terry Fletcher’s triple 14-13. After the break Sprowston hit back with Colin Thornton, David Fuller & Terry Fletcher winning 14-11 against Gerald Chilvers and Margaret Poynter, P Smart & John Poynter winning 12-11 against Joe Brown. In Div Two Thurton lead Horsford “B” by one point after winning 6-2 at Framingham Earl. Jenny Walker, Janice McClintock & Peter Walker romped to a massive 30-2 win against Ray Lumley’s triple while Trevor Howard’s triple won 11-9 against Karl Bunn. Howard’s triple won 14-13 after the break but Karl Bunn’s triple earned the home side their only win beating Jenny Walker 11-10. Bottom side Watton Yellow lost 6-2 at home against Anglian Windows. Brenda Sizer, Diane Boswell & Mike Boswell were on form for the visitors beating Margaret Hunter 23-6 and John Hunter 12-6. David Quadling, Bryan Dibble & John Hunter scored Watton’s sole win beating Ken Dease 22-2 but Dease enjoyed a second half 20-5 win against Margaret Hunter. Division Three leaders Horsford “A” remain unbeaten after a 6-2 win at Hingham Yellow where David Woodrow’s triple won by 14-8 & 18-8 and Vic Webster’s triple added a 27-8 win. Mary Potter, Bob Lister & Pat Groombridge earned the two points for Hingham Yellow beating Vic Webster 22-10. Thorpe Marriott “B” are still without a win after an 8-0 pounding at Hingham Green. Jan Higgs’ triple won by 23-10 & 15-9 while Gordon Wilcox won by 20-8 & 13-11.
                                                                                                             Posted 3-7-11

Shock Move by Essex & Norfolk to reduce E.S.M.B.A Fee Fails
A surprise move by Essex & Norfolk to reduce the E.S.M.B.A registration fees failed at the E.S.M.B.A Annual General Meeting today in Northants. There has been criticism from some quarters at the 40% hike in fees that was passed at last years AGM and at today's meeting delegates representing Essex & Norfolk attempted to reduce the fee by 50p. After lengthy debate surrounding the Constitution, and if such a proposal could be put at the meeting, the Chairman Chris Hopkins ruled that the proposal could be put. Several delegates expressed concern that they had been unable to discuss the surprise motion at county level and therefore decided to abstain from the vote. The final vote was 12 in favour of the proposal, 18 against and 11 abstentions. There was also surprise at the election of officers when Craig Burgess of Essex withdrew his name for the election of I.C.C Secretary and Nationals Organiser. A full report on the A.G.M will appear later.
                                                                Posted 02-7-11

Bob Carter Win Again
Defending Summer League champions Bob Carter maintained their unbeaten run with a maximum 8-0 home win against bottom of the table First Bus on Tuesday evening. Nigel Willard, Jason Woods & George Clarke opened with a 21-9 win against Colin Coman while Frank Edy, Trevor Brown & Melvin Woods piled on the agony beating Bob Oatway 20-4. Melvin Woods’ triple kept up the pace after the break with a 21-6 win while Clarke’s triple beat Oatway 13-9.
                                                                             Posted 30-6-11

George Clarke's run of wins continues

First Bus crash again as Wymondham win
Wymondham bounced back after disappointing results against Hevingham in the league and Hingham Green in the cup by inflicting yet another defeat on a First Bus side that have now lost six league games in a row. In the first half Pat Saunders, Peter King & Debbie Phillips led 7-0 after only four ends against Colin Coman’s triple. A mini fight-back by the First Bus triple failed to avoid a 15-7 defeat. On the other mat Jack Barrett, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann crushed Bob Oatway’s triple 23-9. After the interval Oatway’s triple fared better but could not stop Debbie Phillips’ triple winning 13-9. Meanwhile the youthful Barrett-Linsdell-Mann triple continued to shine romping to a 29-3 win against Colin Coman’s triple. The result leaves First Bus cut adrift at the foot of the table and a tough match to come on Tuesday at Bob Carter.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Posted 26-6-11

Mark Linsdell of Wymondham

Summer Cup & League Latest

Bob Carter & Kirby Bedon "A" through to next round

In the Norfolk Summer Cup Bob Carter entertained Sprowston and the visitors pushed Carter all the way before losing 5-3. Jamie Foster, Nigel Willard & George Clarke were in sparkling form for Carter winning their games by 18-6 & 21-4 but Linda Chadwick, Les Chadwick & John Poynter gave the home side a shock beating Frank Edy, David Lamb & Melvin Woods by 22-8. David Fuller’s Sprowston triple grabbed a 13-13 draw against Melvin Woods’ triple as Carter’s fast mats failed to subdue the visitors but Clarke’s results carried the Drayton side into the second round. After the surprise defeats of Division One sides Wymondham & First Bus against lower division opposition Division Three leaders Horsford “A” must have been hopeful of success on their own mats against Kirby Bedon “A” but it was not to be. Kirby proved too strong for Horsford as Phil Watson, Alistair Hunter and Neil Davidson won by 24-16 & 21-9. Jill Watson, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith won their first game by 16-10 and with Teresa Goldsmith substituting for Jill Watson won their second half game 15-7. Hevingham sit at the top of Division One after a 6-2 home win against Sprowston. Vic “Quiet Man” Woods skipped his triple to wins of 17-8 & 18-9 with John Poynter’s triple picking up Sprowston’s only points with a 15-12 win. Bob Carter won 5-3 at Sprowston with Frank Edy, Jason Woods & Melvin Woods winning 14-8 and drawing 12-12 and this result leaves them just three points behing the leaders with two games in hand. First Bus find themselves cut adrift at the foot of the table after two heavy away defeats. They went down 8-0 at Kirby Bedon “A” where the home side scored 73 shots against just 25 and also lost 7-1 at Sprowston where John Poynter’s triple won by 20-6 & 12-11. Horsford “B” are five points clear in Division Two after a 6-2 win at Anglian Windows where Peter Fox, Mark “The Marvel” Tuttle & Keith Chapman won by 14-13 & 22-8. Windows also went down 6-2 at Diss where Keith Buck, Jill Coleman & Terry Newby won 22-11 & 14-9 as well as suffering an 8-0 home defeat against Thurton. Jenny Walker, Kerry Greenacre & Jan McClintock were in no mood to take prisoners as they won their games by 26-7 & 14-8 while Trevor Howard’s triple won by 15-6 & 16-10. Thurton also won 8-0 at home to Watton Yellow and sit five points behind the leaders with a game in hand. Karl Bunn’s Framingham Earl triple won both their games as their side beat Diss Green 6-2. Another defeat followed for Diss as they lost 6-2 at Watton Yellow where Margaret Hunter’s triple won by 14-7 & 20-11. Horsford “A” continue to top Division Three after a 6-2 home win against Hingham Yellow, in which Vic Webster’s triple won twice, and a 4-4 draw at Hingham Green. Richard Perkin’s triple won twice for Thorpe Marriott “B” as they drew 4-4 at Watton Green. Robin Amos skipped his triple to wins of 18-15 & 15-13 as Deaf Sports drew 4-4 at Hingham Yellow.

Posted 24-6-11

Hingham Green Giant Killers in Summer Cup as Wymondham crash

A shock result in the Norfolk Summer Cup saw Div One giants Wymondham crash out on shots against Div Three side Hingham Green after the match finished at 4-4 on points. Gordon Wilcox’s Hingham triple pulled out all the stops to beat Andrew Stratton’s triple 23-13 but Debbie Phillips’ Wymondham triple beat John Higgs 14-12 to make it 2-2 on points at the interval although the 35-27 shots lead to Hingham was to prove crucial. Stratton’s triple performed better in the second half beating John Higgs 14-12 to keep Wymondham’s hopes alive with Debbie Phillips’ triple needing just a draw to see Wymondham through but Hingham skip Gordon Wilcox had other ideas. A great final bowl by Wilcox on the last end sealed four shots and a 15-11 win for Hingham giving the Div Three team a 62-52 shots win and a giant killing feat they will long remember.

Posted 19-6-11

Norfolk Over 60’s beat Kent Friends at Lakeside
Norfolk Over 60’s got their revenge for the recent defeat in Sittingbourne by beating Kent Friends 69-47 on points & 539-473 on shots at Lakeside in Lyng. Kent were on the back foot throughout with Norfolk taking the opening session by 13-7 on points and going on to win the next four sessions as well. Kent finished off with a 12-6 sixth session win but by then Norfolk Over 60’s were home and dry. In the triples George Mumford of Costessey, Liz Mason of Over 60’s & Colin Coman of First Bus won their three games by 8-4, 8-5 & 11-6 to score a maximum six points. Also celebrating maximum points were the pairs of Thorpe Marriott’s Janet Pinchen & Connaught’s Sheila Bragg who won by 12-9, 9-8 & 20-6 and Costessey’s Shirley & Joe Brown who won their games by 9-7, 13-8 & 12-11.

To be Frank Watton’s mats are easy!
Horsford “B” took maximum points with an 8-0 away win at Watton Yellow in their Div Two clash. Lynn Frank, Carol Kemp & Roger Frank won by 14-8 & 18-6 while Peter Fox, Sue Fox & Keith Chapman won by 12-11 & 20-5. Horsford obviously have a liking for the Watton mats having also beaten Watton Green their by 8-0 in the Summer Cup a couple of weeks earlier. Div Three action saw league newcomers Deaf Sport beaten 6-2 at home by Watton Green. M Watts, J Capell & D Braham were in great form beating Dennis Kemble’s triple 20-6 and John Jeffrey’s triple by 19-7. In Div One Wymondham’s title hopes took a big knock at Hevingham. Ian MacLean, Marjory Hall & Pat Williamson drew 12-12 with Mikey George, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann despite the visitors winning ten of the fifteen ends. Dropping four on the third end and then a five on the 12th end cost Wymondham a win. Pat Bunn, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe beat Debbie Phillips' triple 17-11 to give Hevingham a 3-1 points lead at the interval. Mervyn Williamson, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe put the pressure on Chris Mann's triple after the break to score an excellent 20-7 win. Hevingham completed a 7-1 win as Ian MacLean, Marjory Hall & Pat Williamson edged home 12-10 against Debbie Phillips. First Bus lost 6-2 at home to Sprowston SSC.
                                                                                                                                         Posted 12-6-11

Roy Grapes Triples Raises £753-21
The final total raised by the Roy Grapes Triples, held at Lakeside on Sunday 29^th May in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, has been announced as £753-21. The competition, held in memory of the former ESMBA & NCSMBA President, was supported by his bowling friends from Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex & West Mids. The East Anglian Air Ambulance runs two fully medically equipped helicopters (code-named Anglia One & Anglia Two) and serve the people of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambs & Beds. They receive no Government funding and require approximately £4.2 million per year to keep the service running.

Farewell Dear Friends
The Norfolk CSMBA is so sorry to learn of the death of both Baden Howlett of Thurton SMBC & June Elliott of Felthorpe SMBC and would like to express our condolences to their loved ones and friends. We also understand that a former member of the NCSMBA, Dennis Burgess, also passed away recently. We would also like to express our condolences to his loved ones and friends. Rest in Peace.
                                                                                                                     Posted 10-6-11

Mann & Lamb Back In England Squad
Early news on the England Team selections indicate that David Lamb of Halvergate & Chris Mann of Wymondham have retained their places in the England Squad for the coming winter season.


Chris Mann & David Lamb

Carter Fly High
Defending Summer League champions Bob Carter continued their great start to the campaign with a heavy 7-1 away win at Kirby Bedon “A”. With the visitors in excellent form and the home side looking well off the pace Carter swept to an easy victory. Jamie Forster, Trevor Brown & John Turner inflicted the most damage with wins of 21-7 against Teresa Goldsmith, Alistair Hunter & Selwyn Goldsmith and 15-12 against Jill Watson, Jan Hewitt & Phil Watson after the break. Jason Woods, David Lamb & Melvin Woods won their opening game 16-9 against Phil Watson’s triple and scored a three on the last end to draw their second game 11-11 against Leonora Chilman, Alistair Hunter & Selwyn Goldsmith.
                                              Posted 9-6-11

Norfolk A.G.M held at Hevingham
The 2011 NCSMBA Annual General Meeting was held at Hevingham this year but maybe yet another sunny day was the factor affected the attendance which was disappointingly low. The Chairman, Selwyn Goldsmith of Kirby Bedon SMBC, welcomed delegates to the meeting and thanked former Norfolk President John Richardson of Hevingham for booking the venue and the ladies of Hevingham for providing tea, coffee & biscuits on the day. The meeting began with delegates agreeing last year’s AGM minutes which the Chairman then signed as an accurate reflection of the business conducted. Delegates raised no issues from “matters arising” so the meeting moved swiftly on to the Chairman’s Report. The report began by reminding delegates of the sad start to the last twelve month period when Vice-President Roy Grapes of Woodbastwick BC died within a few hours of last year’s AGM taking place. He then made reference to the success of the Roy Grapes Triples, held the previous Sunday at Lakeside, saying that it was great to see so many of Roy’s bowling friends supporting the event in memory of Roy and in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance. The Chairman’s report informed delegates that the NCSMBA continues to support the sport’s parent body, the ESMBA, as well as continuing to be part of the South-East Region Association although the competitions run by the South-East are currently under review.
Lakeside Country Club, which Norfolk use as their county venue, was also spoken about in his report. He reminded delegates of the many advantages of using the venue but referred to the on-going negative issues regarding food at Lakeside.
The Chairman reminded the meeting of his comments regarding the 40% increase in the ESMBA registration fee at last year’s AGM and informed the meeting that Norfolk would depart from their usual procedure of matching the increase with an identical increase in the Norfolk portion of the fee. Instead the Norfolk Committee had agreed to seek only a 50p increase in the Norfolk fee at this meeting. This would mean that a total registration fee of £6.50 would be sought, £3.50 for the ESMBA and £3 for Norfolk. This would be the minimum amount needed for the county to continue to function. He also stated that the NCSMBA Management Committee were still committed to allowing all leagues etc under the NCSMBA umbrella to continue using the county equipment without charge for their events and that the Committee would continue to monitor the condition of the equipment to ensure that the standards set are upheld. He then thanked all the Officers & League Delegates for the work they had put in during the last twelve months.
The Chairman closed his report with a tribute to retiring President John Aggas stating that he had been a brilliant President and maintained the high standards set by his predecessors. In the elections delegates elected Brian Saunders of Wymondham as the new President of the NCSMBA.

"Quiet Man" Woods breaks Windows
A huge 31-4 win for Ian MacLean, Pat Williamson & Vic “Quiet Man” Woods led the way for Hevingham as they ejected Anglian Windows out of this season’s Summer Cup. Mike Boswell’s Windows triple gave them a tough time in the second half but Woods’ triple added their second win of the night by an 11-8 margin. Mervyn Williamson, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe beat Avril Walker’s triple 14-11 and drew 15-15 with Mike Boswell to complete a 7-1 home win. Horsford “A” also made home advantage count as they defeated Framingham Earl 6-2 to progress to the second round. Vic Webster’s triple earned maximum points beating Colin Emms 15-13 & K Bunn 17-5 while David Woodrow won 17-10 against Bunn. Horsford’s only win came courtesy of Colin Emms’ triple who beat Woodrow 17-12. In Div One Kirby Bedon “B” grabbed the top spot beating First Bus 7-1 with Shirley Brown, Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown beating Colin Coman’s triple 22-8 & Bob Oatway’s triple 14-6. Bernie Cudden, Geoff Payne & Gerald Chilvers were held to a 9-9 draw by Oatway but with Bob Pattison subbing for Cudden beat Coman by 13-7 in the second half.
                                                                                                                                         Posted 4-5-11

48 Triples compete in Roy’s memory
It is almost a year since the death of former ESMBA & NCSMBA President Roy Grapes and Lakeside, with 18 mats in use, was packed with bowlers taking part in the Roy Grapes Triples to celebrate his life. The event was held to raise money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, an organization supported for many years by Roy’s company Harber Hire. An excellent entry of 48 triples turned out with bowlers from West Midlands, Essex, Suffolk & Norfolk which included England internationals as well as former World Champion Babs Morokutti. Each triple had six games to play and with a total of £270 prize money on offer, donated by Mrs Avril Grapes, competition was fierce. Jon Sparham of Hempnall & England internationals Chris Willies of West Mids and David Lamb of Halvergate had teamed up to form a formidable triple but they lost their opening game to former England stars Carol Aggas, Peter Barnett & John Aggas of Coltishall. Fancied Essex star Adam Sultana suffered a shock 9-1 defeat in his first game against Saxlingham’s Geoff Payne while Babs Morokutti, Mitchell Young & Barry Hedges of Essex could only draw their opener against Colin Coman’s triple. By the end of play only three triples had scored maximum points with shot difference deciding positions. The surprise winners with a shot difference of +47 were Hazel Briggs, Harold Briggs & Charlie Archer of Broome who won the £120 first prize while Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann of Wymondham, playing with Connaught’s Ollie Allen, won the second prize of £75 with shots of +46. The strong Essex triple of Peter Faultley, Tony Orpin & Steve Killington were third with +43 and won £45 while popular Haddiscoe triple Jenny Walker, Kerry Greenacre & Peter Walker were fourth with 11 points to win £30. Event Organizer Teresa Goldsmith announced before the presentations that the event had raised £446 for the Air Ambulance as well as an added total of £275 in sales of merchandise & Air Ambulance raffle tickets. Avril Grapes presented the cash prizes before thanking everyone for supporting the event in Roy’s memory.
                                                                                               Posted 29-5-11

              48 triples entered the Roy Grapes Triples held to celebrate his life

John Poynter Wins Giant Easter Egg
Sprowston & Norfolk Over 60's bowler John Poynter has won the Giant Easter Egg in the East Anglian Air Ambulance Raffle.

Cup Giant Killing as First Bus are beaten
Div One side First Bus suffered a shock 8-0 home defeat in the Summer Cup at the hands of Div Three team Thorpe Marriott “B”. In the first half First Bus fielded the strong looking triple of Ralph Wilson, Maurice Kemp & Bob Oatway but went down by one shot to Richard Perkins, Sylvia Roe & Malcolm Roe. Marriott showed no signs of being overawed as Dorothy Muttitt, T Hart & Richard Kightley beat Colin Coman’s triple 12-8. After the break things got even better for the visitors as Richard Kightley’s triple beat Bob Oatway’s triple 27-7 and Malcolm Roe’s triple won 14-12 against Colin Coman’s triple to complete an 8-0 win. Thorpe Marriott “B” entertain Thurton in the next round.
Wymondham win again
Div One action saw Wymondham continue their flying start to the campaign with a 6-2 win at Kirby Bedon “B”. Debbie Phillips’ triple beat Bernie Cudden’s triple 12-10 and followed that up with a 16-13 win against Joe Brown’s triple. Kirby’s Shirley Brown, Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown beat Chris Mann’s triple 16-7 before the break but Mann returned to winning ways with a last gasp winner against Gerald Chilvers to clinch the points.
                                        Posted 25-5-11

Norfolk Over 60’s go down by 47-45 in Kent
“Fun in Folkestone Weekend”almost produces a win at Swale

Kent Friends 47 (405) v Norfolk Over 60’s 45 (420)
Norfolk Over 60’s went down by a frustrating margin of just two points after 45 games of triples played over six sessions at Swale IBC in Kent. A poor final session cost them dearly when it had looked like a surprise win was on the cards in Sittingbourne. The Norfolk side started slowly suffering five defeats in the opening session to trail 12-4 but East Tuddenham’s Ray Potter, Haddiscoe’s Kerry Greenacre & Kirby Bedon’s Selwyn Goldsmith stormed to a 15-3 win while Alice Payne, Trevor Pinchen & Geoff Payne drew 8-8 and Sheila Redwood, Margaret Reynolds & Malcolm Reynolds drew 9-9. Norfolk roared back in the second session winning five games and losing just two with George Munford, Russell Hales & Sheila Bragg’s win of 13-7 & Carol Johnson, Peter Johnson & Malcolm Reynold’s win of 19-10 helping Norfolk to level the game on shots at 138-138 while reducing Kent’s points lead to 16-14. The third session was drawn 8-8 on points but Norfolk moved into a five shots lead. Peter Stearman, Shirley Brown & Joe Brown won 13-4, Maureen Munford, Jenny Walker & Peter Walker won 10-4, Ros Andreae, Doreen Stearman & John Andreae won 16-6 & Ray Potter, Kerry Greenacre & Selwyn Goldsmith won 13-7. Things continued to improve for Norfolk in the fourth session as they won it by 9-5 on points to move 31-29 ahead on points overall. Thorpe Marriott’s Janet Pinchen, Carter’s Frank Edy & Thorpe Marriott’s Ted Redwood produced a massive 20-2 win to rattle the home side. Val Harris, Avril Grapes & Mick Harris scored a two on their last end to win 9-7 & Carol Johnson, Peter Johnson & Selwyn Goldsmith won by a comfortable 16-2. The fifth session was shared 8-8 on points with Norfolk holding on to a 39-37 lead. Ray Potter, Kerry Greenacre & Selwyn Goldsmith completed their hat-trick of wins with a 10-4 scoreline. Alice Payne, Trevor Pinchen & Geoff Payne won 10-9, Peter Stearman, Shirley Brown & Joe Brown won 10-5 while Geraldine Potter, Janet Pinchen & Gerald Chilvers won 13-7. Sadly for the visitors things went horribly wrong in the final session as only one triple scored a win. That was Roy Seeley, Frank Davey & Peter Johnson with a solid 9-3 scoreline. Ted Redwood’s triple earned an 11-11 draw while Pat Smart, Mary Jarvis & Peter Smart also held on to draw 10-10 after leading 10-4 with four ends remaining. The disappointing final session left Norfolk still ahead on shots and earning the two bonus points but this was not enough to stop Kent Friends snatching a 47-45 points win.
The Norfolk Over 60's team had travelled to Folkestone on the Friday to stay at the Grand Burstin Hotel overlooking the harbour and enjoyed great weather over the weekend. The hotel provided good meals and entertainment in the evenings and the bar was large and comfortable with the drink prices good value. On Saturday the team travelled to Sittingbourne after breakfast for the match against Kent Friends and returned in good time for their evening meal & entertainment. On Sunday they travelled by coach to Tunbridge Wells to visit the Pantiles to enjoy a walk around the shops and enjoy lunch. The Pantiles first ever Food Fair was being held with TV chef and owner of Thackarays Restaurant Richard Phillips in attendence so the place was a hive of activity. The team travelled back to Norwich on the Monday.

                              Norfolk's top triple with three wins were Kerry Greenacre, Ray Potter & Selwyn Goldsmith
                                                                                               Posted 24-5-11

Carter Win Again
Defending champions Bob Carter beat Hevingham 6-2 with Jon Sparham, David Lamb & Trevor Brown winning their first game 16-9 and winning their second, with Kim Bridge subbing for Jon Sparham, by 23-6. Mervyn Williamson, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe stopped Carter taking maximum points by beating Frank Edy, George Clarke & Melvin Woods 17-12.
In Div Two Thurton ran out 8-0 winners against Diss. Trevor Howard’s triple won their games by 15-11 & 23-11 while Peter Walker’s triple won by 16-6 & 19-8 as Diss found themselves under the cosh. Horsford “B” won 6-2 at Framingham Earl where Keith Chapman was in top form for the visitors. With Sue Fox at lead and Mally Kemp at number two he won his opening game 14-10 and followed that up with a 15-11 win with Peter Fox at lead.
Local derby action in Div Three saw Hingham Yellow beat Hingham Green 6-2 with N Thorpe, P Groombridge & M Potter winning 21-10 & 15-6 but the scores were reversed in the return clash as C Powell, J Adam & M White won by 10-8 & 16-12 for Hingham Green. Deaf Sport suffered a 6-2 home defeat at the hands of Horsford “A” with M Dale, R Hubbard & C Woodhouse winning 26-6 & 11-9. Watton Green will be pleased with a 4-4 draw at Thorpe Marriott “B” although the home triple of T Hart, D Muttitt & R Kightley romped to a huge 30-4 win. Thorpe Marriott “B” also had to settle for a 4-4 draw at home to Horsford “A” but the home side were cheered by the games biggest win of 19-9 scored by J Rutland, V Perkins & R Perkins.
                                                                                            Posted 19-5-11

Kirby “B” through in the cup while Wymondham open in style
Summer Cup action saw Kirby Bedon “B” beat Thorpe Marriott “A” 6-2 after the visitors had held their own at the interval with the scores tied at 2-2. Chris East, Bob Pattison & Gerald Chilvers were the home team’s heroes beating Sylvia Turner’s triple 13-10 in the first half before beating Tony Turner’s triple 14-9 after the break. Shirley Brown, Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown added Kirby’s third win beating Sylvia Turner’s triple 15-10 in the second half while Marriott’s only win was gained by Janet Pinchen, Trevor Pinchen & Tony Turner with an 11-10 last end victory against Joe Brown’s triple.
Last season Wymondham achieved their best ever Div One finish earning second place and this year they are off to a flying start after beating Hevingham 8-0. A perfect first half saw Andrew Stratton, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann beat Pat Williamson’s triple 18-8 with Stratton in superb form at lead. Pat Saunders, Peter King & Debbie Phillips weighed in with a 20-8 win against David Sharpe’s triple to make it 4-0 on points at the break. There was no way back for Hevingham as Wymondham kept up the pressure in the second half with Debbie Phillips’ triple winning 17-9 & Chris Mann’s triple winning 17-6.

Two wins for the talented Debbie Phillips
                                                                                                                                       Posted 16-5-11

Defending Champs Carter beat Kirby “A” 8-0
Defending Norfolk Summer League Div One champions Bob Carter began their title defence against Kirby Bedon “A” and will be delighted with a maximum 8-0 home win. In the first half Carter’s trio of former and present England internationals Nigel Willard, David Lamb & Trevor Brown left it late to snatch victory against Phil Watson, Alistair Hunter & John Aggas of Kirby Bedon “A”. The game was tied at 11-11 with one end remaining but a stunning count of four snatched victory. Carter reached the interval 4-0 up on points after an excellent showing by Frank Edy, Jason Woods & Melvin Woods who buried Carol Aggas, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith 21-6. Kirby made the home side fight for points after the break with Trevor Brown’s last bowl grabbing a 13-12 win against Selwyn Goldsmith while Kirby’s John Aggas was drawing 9-9 with Melvin Woods after eleven ends until a flurry of shots saw Woods win by 16-9. Hevingham sent out a signal that they intend to be in the thick of any title race with an 8-0 away win at Sprowston to start their season with a bang. The night’s biggest win was a 14-7 result for Pat Bunn, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe against Les Chadwick’s triple and Sharpe followed it up with a 15-12 second half win. Ian MacLean, Pat Williamson & Vic Woods pulled off two tight wins of 12-11 & 14-12 to make sure of maximum points for Hevingham.
Anglian Windows won 6-2 at home to Diss Yellow with Brenda Sizer, Diane Boswell & Mike Boswell winning 23-6 & 11-10 while Keith Halford’s triple added a 12-11 win. The visitors only win came courtesy of C Smith, T Taylor & T Newby who beat Keith Halford’s triple 13-10.

                                Melvin Woods & Nigel Willard of Bob Carter
                                                                                                                                                                             Posted 14-5-11

Norfolk & Essex Over 60’s Teams – As Close as it Gets!
Norfolk Over 60’s entertained Essex Over 60’s in their first challenge match of the summer at Lakeside and a tremendous game ensued that finished with the sides tied on points. A tight first session saw Essex move into a narrow 10-8 lead with Norfolk’s best results a 12-3 win for Barry Barsby, Carol Aggas & John Aggas and a 10-3 win for Margaret & Malcolm Reynolds in the pairs. A poor second session for the home side left them 23-11 adrift of an Essex side who were looking increasingly dangerous. The third session saw Norfolk lose yet more ground with Essex now leading 33-19 despite a superb 18-5 win for Thorpe Marriott’s Trevor Pinchen and Saxlingham’s Geoff Payne. The fight-back started in session four as Norfolk produced a 12-4 points win with Jenny & Peter Walker winning 14-3, Kerry Greenacre & Mike Boswell winning 11-2 and Roy Seeley, Doreen Stearman & Mick Harris winning 11-4. Norfolk dominated session five winning 13-5 to take the lead 44-42 on points with the top win of 12-4 earned by George Munford, Betty Cox & Sprowston skip John Poynter. A tense final session was won 10-6 by Essex but Moira Stevens, Frank Edy & Richard Stevens collected a 15-8 win for Norfolk. This left Norfolk 392-385 ahead on shots to earn two bonus points to draw the match 52-52 on points.

           Winning Pairs Margaret & Malcolm Reynolds and Geoff Payne & Trevor Pinchen
                                                                                                Posted 8-5-11

Summer League Season Opens

The NCSMBA Summer League season opened with a Div One derby match with Kirby Bedon “B” entertaining Kirby Bedon “A”. The first half could not have gone better for Kirby “B” as Peter Johnson, Bernie Cudden & Gerald Chilvers beat Jill Watson, John Aggas & Phil Watson 15-11 and Shirley Brown, Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown beat Leonora Chilman, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith 20-9. With Leonora Chilman failing to find any form and Teresa Goldsmith struggling to play through the pain barrier with knee problems Kirby “A” substituted both players at halftime with former England international Carol Aggas coming in at lead and Jim Couling making his Kirby “A” debut at number two with Selwyn Goldsmith remaining at skip. The new-look triple immediately put Gerald Chilvers’ triple under pressure to score the evening’s biggest win of 24-7 to avoid a whitewash. Joe Brown’s triple ensured a 6-2 home win for Kirby Bedon “B” beating Phil Watson’s triple 15-11. In Div Two Framingham Earl were held to a 4-4 draw on their own mats by Thorpe Marriott “A”. R Jennings, Mervyn Blaza & C Bunn got the home side off to a good start with a 13-7 win against Janet Pinchen, Trevor Pinchen & Tony Turner but Sheila Redwood, D Knights & S Warnes hit back beating Colin Emms’ triple 16-10. After the break Tony Turner’s triple, with Ted Redwood subbing at number two inflicted another defeat on Colin Emms. C Bunn’s win against D Knights made it honours even on the night.

Two wins for Joe Brown of Kirby Bedon "B"

Janet Pinchen featured in Thorpe Marriott's draw at Framingham Earl

Posted 7-5-11

Winter Season League & Cup Round-Up

As the winter short mat bowls league’s come to a close Bob Carter are left celebrating a hugely successful season. Carter cruised to their fifth Wensum League title in a row finishing 19 points clear of second placed Halvergate while retaining the Wensum Cup with a victory against Coltishall in the final. The Tens League proved a tighter affair but Carter finished champions just four points ahead of runners-up Hevingham while last year’s champions Hempnall were third. An 8-0 win against Wymondham earned Bob Carter the Norfolk County Cup in an exciting night of top class short mat bowls at Anglian Windows while a superb second leg showing at Connaught enabled Carter to lift the coveted Norwich Cup for the seventh time. A wind of change swept through the City of Norwich League this season as nine years of domination by First Bus & Sprowston came to an end. With several Bob Carter players now playing for RG Carter in the City League the balance of power changed as the Drayton based side won the City League title for the first time finishing 39 points clear of runners-up Sprowston. First Bus had the consolation of winning the City Shield when they beat Costessey in the final. In the always competitive Bure League Kirby Bedon chalked up their third title in a row finishing thirteen points clear of Coltishall. Kirby lost just one game in the league and won the rest. Coltishall lifted the Bure Cup beating East Tuddenham in the final to win the trophy for the first time since 1999. Wymondham retained the Breckland League title after a terrific battle with Connaught ”A”. Wymondham finished just two points ahead of Connaught who dropped silly points early in the season. Connaught actually won nineteen games and lost just one while Wymondham won sixteen, drew one and lost three but a series of maximum point wins saw Wymondham over the finishing line. Halvergate won the Thurne League title for the third time in four years while Bradwell were runners-up fourteen points behind. A sparkling run of sixteen wins from sixteen games earned Hempnall their third South Norfolk League title in a row. Thurton were runners-up ahead of Horsford on shot difference alone. The Coastal League was dominated by Woodbastwick with their Eagles team winning and their Owls team runners-up. Both had to give way to Bradwell Red though in the Coastal Cup who won with Woodbastwick Eagles second.

Posted 29-4-11

Hempnall Win Bux Box Triples & Pairs

After running away with the South Norfolk League title Hempnall made it a triple celebration as they won both events in the end of season Bux Box Competition. Held at Lakeside in Lyng the pairs competition was fiercely contested with four pairs tying on eight points each but a +30 shots difference left Paul Baker & Joan Cann of Hempnall in first place ahead of runners-up Mervyn Blaza & Veronica Copland of Framingham Earl who finished with +9 shots. The triples competition produced a clear winner with Syd Harman, Colin Stevenson & Jon Sparham of Hempnall scoring 11 points out of twelve to clinch the trophies. Chris Musk, Tyrone Musk & Sheila Bragg of Connaught finished as runners-up with 9 points. The five Hempnall players were presented with individual trophies while Hempnall were awarded the Bux Box Shield as over-all winners on the day. Following these presentations the day concluded with the presentation of the South Norfolk League trophies to champions Hempnall and runners-up Thurton.

Jon Sparham of Hempnall - Bux Box Triples winner

Carter Pair win 20^th Eddie Medler Pairs

Margaret Reynolds & Nigel Willard of Bob Carter won the 20^th annual Eddie Medler Memorial Pairs as the Carter success story continued unabated. In the final they faced last year’s winner Ian MacLean who this time around was playing with his Hevingham team mate and three time winner David Bunn. Despite their best efforts MacLean & Bunn were unable to add to their tally of wins as Margaret Reynolds & Nigel Willard won the event for the first time. In the semi-finals Reynolds & Willard produced a fabulous last end to beat Carter colleagues Jean Woods & Trevor Brown 7-6 while MacLean & Bunn beat Janet Pinchin & George Clarke of Thorpe Marriott 7-3.

Over 60’s Enjoy Presentation Day at Hingham

It was Norfolk’s turn to host the Eastern England Over 60’s League Presentation day this year and 60 bowlers from Norfolk, Cambs & Northants attended the event at Hingham. A fun day of short mat was enjoyed by all with bowlers from the three counties playing together for once in mixed triples at the eight mat venue. The event was coordinated by Norfolk Over 60’s organizer Teresa Goldsmith. Norfolk players provided a vast array of food for the day and with the temperature soaring bowlers were delighted that Norfolk had arranged for the bar to be open for the event. Norfolk Over 60’s player Margaret Reynolds produced a gorgeous Over 60’s Bowls cake especially for the day and bowlers were all given a piece at the end of the afternoon. At the close of play Teresa Goldsmith presented Tony Kent and the Cambs Over 60’s team with the Eastern England Over 60’s League Championship Shield and congratulated them on their achievement. Bottles of wine were presented to the day’s winning triple who were Alice Payne of Norfolk, Geoff Mellows of Northants & Selwyn Goldsmith of Norfolk. Chocolates were presented to the runners-up who were Peter Stearman of Norfolk, John Cataldi of Northants & Jim Siggie of Cambridgeshire. Both triples finished on maximum points with shot difference deciding positions. Just missing out with three wins and a draw were Jenny Cross of Northants, Barry Newton of Cambs & Ted Redwood of Norfolk.

Margaret Reynold's Cake

Sue Hunt in happy mood in the kitchen

Selwyn Goldsmith, Alice Payne & Geoff Mellows - Top Triple

Posted 24-4-11

25 Years Celebrated at East Tuddenham

NCSMBA President John Aggas and his wife Carol were special guests at East Tuddenham SMBC at a dinner held to celebrate the club’s 25^th Anniversary. Club Chairman Gerald Potter and the Norfolk President spoke to members and guests as everyone reminisced on the huge achievements of the club over a quarter of a century. The very first Norfolk County Team included three of it’s members, Arthur Nicholls, Les Mortimer & Angela Mortimer and East Tuddenham entered two teams in the first winter short mat bowls league in Norfolk in the season of 1987/88. The club has had the distinction of having had four players selected for England. Three of them, Madge Meachen, John Turner & Chrissie Turner still play regularly for East Tuddenham. The fourth player, Angela Mortimer, clinched a World Championship title in 1997 but has since retired from the sport. Gerald Potter, Chrissie Turner & John Turner also won National Championship titles in 2003 & 2004 in the Triples & Mixed Fours events. Many County & South-East Region titles have been won by members over the years with John Turner currently the most successful Norfolk player with 17 county titles to his name. East Tuddenham now play in the Bure League where they won the league title in both 1996 & 2008 and the Bure Cup in 2001. They also won the inaugural Norfolk County Cup in 1999 and have finished as runners-up on two other occasions. Tuddenham were also the first Norfolk Summer League Champions in 1990. Geraldine Potter served as NCSMBA Secretary from 1987 until 1990 while John Turner was NCSMBA Competition Secretary for nine years and Vice-Chairman for eight years. Chrissie Turner was elected as Assistant Competition secretary from 1998 to 2001.

                                                                                 Posted 24-4-11

Wensum Cup Final
Bob Carter defeated Coltishall in the Wensum Cup Final.

City Shield Final
First Bus defeated Costessey 6-2 at Anglian Windows in the City Shield Final.

                                                                                                                                              Posted 21-4-10

The Beast is on the prowl as Bob Carter win County Cup showdown
The signs were plain to see half an hour before the scheduled start of the Norfolk County Cup Final between Bob Carter & Wymondham at Anglian Windows Social Club. The car park was already full while inside it was standing room only as a surprising number of neutrals turned out to see the most anticipated match of the season. Both sides included England internationals past and present and an array of talent that included some of Norfolk’s most gifted young bowlers. Much to the delight of spectators Carter’s former England Singles Champion Trevor “The Beast” Brown and his triple found themselves up against Wymondham & England star Chris “Blazer” Mann. With Malcolm Reynolds having a good game at lead for Carter, and the effervescent Kim Bridge always a threat in the middle, Trevor Brown’s triple led 4-2 after four ends. The next end saw Chris Mann change the course of the game with two running woods that ultimately earned Wymondham four shots and another two on the next end put them 8-4 up. With the up and coming youngster Mikey George at lead and veteran Peter King playing some lovely bowls at number two in his trademark nonchalant style Wymondham hopes of a good start were buoyed but Trevor Brown had other ideas as the Carter star responded in his customary adrenalin fueled style. Despite Mann’s best efforts Brown’s triple fought back to win a classic encounter 12-10. In the other opening game recently crowned England Mixed Fours winners Jean Woods & David Lamb were joined by Robert Howlett to champion Carter’s cause while for Wymondham Andrew Jackson, Mervyn Barker & ex Carter player Brian Saunders took to the mat. Saunders’ attempt to torpedo his former team’s chances started badly as the Carter triple romped into a 9-1 lead after six ends but the Wymondham triple dug deep to claw their way back. After twelve ends Carter led by just one shot but a change of playing order paid dividends for Carter who added seven shots over the last three ends to win 18-10. The match was not without incident as the Wymondham triple seemed oblivious to England ace David Lamb sending a running wood over the fender and therefore missing the chance to claim three shots. With Carter leading 4-0 on points and 30-20 on shots at the break Breckland League champions Wymondham had a mountain to climb in the second half if they were to deny Carter a fifth County Cup triumph. Wymondham’s Billie Barker, Andrew Stratton & Debbie Phillips were caught cold early on by Margaret Reynolds, Jamie Forester & Nigel Willard as the Carter triple moved six shots ahead after three ends. A good recovery inspired by the impressive Debbie Phillips cut the deficit to just 11-10 after twelve ends but former Kirby Bedon & Norman Centre star Nigel Willard buried the jack on the last end to seal a 14-11 win. The remaining game saw a solid performance by Carter’s Frank Edy, Jason Woods & England’s Melvin Woods put the final to bed as they beat Pat Saunders, Mary Fisher & Mark Linsdell 18-10. A storming start by Carter saw them score five on the first end and there was no way back for Wymondham.

Captain Nigel Willard and the Bob Carter team with the Norfolk County Cup
                                                                        Posted 14-4-11

Coltishall win Bure Cup for 5^th Time
Coltishall took just three sessions in the Bure Cup Final second leg at East Tuddenham to clinch victory after taking a 20-4 lead to Tuddenham. The home side managed a win and a draw in the first session but an 8-6 win for Peter Barnett’s triple, a 5-4 win for Willie Jefferies’ triple and an 8-6 win for John Aggas made it early bath time for the home side. The work had already been done at Coltishall where Margaret Harman’s triple and Willie Jefferies’ triple had scored maximum points,

National Triples Championship 2011

Disappointing Triples Day for Norfolk as Dazzy B wins title for Shropshire
The fourth and final day of the National Championships saw the triples in action but it proved an anti-climax for Norfolk as all four triples were eliminated in the group stages.Sheila Redwood, Ted Redwood & Mike Boswell opened in style with a 16-2 win against Dorset but defeats against Lee Toleman's Devon triple and a Hertfordshire triple ended their involvement. Pat Saunders, Debbie Phillips & Chris Mann beat an Oxfordshire triple 12-5 but unlucky one shot defeats against North Yorks & Gloucestershire left them on the sidelines as well. Malcolm Reynolds, Jean Woods & Kim Bridge suffered three defeats against Northants, Shropshire & Dom Reed's Essex triple but they were unfortunate to have been drawn in such a strong group. Rita Secker, Owen Secker & Ty Musk also went down three times against London, Hampshire & Devon and that was the end of Norfolk's day in the event. The winners were Alan Jones, Nick Tideswell & Dazzy Beardsmore of Shropshire who beat Matt Smith, Chris Willies & Simon Willies of West Mids in the final.

National Fours Championship 2011

Mann's Norfolk Rink Reach National Final but Roger Wiggins claims his third title as Oxfordshire triumph
A great run of results saw Selwyn Goldsmith of Kirby Bedon, Debbie Phillips of Wymondham, David "Minty" Lamb of Halvergate & Chris "Blazerman" Mann of Wymondham reach the final of the National Fours at Kempston. After two days of dashed hopes in the singles & pairs finally Norfolk had a share of the silverware but sadly it was the runners-up trophies as on the day an Oxfordshire rink skipped by Roger Wiggins proved to be in excellent form winning 11-2. For Wiggins it was a day of glory as he collected his third National Fours title having previously won in 2002 & 2006. In the group stages Mann's rink qualified with a 9-4 win against Derbyshire and an 8-5 win against T Ealham's Essex rink. The knock-out stages saw them defeat Martin Simcock's Shropshire four by 8-7, Dom Reed's Essex rink and a strong Hampshire rink by 7-5. In the semi-finals they played R Haynes, P Williamson, R Green & S Holtby of North Yorks and won 6-5 to claim their place in the final against Roger Wiggin's Oxfordshire four who had beaten G Soller's Cheshire rink 7-5 in the other semi-final. For David Lamb it was his third National Final appearence having won the National Mixed Fours just a week ago and finishing runner-up in the National Mixed Fours in 2008-09. It was Selwyn Goldsmith's second final having previously finished runner-up in the National Singles in 1999-2000. England Players David Lamb & Chris Mann will be delighted to have reached the Fours final with their reputations enhanced by yet another great day of bowling. Peter Walker's Haddiscoe rink reached the last 32 before going down 10-2 against Dom Reed's Essex rink but will be delighted with an 8-6 win against Warwickshire and an 11-3 win against London in the group stage. There was less joy for Norfolk's other rinks as Sprowston's Peter Smart lost their group games 9-4, 9-3 & 11-6 while Wymondham's Mark Linsdell started brightly with an 8-5 win against Warwickshire and a 7-7 draw against Martin Simcock's Shropshire rink before a 14-5 defeat against A J Brown's Oxfordshire proved fatal to their qualifying chances.

Posted 10-4-11

National Pairs Championship 2011

Curse of the Last 16 Again for Norfolk - Shropshire's France & Williams Take Pairs Title
Just like yesterday it was a case of "The Curse of the Last 16" for Norfolk. All four Norfolk pairs qualified from the group stages to give Norfolk a flying start. In the last 32 section Chris Mann & Andrew Stratton beat Rose Haynes & Roger Green of North Yorkshire 9-8, Robert Howlett & Kim Bridge won 11-5 against Devon's Lorraine Axtell & Bill Brook while Jason Woods & Robbie Lamb beat Chris & Derek Coates of Essex by 10-7. The first Norfolk pair went out at this stage as John Turner & Melvin Woods lost by 10-1 to Chris Rolph & Marc Lancaster of West Sussex. This left Norfolk with three pairs in the last 16, a great position to be in. Unfortunately this was to be as good as it got as hopes of bringing the National Pairs title to Norfolk disappeared in the last 16 stage. Norfolk Pairs Champions Chris Mann & Andrew Stratton lost by just 10-8 to Julian Bradbury & the brilliant Steve McAllister of Oxfordshire after trailing 7-0 at one stage. Robert Howlett & Kim Bridge lost 15-8 to Chris & Dan Blackman of West Sussex and Jason Woods & Robbie Lamb went down 17-1 to Shropshire's Warwick France & Alan Williams. The final was won by Warwick France & Alan Williams of Shropshire who beat Dominic & Nigel Reed of Essex by just 9-8. It is Warwick France's second pairs title, he won back in 1998 with Chris Shakeshaft. It was disappointment for Dom Reed who lifted the singles crown yesterday and came so close to doing the double.
Posted 8-4-11

National Singles Championship 2011

Bradwell's Keith Cooke makes it to last 16 in National Singles - Dom Reed of Essex new champion

Keith Cooke put on a good show to make it through to the last 16 in the National Singles Championships at Kempston before going out to Worcestershire's Ian Davis by 12-4. In the group stages Keith grabbed the second qualifying place with wins of 11-5 against Hampshire's James Bucknell and 14-4 against Paul Hutchinson of Humberside. He then claimed the scalp of Shropshire's Nick Tideswell beating him 12-6 before his last 16 defeat. Norfolk Singles Champion Neil Davidson of Hempnall failed to make it through the group stages with a 13-6 win against Dorset's Alan Rabjohn his only success. Bob Carter's Jason Woods opened brightly with a 10-6 win against London's Peter Smith but narrowly lost his other two games and was eliminated. The group stages saw a major shock as defending champion Lee Toleman of Devon suffered a massive 18-3 defeat against Adam Sultana of Essex and failed to make it through the group. By the semi-final stage 2002 champion Gareth Stanway looked to be the man to beat but he went down 10-5 against Somerset's Jim Mannell. Dominic Reed of Essex claimed his place in the final with a narrow 9-8 win against Robert Edwards of Surrey. In the final Dominic Reed lifted the coveted England National Singles title with a 13-10 win against Jim Mannell.

Posted 7-4-11

National Mixed Fours Championship 2011

Bob Carter 7-Time Norwich Cup Winners

A fantastic performance by Bob Carter saw them lift the Norwich Cup at Connaught as the home side suffered four straight defeats. After winning the home leg 17-7 Carter needed just eight points from the second leg in Attleborough to clinch their seventh Norwich Cup Final win but could not have expected to finish Connaught off so early. In the opening session Nigel Willard's triple beat Bill Adcock's triple 8-0 and Melvin Woods' triple won 9-3 against Sylvia Parsons to leave Connaught 21-7 down on aggregate. By the end of the second session it was all over as David Lamb's triple won 8-3 against Ollie Allen and Trevor Brown's triple beat Sheila Bragg 6-3.

The victorious Bob Carter side with the Norwich Cup

Posted 6-4-11

National Championship Glory for Norfolk Rink

Jenny Walker, Jean Woods, Jon Sparham & David Lamb today added the England National Mixed Fours title to the Norfolk title they won earlier in the season. They had a great start against an Essex rink comprising of Michelle Howe, Babs Morokutti, Craig Burgess and Barry Hedges leading 7-0 at one stage. The Essex rink fought back and the score was 8-5 to Norfolk with one end remaining. Hedges had a chance to take the jack back to score a three to force an extra end but missed the opportunity and Norfolk held on to win 8-6. England Chairman Chris Hopkins was full of praise for the Norfolk rink afterwards and highlighted the lead play of Jenny Walker of Haddiscoe as a major factor in putting the Essex rink under pressure throughout.

Jon Sparham, Jean Woods, Jenny Walker & David Lamb

National Mixed Fours Championship Winners

Posted 2-4-11

Woodbastwick Duo are new Bure Pairs Champions

Trevor Hallett & Jim Couling of Woodbastwick lifted the Bure Pairs Championship title at St Faiths after a 6-4 win against Kirby Bedon’s Teresa & Selwyn Goldsmith in the final. With Trevor Hallett putting in a solid shift at lead they built an early lead which the Kirby pair failed to pull back. In the semi-finals Trevor & Jim beat Coltishall’s Ann Ducker & Willie Jefferies 4-2 while the Goldsmiths beat Woodbastwick’s Peter Johnson & Derek Sheldrake 6-4. The quarter-finals saw Trevor & Jim beat Piero Cognetti & Paul Isgate of Horsford BC 6-2. The Goldsmiths won 7-6 against East Tuddenham’s John Turner & Robin Amos when a measure decided the last end in the Kirby pairs favour after Robin Amos elected not to play his last wood thinking he was holding shot. In the other quarter-finals Johnson & Sheldrake beat Alan Bunn & Pat Williamson of Hevingham 5-3 while Ducker & Jefferies beat Maureen & Ken Dease of Anglian Windows 7-5.

Joltin’ Joe Wins Bure Triples Title with final bowl

Shirley Brown, Brian Saunders & Joe Brown of Kirby Bedon won the Bure Triples Championship title held at Coltishall after a 5-2 final win against Gill Bunn, Marjorie Hall & George Clarke of Hevingham. The Kirby triple were one shot up going into the last end but George Clarke’s final bowl left his triple holding two shots and scenting victory. Joe Brown was faced with a pressure wood with his final bowl but produced the goods scoring two shots to lift the title. In the semi-finals Joe Brown’s triple easily beat Terry Raisbury, Dennis Seaton & Mick Dale of Horsford by 10-1 while George Clarke’s triple beat Gerald Potter, Robin Amos & John Turner 6-4. Brown’s triple beat Hevingham’s Ian MacLean, David Bunn & Vic Woods by 7-3 in the quarter-finals while Clarke’s triple beat Brenda Sizer, Diane Boswell & Mike Boswell 7-5. In the other quarter-final games John Turner’s triple beat Norma Jablonowski, Elaine Cole & Peter Jablonowski of Woodbastwick 6-4 while Mick Dale’s triple won by 8-6 against Janice Hewitt, Teresa Goldsmith & Alistair Hunter of Kirby Bedon.

Shirley Brown, Joe Brown & Brian Saunders - Bure Triples Champions

The Wizard Weaves His Magic

The man known to his Norfolk County team-mates as The Wizard wove his magic in the Bure League Singles Championship Finals to win the title for the fourth time. East Tuddenham’s former England star John Turner delved into his book of spells to defeat Hevingham’s Vic “Quiet Man” Woods 10-5 in a fascinating final held at Horsford BC. Turner turned up the heat on the third end with a running wood that took Woods’ bowls out of the head and earning him a full house to move 6-2 up. After that crushing blow the Hevingham player only managed to add one more shot to his total as John Turner put up the shutters. In the semi-finals Turner had comfortably beaten Kirby Bedon’s Jimmy Dye 16-2. Spectators were treated to a classic encounter in the other semi as Vic Woods needed an extra sudden death end to eliminate his fellow Hevingham bowler David Bunn after a titanic encounter. Turner’s quarter-final opponent George Clarke struggled to find Horsford’s difficult mat two as Turner romped to a 13-3 win. In the other quarter-finals Vic Woods beat Gerald Chilvers 11-6, Jimmy Dye beat Jim Couling 9-6 and David Bunn defeated Trevor Hallett 12-6.

John Turner Bure Singles Champion 2011
Wymondham reach County Cup Final

County Cup holders Coltishall were defeated at Wymondham in their semi-final showdown. Brian Saunders' triple romped to a 23-6 win against Margaret Harman's triple to give the home side valuable shots but Coltishall captain Willie Jefferies hit back beating Mark Linsdell's triple 14-7. Both second half games went Wymondham's way with Chris Mann beating Les Harman 14-8 and Debbie Phillips beating John Aggas by one shot. This sets up a juicy County Cup Final clash against Bob Carter which is set to be played at Anglian Windows on the 13th April. Carter have won the cup on four occasions while this is Wymondham's first ever County Cup Final appearence.

Posted 30-3-11

Norfolk success in South-East Championships

Norfolk bowlers dominated the South-East Pairs Championships in Felixstowe finishing in first and second places. Hempnall’s Paul Baker & Halvergate’s David Lamb were in great form all day finishing with eight points and a +32 shots difference to retain the title for Norfolk. Three pairs finished on five points but a +15 shot difference gave Carter’s Melvin Woods & East Tuddenham’s John Turner the runner-up spot. In third place were Matt Sifford & Katie Hawkins of Essex. Suffolk’s Bob Cousins, Margaret Hastings & David Baker lifted the South-East Triples crown dropping just one point. Costessey’s Shirley & Joe Brown and Kirby Bedon’s Gerald Chilvers finished as runners-up just one point behind. In third place were Shirley Walker, Colin Addis & Katie Hawkins of Essex. David Lamb added the South-East Fours title as well on Sunday with Melvin Woods & Nigel Willard of Carter and Jon Sparham of Hempnall. In the South-East Singles Ollie Allen finished a creditable second behind Steve Killington of Essex.

David Lamb & Paul Baker

David Lamb, Melvin Woods, Nigel Willard & Jon Sparham

Kirby Bedon lift Bure Title for the eighth time

Kirby Bedon are Bure League champions for the third year in a row after a 6-4 home win against East Tuddenham clinched the title. Kirby went into the match needing just two points to pull clear of challenging Coltishall and they avoided any second half nerves by winning both opening games. Leonora Chilman, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith beat Russell Harris 23-4 while Peter Johnson, Jan Hewitt & Phil Watson beat Denny Cross 14-11. It is Kirby’s eighth Bure title since joining the league in 1998.

County Cup Action

Bob Carter swept aside Thorpe Marriott 8-0 to reach the final of the County Cup for the first time since 2007. Despite home advantage Thorpe Marriott could not stop Carter’s advance as former England Singles Champion Trevor Brown and his triple won 17-6 and Melvin Woods won 18-11.

First Blood to Bob Carter in Norwich Cup Final

The first leg of the Norwich Cup Final saw Bob Carter defeat Connaught “A” 17-7 scoring 95 shots against 44. The second leg at Connaught will be played on the 6^th April and Connaught’s slower mats should give them a fighting chance of cutting the deficit.

Northants edge it in close Over 60's match

Norfolk just failed to overcome a poor start in their Easter England Over 60's League match at home to Northants. The opening session of triples saw three defeats for Norfolk but Doreen Stearman, Trevor Pinchen & Geoff Payne kept the shots score tight as they won 25-13. The second session of pairs was shared with Shirley & Joe Brown winning 13-10 and Alice Payne & Gerald Chilvers winning 16-6. Back on came the triples with Geoff Payne's triple gaining their second win of 13-7 while Margaret Poynter, Colin Coman & Ted Redwood wo 16-15. The final session saw Norfolk almost snatch the match with the Brown's winning 16-11, Alice Payne & Gerald Chilvers winning 14-13 and Sheila Redwood & Sheila Bragg drawing 14-14.

Teresa Goldsmith, Norfolk Over 60's Organiser, presented Northants Dan Coetzee with his County Badge before the match

Two of the leading ladies in Over 60's short mat bowls organising - Norfolk's Teresa Goldsmith & Northant's Eleanor Winters

Wensum League

Bob Carter have been confimed as Wensum League champions for the thirteenth time in sixteen years. Three extremely late results cards handed to the Wensum League Fixtures Secretary this week confirmed the outcome of this years title race.

Posted 2-03-11

Thurne League

Bradwell & Halvergate continueto battle for the Thurne League title with both sides winning 6-4. Bradwell will be disappointed to have dropped two home points in their victory against bottom of the table Stalham but will be relieved that Halvergate also had to settle for the same scoreline at home to Woodbastwick. Last season Halvergate ran away with the title but this season looks set to produce a close finish.

Coastal Cup

Defending champions Woodbastwick Eagles moved closer to the top two in the Coastal Cup table with a 13-5 home win against Hemsby. It proved a bad week for Hemsby who also crashed to a 17-1 defeat at struggling Stalham. Bradwell Blue have not given up their hopes of title glory as they won 10-8 at Stalham.

South Norfolk League

Champions Hempnall are a mile ahead of the rest in the South Norfolk League and made it fifteen wins from fifteen games as they beat Wreningham 8-2. The only surprise was that the visitors managed to take two points off the champs as Glenda Adcock’s triple beat Charlie Archer 12-7. In a busy week for Wreningham they lost 6-4 at home to Watton but only eight shots separated the sides despite Wreningham fielding a team with two players short. In the first half Glenda Adcock’s triple won 23-6 and Graham Atter’s triple won 15-10 to give second placed Watton a shock. After the break Watton hit back to secure an away win as the home side played without their number twos. In their final game of what has been a disappointing season by their standards Saxlingham beat Wreningham 7-3. Yet again Glenda Adcock picked up points for the visitors winning 15-14. Horsford improved their chances of finishing as runners-up as they whacked Connaught 10-0 with Roger Frank winning 24-9 and Vic Webster winning 23-9. Watton won 8-2 at home to Mulbarton with D Quadling’s triple winning 26-4.

Breckland League

Albert Palgrave, Chrissie Turner & John Turner powered to a 34-12 win as Yaxham easily beat Carleton Rode 10-0 in the Breckland League. J Richardson’s Banham triple won 24-13 as they picked up an 8-2 win at home to Hingham Yellow. Hingham Green beat Harling 6-4 with Janet Higgs, Bridget Woods & John Higgs’ 31-5 win earning the match points.

Wensum League

With Bob Carter sitting pretty at the top only Halvergate could now, on paper at least, deny them the title. Halvergate kept their hopes alive with an 8-2 win at Stalham but an 8-2 defeat at Cromer leaves Carter huge favourites to add another Wensum title to their long list of honours.

Posted 23-3-11

Ireland Clean Sweep in British Isles “A” Team Championships

Top short mat bowls nation Ireland achieved a clean sweep in the British Isles “A” Team Championships held in Swansea. Once again they brushed aside the challenge of the other B.I countries to take the Team title as well as the singles, pairs, triples and fours titles. England finished second in the Team event and runners-up in the pairs, triples & fours. Three Norfolk bowlers were selected for England in the team event. David Lamb of Halvergate, Chris Mann of Wymondham and Melvin Woods of Bob Carter played in a rink with North Yorkshire’s Jacinta Townend at lead.

For full results of the British Isles "A" Team Championships click on this link

http://www.esmba.co.uk/latest_news_130.html

Posted 21-3-11

Tens League

Bob Carter are Tens League champions after Hevingham were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Coltishall. With Carter completing their fixtures five points clear at the top, second placed team Hevingham had the massive task of taking six points from their last two games. Any hopes of achieving that took a huge knock in the first half as Willie Jefferies’ Coltishall triple beat David Sharpe 17-7 and with Carol & John Aggas adding a 13-12 win against Gill Bunn & George Clarke Coltishall held Hevingham to a 1-1 draw on points, 51-51 on shots. Last season’s champions Hempnall have had a mixed season despite fielding an enviable line-up but were in good form at Connaught where they won 3-0. Joan Cann & Paul Baker produced their best win beating Chris Musk & Sylvia Parsons 16-7 while Ollie Allen’s triple were the home team’s only success beating the Stevenson-Parker-Archer triple 12-7. Kirby Bedon took a 4-0 hiding at Coltishall where Les Harman’s triple won 16-6, Willie Jefferies’ triple won 17-6 & Carol & John Aggas won 27-12. Kirby’s only win came via Teresa & Selwyn Goldsmith who won their pairs game 14-11.

Bure League

The Bure League title race should be decided in the next week with defending champions Kirby Bedon remaining favourites. Coltishall are the only team who could overhaul them but dropping two crucial points at Horsford will not help. Wins for Coltishall skips Margaret Harman, Willie Jefferies & John Aggas earned them an 8-2 win. A defeat for Les Harman against Bob Burrage could leave the Norfolk Cup as Coltishall’s best chance of success this season. East Tuddenham beat Anglian Windows 8-2 as both Robin Amos & John Turner’s triples won by ten shots.

Posted 20-3-11

Breckland 5 Pairs

Connaught “A” are the Breckland 5 Pairs Champions after defeating Wymondham by 38-29 in the final at Carleton Rode. Gordon Wilcox & Ollie Allen were influential in a great team performance by Connaught who are having a far more successful season than they themselves probably expected. The biggest win of the night was produced by Connaught’s Mike Parsons & Ollie Allen who hit top form beating Melvyn Barker & Brian Saunders 13-5 to inspire Connaught to victory.

Breckland League

Wymondham swept aside Hingham Green taking all ten league points and with one game remaining, at home to mid table Harling, they look firm favorites to retain the title. Wymondham were back to their best as Chris Mann’s triple won 33-3, Mark Linsdell’s triple won 26-4, Brian Saunders’ triple won 21-13 and Debbie Phillips’ triple won 18-12. It was a big improvement for Wymondham after a 6-4 defeat at Yaxham that threatened to derail their title push. Owen Secker’s triple had won 19-8 and Russell Harris had won 19-14 as Yaxham turned up the heat on the defending champions but wins for Chris Mann & Debbie Phillips’ limited the damage. Title rivals Connaught “A” won 8-2 at Harling but may look back on Brian Knappett’s 20-12 win for Harling as extremely costly.

South Norfolk League

With two games to go the only question left for a rampaging Hempnall side is if they can complete a perfect 16 wins from 16 games. Win number 14 though could have brought their superb run to an end but Chris East, Roger Parker & Chris Mann combined to save the day. A momentous 25-6 win clinched the match points in a 6-4 win at Connaught. The four points gained by Connaught brought them level on points with Horsford in the battle to see who finishes second in the league behind Hempnall. Watton’s 8-2 home win against Saxlingham included a 17-9 win for D Braham and this keeps them in the battle as well. At the bottom end of the table Saxlingham beat Mulbarton 10-0 with Alice Payne, Nancy Banham & Alan Banham winning 19-8.

Posted 18-3-11

Cheshire Win Singles Shoot-out to clinch 5th Premier title in a row

A good start by Cheshire in the I.C.C Premier Final against West Mids gave them a 6-2 advantage after the singles & pairs had played first. The second session was drawn leaving Cheshire, who have won the title for the last four years, 10-6 up. West Mids hit back in the third session winning both pairs games and clinching the bonus points by one shot. West Mids & Cheshire won a singles game each but again West Mids picked up the bonus points. West Mids now led by 16-12, including the bonus points, going into the final session. Both teams won a triples and a rinks game each with Cheshire winning the bonus points in both disciplines to level the match at 20-20. This brought into play the new system of three one-end singles games to decide the match. The reigning champions held their nerve winning the first two ends completed to clinch their fifth I.C.C Premier title in a row. This game has to go down as one of the best I.C.C finals ever.

Final's Day Results

I.C.C Premier Final

Cheshire 20 - West Mids 20 (Cheshire win on singles play-off)

I.C.C Consolation Final

Hampshire 28 - Somerset 12

I.C.C "A" Final

Kent "A" 24 - Somerset "A" 16

I.C.C Consolation Final

Cornwall "A" 21 - Hampshire "A" 19

Posted 14-3-11

Norwich Cup Semi-Final

Defending a 16-8 lead from their Norwich Cup semi-final first leg tie at Hevingham the powerful Bob Carter side were not expected to slip up on their own mats and they did not disappoint as they put the tie to bed after just four sessions. The first session was shared with Carter’s Sue Hunt, James Forster & Nigel Willard beating John Richardson’s triple 13-2 while Vic Woods’ triple replied with a 5-2 win for Hevingham against Melvin Woods’ triple. Vic Woods’ triple scored the visitors only other win of the night beating Nigel Willard 7-1 in the third session. Apart from that it was all Carter as Trevor Brown’s triple won 8-5 & 8-6, Robert Howlett’s triple won by 8-6 & 8-1 and Melvin Woods added a 7-3 win before Hevingham conceded at 28-12 down on points. Six time Norwich Cup winners Bob Carter will now meet Connaught “A” in the final which is also played over two legs. The two teams last contested the final in 2001 when Carter emerged victorious and Connaught will be hoping to even the score.

Bob Carter Skips Melvin Woods & Nigel Willard

Bure League

Kirby Bedon beat a below strength St Faiths team 10-0 to remain top of the Bure League but Coltishall remain in hot pursuit after winning away to Woodbastwick. Willie Jefferies is having a great season and once again he was Coltishall’s most potent weapon skipping his triple to a 17-6 win against Trevor Hallett. Carol Aggas, Jean Barnett & John Aggas added the visitor’s second win beating Norma Jablonowski 20-11 but home skips Jim Couling & Peter Jablonowski both won to limit Coltishall to a 6-4 points win. Woodbastwick’s Brian Frost, Roger Green & Trevor Hallett won 24-9 as they returned to winning ways at St Faiths with an 8-2 win. Another below strength St Faiths team were beaten 8-2 at East Tuddenham although Pam Daynes and Richard Hart, playing without a number two, beat Russell Flint, Madge Meachen & Russell Harris 15-14.

20-11 win for former England Ace John Aggas of Coltishall

Tens League

Bob Carter completed their Tens League campaign with a 4-0 home win against Coltishall as Jason Woods & Melvin Woods spearheaded the attack with a 21-5 pairs win against Mally Catchpole & Margaret Harman. Willie Jefferies did his best to spoil things for Carter skipping his Coltishall triple to a 17-8 win against Kim Bridge but wins for David Lamb’s triple and the Willard-Brown pairing saw Carter take maximum points. Hevingham are just five points behind Carter after a maximum 4-0 win at Kirby Bedon. Big wins for the visitors in the pairs aided their title cause as Ian MacLean & Vic Woods beat Leonora Chilman & Gerald Chilvers 21-7 and Gill Bunn & George Clarke beat Carol & Peter Johnson 18-10. The result leaves Hevingham needing six points from their last two games to take the title but anything less will leave Bob Carter champions.

City of Norwich League

RG Carter moved three points clear and into the driving seat in the City League title race with a decisive 14-0 away win at Deaf Sports. Sprowston had tough fixtures against fellow contenders Horsford Heroes and Thorpe Marriott but dug deep to beat them both. At their Blue Boar Lane venue Sprowston defeated Horsford Heroes 11-3 and at Thorpe Marriott they produced a 12-2 away win to open up a twenty-five point gap between themselves and third placed Heroes. Old Bonds 12-2 defeat at Framingham Earl leaves them cut adrift at the bottom thirty points behind the next club Anglian Windows. Deaf Sports won 10-4 at Anglian Windows but lost 11-3 at Jarrolds. The other three games played all went the home clubs way as First Bus beat Framingham Earl 12-2, Costessey won 14-0 against Felthorpe and County Council beat Taverham 12-2.

Posted 13-3-11

Norfolk County Cup
Coltishall made home advantage count defeating South Norfolk League giants Hempnall 6-2 in the quarter-finals of the County Cup.Captain Willie Jefferies beat Neil Davidson 13-4, Les Harman beat Charlie Archer 12-9 & Margaret Harman defeated Jon Sparham 16-6 as Coltishall earned a semi-final tie against Breckland League champions Wymondham. Hempnall's only win went to Paul Baker's triple who beat John Aggas 16-14.
Posted 7-3-11

RG Carter Move Top of City League

It was a big week of results in the City League as RG Carter claimed top spot with a 14-0 home win against Old Bonds and a 12-2 away win against Taverham. Sprowston suffered a bad result going down 12-2 against a First Bus side who for once are well off the title race but with this result could have had a major say in where it goes. Thorpe Marriott also lost ground losing 11-3 at Anglian Windows. Horsford Heroes won 12-2 at home to near neighbours Horsford BC and now look the biggest threat to RG Carter.

Tens League

In another big blow to Hempnall's Tens League hopes Coltishall beat them by one shot to snatch a 2-0 home win. The visitors put on an excellent show on three mats as Joan Cann & Paul Baker beat Mally Catchpole & Margaret Harman 14-10, Colin Stevenson, Richard Harrowing & Charlie Archer beat Les Harman's triple 14-4 and Bernie Cudden & Chris Mann drew 12-12 with Jean Barnett & John Aggas. But the points were won for Coltishall by Ann Ducker, Edy Edridge & captain Willie Jefferies who stormed to a 22-7 match winning scoreline against Roger Parker's triple.

I.C.C

I.C.C Premier Consolation Semi-Final

Norfolk 13 (136) v Hampshire 27 (136)

Norfolk Premier exited the competition as Hampshire proved too hot to handle on the fast surface at the Carolyn Chisholm venue in Northants. The writing was on the wall early on as the opening session of singles & pairs produced just two points courtesy of a narrow 14-13 win by Halvergate's David Lamb against Paul Goodman. Mike Boswell kept it tight against Jason McLean losing by just 15-12 in the other singles match. The pairs suffered badly as Colin Stevenson & Andrew Stratton went down 17-8 and Sue Hunt & Sheila Bragg lost 18-5. The second session was edged 5-3 by Hampshire increasing their lead to 11-5. Mikey George, Colin Coman, Debbie Phillips & Brian Saunders won by one shot to gain Norfolk's only win while Peter Smart, Bob Oatway & Chris Mann drew their game 9-9. In the remaining games Jean Woods, George Clarke & John Turner lost by 9-6 and Donna Lamb, Robin Amos, Kim Bridge & Melvin Woods lost by 13-6. The second session of singles & pairs sealed Norfolk's fate as they failed to score a point against a rampant Hampshire side. England's David Lamb went down 18-4 while Mike Boswell suffered his second defeat of the day losing 16-7. Stevenson & Stratton lost 14-13 and Sue Hunt & Sheila Bragg went down heavily again, this time by 20-9. As to be expected, with Hampshire now 19-5 up on points, the final session of the day was devoid of excitement but Norfolk finished the match with their best session of the day. Chris Mann's triple won 13-7 to finish the day unbeaten and John Turner's triple won 10-7 with their shots proving enough to gain the two bonus points in the triples, Norfolk's only bonus points of the day. Melvin Woods' rink won 8-5 but Brian Saunders' rink lost 6-5 as the match finished with Hampshire earning an I.C.C Consolation Final's spot against Somerset who beat London by 27-13. One cannot help wondering how Norfolk would have fared if this match had been played at Kempston I.B.C where the quarter-finals were held, a mat on mat venue like Norfolk's home venue at Lakeside I.B.C.

Posted 6-3-11

Norwich Cup

Hevingham slumped to a 16-8 home defeat against Bob Carter in their Norwich Cup Semi-Final 1st leg clash and now have a mountain to climb if they are to reach the final. It was a great team effort by Carter with all their four triples scoring four points out of six. Trevor Brown's triple scored 8-3 & 5-4 wins, Melvin Woods' triple won by 6-4 & 4-3, David Lamb's triple won 6-5 & 6-5 while Kim Bridge won by 8-5 & 5-3. Hevingham's Vic Woods' triple put up the most resistance winning two games by 11-0 & 4-3 but it was a miserable night for George Clarke's triple who lost all their three games.

Latest News

Norwich Cup

Connaught "A" are through to their third Norwich Cup Final in five years after completing a home & away double against their biggest Breckland League rivals Wymondham. Protecting a six point lead from the away leg Connaught found Wymondham determined to fight back but the task proved beyond them on Connaught's home mats. Ray Wells, Christine Musk & Sylvia Parsons came back from 5-0 down to beat Chris Mann 8-5 and Derek Liles, Diana Adcock & Bill Adcock scored a vital five on the fifth end against Debbie Phillips to snatch a 7-6 win as Connaught completed the job.After an excellent cup game both captains were complementary of their opponents and Wymondham captain Chris Mann wished Connaught "A" good luck in the final against either Bob Carter or Hevingham.

Breckland League

Connaught “A” followed up their superb league & cup wins against title rivals Wymondham by pulling off a rare 8-2 Breckland League win at Yaxham. Sylvia Parsons’ triple conceded a six on the fourteenth end to trail 14-13 but produced nine shots over the last four ends to beat Yaxham’s Owen Secker 22-14. Ray Wells battled back from 10-2 down to beat Denny Cross 19-17 and county star Sheila Bragg beat Russell Harris 22-16. Ollie Allen’s triple, with Judith Adam making her second appearance in the “A” team, lost 25-15 to John Turner but the shots they pulled back after falling 20-4 behind after ten ends helped Connaught earn the bonus points. Wymondham kept up their title push with a 9-1 win at Connaught “B” where Chris Mann’s triple beat Ken Lurcock 23-10. Wymondham received a further boost to their title ambitions when Forncett were unable to field a team in their match and Breckland League rules handed Wymondham a 10-0 win on points, 32-0 on shots. Albert Palgrave, Chrissie Turner & John Turner led the way for Yaxham with a 25-14 win at Harling as the visitors took maximum points. In the remaining games Carleton Rode won 6-4 at Banham while Hingham Yellow beat Hingham Green 6-4 in their local derby.

Wensum News

Wensum League leaders Bob Carter won 8-2 at Stalham while second placed Coltishall lost ground losing 6-4 at Cromer. Carter look hot favourites for the title but Coltishall have the chance to stop Carter achieving the double when they meet in the final of the Wensum Cup.

Posted 2-3-11

Inter-County Consolation Quarter-Final

Venue Kempston IBC

Norfolk 21 (166) v Shropshire 19 (168)

Norfolk Premier produced their best performance of the season defeating a star studded Shropshire side 21-19 in Bedfordshire to clinch a semi-final place in the I.C.C Consolation event. The match went to the wire with a decisive last bowl by Bob Carter’s Melvin Woods in the rinks clinching a 10-9 win and seeing Norfolk over the finishing line. Woods’ England team-mate David Lamb of Halvergate also played a key role winning his singles games by 14-9 & 18-8. Shropshire’s England stars found Norfolk in determined mood in the pairs as Teresa & Selwyn Goldsmith of Kirby Bedon beat Dawn Prince & Chris Williams 12-8 in the first half. Teresa was forced to withdraw from their second game with a knee problem with reserve Sheila Bragg of Connaught stepping in. Sheila & Selwyn Goldsmith then combined to pummel Alan Williams & Alan Jones 21-7 after the break with the Shropshire pair unable to match their Norfolk opponents. Despite losing his last game 8-7 a great last end performance by East Tuddenham’s John Turner earned the three shots that clinched the bonus points in the triples. Mike Boswell recovered from a first session singles defeat to win his second game 12-9, Chris Mann’s triple won their opening game and Brian Saunder’s rink fought back from 4-0 down to draw their fours game against Warwick France 6-6. Certainly the Norfolk management will be perplexed by this top rate showing by a Norfolk Premier side after they have struggled to find any consistency throughout the season. This Shropshire side was in probably the hardest group in the I.C.C and had already beaten the formidable Cheshire team 21-19 as well as the highly rated West Midlands side by 24-16 in the group stages. Norfolk now face a Hampshire side who defeated Cornwall 33-7 in a match where their triples and fours swept all before them gaining maximum points. If the momentum and spirit from the Shropshire match can be maintained against Hampshire there is no reason why Norfolk can not go all the way in the Consolation section of the I.C.C.

Norwich Cup

Connaught “A” pulled off a 15-9 win at Wymondham to win the first leg of their Norwich Cup semi-final. Sheila Bragg’s triple won 6-4, 6-2 and drew their other game 4-4 while Ollie Allen’s triple won by 11-3, 6-5 and drew 6-6. The result gives Connaught “A” a six point lead to take back to Attleborough and they must now be firm favourites to reach the final for the third time in five years.

City of Norwich League

County Council pulled off a major upset beating league leaders Sprowston 11-3. RG Carter took advantage winning 10-4 at Horsford BC and also winning 10-4 at home to Felthorpe to move second. With a game in hand Carter are now just twelve points behind Sprowston. Horsford Heroes lost 10-4 at Jarrolds as they slipped below Carter. Thorpe Marriott scored a 10-4 win at Old Bonds.

Bure League

Hevingham entertained defending champions Kirby Bedon in a top of the table clash in the Bure League. The visitors enjoyed a great first half as Shirley Brown, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith beat Pat Williamson’s triple 23-8 and Leonora Chilman, Gerald Chilvers & Phil Watson beat George Clarke’s triple 15-5. The home side improved after the break with Vic Woods winning 15-7 and David Sharpe winning 17-15 but they could not claw back the shots lost leaving Kirby 6-4 winners on points.

Tens League

Hevingham continue to push closer to Carter beating Horsford Heroes 4-0 away. John Richardson & George Clarke top scored with an 18-7 result.

Posted 27-2-11

27-5 Win for Trevor Brown's triple

Tens League

Bob Carter kept a firm hold on the leadership of the Tens League beating title contenders Hevingham 4-0. Carter’s Frank Edy, Jean Woods & Rob Howlett enjoyed a 19-7 win against Pat Williamson’s triple but the visitors hit back with Gill Bunn & George Clarke beating Sue Hunt & Nigel Willard 12-7. Carter cut loose after the break with a big 27-5 win for Margaret Reynolds, Kim Bridge & Trevor Brown making sure ofmaximum points.Connaught pulled off an away win against Kirby Bedon where the home side continued their poor run. Diane & Bill Adcock’s 14-8 win was the biggest of the night as Kirby lost on three mats. A 15-14 win for Kirby’s Gerald Chilver’s triple was spoiled by dropping a six on the last end to allow Ollie Allen’s triple to gain a 3-0 points win for the visitors. Hevingham won 4-0 at Horsford with John Richardson & George Clarke beating Maurice Kemp & Keith Chapman 18-7.

Connaught "A" beat Wymondham 10-0

Breckland League

Breckland League leaders Connaught “A” inflicted the first 10-0 defeat on defending champions Wymondham in two years as they made it fifteen wins from sixteen games. Ray Wells was in superb form for Connaught producing some great saving shots as his triple beat county regular Debbie Phillips 15-13. It is no surprise to once again see Sheila Bragg’s triple delivering the best score of the night winning 20-13 while Bill Adcock beat England’s Chris Mann 19-13 and Ollie Allen beat county colleague Mark Linsdell 19-14. Rita Secker, Pauline Wilson & Owen Secker won by an amazing 42-4 as third placed Yaxham thumped struggling Connaught “B” 10-0. John Hunter’s Watton triple won 28-5 in a 10-0 home win against Harling. Colin Harris of Hingham Yellow won 28-7 as Forncett lost 10-0 with only three triples. Forncett, this time with eleven players, also lost 10-0 at Hingham Green where J Higgs’ triple won 22-8. A busy but unrewarding spell of three games saw Forncett also lose 10-0 at Banham where Tony Blackburn’s triple won 24-9. With their next game scheduled to be at Wymondham, bottom of the table Forncett will struggle to avoid another heavy defeat.

Owen & Rita Secker feature in amazing 42-2 win for Yaxham

Leaders Bradwell Lose

Thurne League

Woodbastwick climbed up to third place in the Thurne League with an 8-2 home win against top of the table Bradwell but the leaders did achieve an 8-2 away win at bottom club Stalham.

Top 4 all win in City League

City of Norwich League

There was little change in the City League as all top four clubs won. Leaders Sprowston won 12-2 at home to County Council as did second placed Horsford Heroes at home to Old Bonds. RG Carter ran out 11-3 winners at home to Costessey while Thorpe Marriott won 12-2 at County Council. At the other end of the table Old Bonds beat Taverham 12-2. British Rail achieved a rare 14-0 win at home to Anglian Windows.

Posted 24-2-11

Lamb, Mann & Woods in England B.I “A” Team Championships

David Lamb of Halvergate, Chris Mann of Wymondham & Melvin Woods of Bob Carter have been selected to play for England in the British Isles “A” Team Championships in Swansea on the 19^th & 20^thMarch. They scored maximum points in an international against Wales in Bristol and have been picked to play in a rink with North Yorkshire’s Jacinta Townend.

Chris Mann of Wymondham - England Call Up

Bure League

Defending Bure League champions Kirby Bedon made it ten wins from eleven games with a 6-4 win at East Tuddenham. Just two shots separated them at the interval as East Tuddenham’s Gerry Potter won 17-9 and Kirby’s Gerald Chilvers won 18-12. After the break John Turner’s home triple led 9-0 after five ends but Phil Watson’s triple restricted them in the closing stages and the game finished at 13-6. The match went Kirby’s way in the remaining game as Jimmy Dye, Alistair Hunter & Selwyn Goldsmith won five out of the last six ends to beat Robin Amos 22-9. St Faiths slipped to their ninth defeat in a row going down 6-4 at home to Horsford BC. Bob Burrage made sure of an away win with the night’s best result winning 20-10.

Selwyn Goldsmith of Kirby Bedon - 22-9 win at East Tuddenham

Tens League

Tens League title contenders Hempnall & Hevingham met with both teams eager to close the gap on leaders Bob Carter. Three close games could have gone either way but a huge 29-1 win for Hempnall’s Bernie Cudden & Chris Mann sunk the visitors without trace and earned the home side maximum points. A stunning 24-4 win for Coltishall’s Martin Edridge, Peter Barnett & Les Harman gave their side a 1-1 draw at Connaught where their cause was aided by a 14-12 win for Carol & John Aggas in the pairs. A 19-7 win for Ty Musk’s triple and an 18-8 win for Chris Musk & Sylvia Parsons gave Connaught the perfect start but young Connaught skip Ollie Allen could not stop former county player Les Harman and his triple storm back.

Former England star John Aggas of Coltishall

Breckland League

Two wins apiece in the Watton v Yaxham match but a 27-11 win for Albert Palgrave, Chrissie Turner & John Turner and a 21-8 win for Rita Secker, Pauline Wilson & Owen Secker made sure of the match points and a 6-4 win for Yaxham. Carleton Rode achieved their fourth win of the campaign beating Hingham Green 10-0 with Pamela Rush, Karl Newby & Terry Newby scoring a 22-11 win. Ken Lurcock’s Connaught “B” triple scored a 17-14 win but that was the best it got for them as Banham earned an 8-2 away win. C Smith, Jim Delaney & Bill Francis starred for Banham with a 28-8 win. Harling are now up to fourth place in the league after winning 8-2 at home to Hingham Yellow. Jane Frary was the visitors only winning skip as Arthur Snelling’s triple won 23-10, Roy Buffery’s triple won 24-15 and Brian Knappett’s triple edged out Ken Buller’s triple by 18-17.

South Norfolk League

A good week for Connaught in the South Norfolk League as two wins propelled them up to second place in the table. A 10-0 win at bottom team Mulbarton was followed by another 10-0 win at Framingham Earl. Chris Musk, Ty Musk & Sheila Bragg starred with a 20-7 win against former Langley star Mervyn Blaza. Saxlingham started well at home to Horsford winning both opening games. Geoff Briggs’ triple won 19-7 and A Banham won 14-13 and it proved to be enough to see them home by 6-4 despite Horsford skips David Woodrow & Mick Dale winning their second half games.

Eastern England Over 60’s League

Cambs moved closer to the Eastern England Over 60’s title after a 22-12 points win at home to Norfolk Over 60’s. The points gained were enough to move Norfolk above Northants into second place. Norfolk visit Northants on the 10^th March and will be eager to get a good result to hold their position in the league.

Posted 21-2-11

South Norfolk League

Defending South Norfolk champions Hempnall finished last season with fourteen wins from fourteen games and in an enlarged South Norfolk League the only question now appears to be if they can repeat the feat again. A maximum 10-0 home win against Watton made it eleven straight wins as Roger Parker’s triple won 26-6 and Paul Baker’s triple won 23-9. Watton’s week went from bad to worse as they lost their next game 6-4 at bottom of the table Mulbarton where the home triple of Norma Mickleburgh, John Dean & Stephen Denning won 17-6. Thurton consolidated their place at second place in the table beating Connaught 8-2 with Margaret Newcome, Margaret Howlett & John Pidgen winning 25-5.

Roger Parker of Hempnall

Bure League

Kirby Bedon held on to the top spot in the Bure League after Peter Johnson, Jimmy Dye & Alistair Hunter beat Woodbastwick’s Norma Jablonowski 14-13 to grab a 6-4 away win. Trailing 13-9 after ten ends Norma Jablonowski’s triple had scored four single shots in a row to level the game with one end remaining but Hunter’s triple won the vital last end. This also gave Kirby a 50-49 win on total shots to earn the match points. Despite a massive 22-3 win for Mervyn Williamson, Ian MacLean & Vic Woods Hevingham had to settle for a 6-4 points win at Anglian Windows. Gill Bunn, Alan Bunn & George Clarke added a 14-10 win to aid their title bid but both Mike Boswell & Alan Williamson skipped their Window’s triples to 13-8 wins. Coltishall comfortably beat Woodbastwick 8-2 with Vernon Bunn, Peter Barnett & Les Harman leading the way with an 18-8 win against former Norfolk star Peter Jablonowski. St Faiths are still without a win after eight games following an 8-2 home defeat against East Tuddenham. Geraldine Potter, John Jefferies & Robin Amos romped to a 24-7 win but Richard Hart’s triple got a consolation 17-9 victory against Les Chadwick’s triple.

Bure Cup Semi-Final

Defending a 15-9 lead against Hevingham from their Bure Cup semi-final first leg clash Coltishall finished off their opponents with an accomplished display on their own mats. Coltishall captain Willie Jefferies showed the way with wins of 4-3 & 9-5 before Hevingham conceded with two sessions remaining and the match beyond saving. Coltishall will face East Tuddenham in the final.

Tens League

Tens League leaders Bob Carter suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at Horsford Heroes after David Woodrow & Vic Webster stunned the visitors beating J Woods & Nigel Willard 19-4 & Mick Dale’s Horsford triple drew 15-15 against Robert Howlett. The other two games went Carter’s way with former England Singles Champion Trevor Brown beating Mark “The Marvel” Tuttle 10-9 and James Forster & Melvin Woods winning 16-8 in the pairs but it was not enough to compensate for the shots lost against Woodrow & Webster. Hevingham continued their push up the table with a comfortable 4-0 home win against Kirby Bedon. Three big wins for skips Pat Williamson, John Richardson & David Sharpe sunk the visitors but the pairs game between Hevingham’s Ian MacLean & Vic Woods and Kirby’s Teresa & Selwyn Goldsmith produced a superb game with the home pair snatching a 12-9 win.

City of Norwich League

Two shock results this week could be a major factor in which way this title race goes. Thorpe Marriott went down 11-3 at home to struggling Framingham Earl and Horsford Heroes lost 12-2 at Anglian Windows. Two wins from their other games lifted Horsford Heroes to second place and compensated somewhat for this disappointment. The Heroes saw off visitors First Bus 12-2 and also won 10-4 at Taverham. Felthorpe became the first side to concede over 1,000 shots this season in the league but they achieved their sixth win of the campaign beating Horsford BC 10-4. Sprowston are now sixteen points clear at the top after a 14-0 maximum win against Felthorpe to keep the pressure on the chasing pack. First Bus slipped further down the league after their bad week continued with a 12-2 defeat at Jarrolds. British Rail are now fourth off the bottom after they beat Jarrolds 12-2 which was their sixth win of the season.

Posted 13-02-11

City League Singles Championship

Mick Coxall of Jarrolds has lifted the City League Singles title at Lakeside beating Taverham's Sue Hunt by 11-4 in the final. Mick Coxall, Chairman of the City League, has played for Jarrolds in the league since its formation. It is the first time a player from his club has ever won the title. In the semi-finals Mick Coxall beat defending champion Geoff Payne of County Council 10-5 and Sue Hunt beat Thorpe Marriott's Trevor Pinchen 11-7. Losing quarter-finalists were Debbie Barrett of Costessey, John Jeffery of Deaf Sports, Janet Pinchen of Thorpe Marriott & Keith Chapman of Horsford Heroes.

Bonus Points cost Norfolk the match at Kempston

Norfolk "A" 18 (171) v Northants "A" 22 (171)

Venue Kempston Date 6-2-11

Preliminary Round

Norfolk "A" missed out on reaching the quarter-finals and a match against Kent "A" when they were narrowly beaten by Northants "A". The match could not have been closer with the teams finishing on 16 points each, before bonus points were added, and 171-171 on shots. Northants progressed due to winning the bonus points in the pairs, triples & rinks while Norfolk only outscored Northants in the singles. It was another good day for Connaught's Sheila Bragg who won her singles games by 13-9 & 18-11. Colin Coman won his second game by 16-9 to earn Norfolk eight points out of ten in the singles. Four points were collected in both the pairs & triples disciplines but Northants edged out Norfolk in the rinks scoring eight out of ten points scoring 32 shots against Norfolk's 31.

Connaught's Sheila Bragg won her games by 13-9 & 18-11

Bure Cup

Holders Hevingham suffered a serious blow to their hopes of reaching the final again after going down 15-9 at home in their first leg semi-final match against old rivals Coltishall. Unless they can pull off a great comeback in the second leg it will be Coltishall who face 2001 winners East Tuddenham in the final. Vernon Bunn, Peter Barnett & Les Harman had a brilliant evening beating Pat Bunn, Peter Smart & John Richardson 10-1 as well as beating triples skipped by Vic Woods & George Clarke.

Bure League

Hevingham held on to second place in the Bure League with a home win against Anglian Windows but Pat Curchin, Maureen Dease & Ken Dease denied them maximum points as they beat David Sharpe’s triple 13-7. Biggest win for Hevingham was a 23-5 result for Ian MacLean, Pat Williamson & Vic Woods against Mike Boswell’s triple. Coltishall signaled their title ambitions with a 10-0 away win at St Faiths where Carol Aggas, Brian Bunting & John Aggas won 34-5 against Ted Redwood’s triple. Coltishall racked up 106 shots against just 20 as Margaret Harman’s triple won 28-4, Willie Jefferies’ triple won 29-7 and Les Harman’s triple won 15-4.

Thurne League

Bradwell’s 8-2 home win against struggling South Walsham leaves them in a strong position twelve points clear at the top of the Thurne League. Halvergate look to be their most serious rival for the title and they defeated Woodbastwick 7-3 to leave themselves thirteen points behind the leaders in third place but with a game in hand over Bradwell and four games in hand over second placed Hemsby.

City of Norwich League

Sprowston head the table after a 14-0 home win against Jarrolds but dropped points in a 10-4 defeat at Horsford BC. Second placed Thorpe Marriott had a good week beating Jarrolds 14-0 and also winning 12-2 at British Rail. First Bus slipped further off the pace after a shock 14-0 defeat at strugglers British Rail. RG Carter continue to put pressure on the leading pair after beating County Council 10-4 and also winning 11-3 at home to Deaf Sports. But maybe the big threat to them all are Horsford Heroes who sit back in fourth place with games in hand on the three teams above them. A 14-0 home win against British Rail took their average points tally per match up to 10.43, and that is better than Sprowston, Thorpe Marriott & RG Carter. Felthorpe continue to struggle for points, this week losing 12-2 at mid-table Jarrolds. Framingham Earl lifted themselves off the foot of the table with an 11-3 home win against eleventh placed Anglian Windows. Both teams have more ability in their sides than their league positions indicate. In the remaining match County Council won 12-2 at home to Horsford BC.

Posted 6-2-11

Breckland League

Connaught “A” maintained their super run of results with back to back wins. Their visit to Forncett garnered nine precious points but Connaught had to battle hard for their 9-1 win. Both Bill Adcock & Sylvia Parsons skipped their Connaught triples to one shot wins while G Wilcox had to settle for a 16-16 draw against Tony Ottewell. Mike Parsons, Ty Musk & Sheila Bragg again starred for the Breckland League leaders beating Keith Humphreys 24-9. In their local derby at home to Connaught “B” Sheila Bragg’s triple again cut loose winning 24-7. They were aided and abetted by Bill Adcock’s triple winning 25-8 & Ray Wells winning 18-10 but Len Thurston, Marie Head & A Marshall hit back for bottom of the table Connaught “B” beating Ollie Allen’s triple 30-13. Connaught “B” took a 10-0 beating at Hingham Green where John Higgs, Keith Thomas, Mike White & Ronnie Leverett’s triples all won. Harling moved up to fifth place with an excellent 8-2 win at Carleton Rode where Gerald Palframan, Beryl Potter & Peter Dennis won 19-10 but home skip Rod Baker and his triple won 31-9.

Wensum League

Stalham, bottom of the Wensum League, went down 8-2 at Cromer.Bob Carter still top the league following their 10-0 home win against Cromer in the middle of January.

Coastal Cup

Bradwell Blue began their Coastal Cup campaign with a convincing 16-2 home win against Martham and a 14-4 home win against South Walsham. Martham suffered a second away defeat going down 14-4 at South Walsham. Bradwell Red matched their local rivals by also winning their opening matches beating Hemsby 12-6 and Stalham by the same margin.

Posted 4-2-11

I.C.C News

London 18 (169) v Norfolk Premier 22 (181)

Norfolk Premier completed a double over London in their last I.C.C group game but the outcome was undecided until the final end of the match. Colin Coman, Jon Sparham, Kim Bridge & Melvin Woods had won their first rinks game 16-5 but their final game was level at 9-9 with one end remaining. The match result would be decided by the final score and Melvin’s rink did not disappoint taking a three to win 12-9 giving Norfolk a 22-18 points win. Young Wymondham player Mikey George made his county debut at lead in Brian Saunders’ rink and played extremely well as they took three points from four. It was also a good day for Norfolk’s pairs as Andrew Stratton & Paul Baker won their games 10-9 & 15-6 and Colin Stevenson & Neil Davidson added a 21-10 win. London edged the triples as Jean Woods, Robin Amos & George Clarke earned one point and Mark Linsdell, Nigel Willard & Chris Mann won their second game 16-8. Halvergate & England player David Lamb went down by small margins in both his singles games but Anglian Windows’ star Mike Boswell won his first game 13-10.

Latest League & Cup News

Norfolk County Cup

Bob Carter swept aside Woodbastwick to reach the semi-final stage of the Norfolk County Cup. The visitors could not cope with the home side in awesome form as Nigel Willard’s triple won 25-9, David Lamb’s triple won 29-6, Trevor Brown’s triple won 20-3 and Melvin Woods’ triple won 19-8. Cromer failed to make home advantage count in their quarter-final tie against Thorpe Marriott. The match finished at 4-4 on points but with Thorpe Marriott’s Tony Turner’s triple winning 31-7 Cromer were defeated on shots by 65-50.

Bure Cup

East Tuddenham played well at Kirby Bedon to restrict the home side to an 11-9 win and complete a 26-18 aggregate victory in the Bure Cup. It was a good all-round performance by the visitors with Russell Flint, Madge Meachen & Russell Harris top scoring with three points while Gerald Chilvers and Alistair Hunter’s triples were the pick of the home team.

Madge Meachen of East Tuddenham

Tens League

Bob Carter won the top of the table clash in the Tens League beating Hempnall 2-0 with Trevor Brown’s triple leading the way with a 14-7 win against Jon Sparham. Connaught pulled off a 3-0 win at Coltishall where Christine Musk & Sylvia Parsons beat Les & Margaret Harman 16-6 in the pairs.

City League

Sprowston moved top of the City League with a 10-4 win at Framingham Earl and a 12-2 home win against Anglian Windows. Old Bonds scored their fourth win of the campaign beating Costessey 12-2 but Costessey fared better at home to Taverham beating them 12-2.

City Shield

Thorpe Marriott beat Anglian Windows 12-4 on aggregate in the City Shield scoring 103 shots against 89.

Posted 30-1-11

Breckland League

Connaught “A” made it twelve wins from thirteen games to maintain their push for the Breckland League title. Their 8-2 home win against Hingham Yellow was only marred by a surprise 14-12 defeat for Sheila Bragg’s triple as Mick Groombridge, Colin Harris & Pat Groombridge deprived them of two valuable points. Normal service was resumed at Carleton Rode as Sheila Bragg’s triple won 25-18 in a 7-3 win for Connaught. Yaxham won 8-2 at home to Hingham Green with Albert Palgrave, Chrissie Turner & John Turner winning 24-12 but Hingham Green fared much better at Forncett where they won 8-2. Four tight games saw Hingham skips Keith Thomas, Mike White & John Higgs all win while Tony Ottewell’s triple scored the home sides only victory. Forncett also went down 8-2 at Watton where Doreen Paffey, Diane Quadling & Don Paffey won by a big 28-5 margin.

Coastal League

In the Coastal League Woodbastwick Eagles moved closer to the title with an 11-7 win at Martham but local rivals Woodbastwick Owls kept their hopes alive with a 15-3 home win over Stalham.

Coastal Cup

The Coastal Cup campaign began with Woodbastwick Eagles winning 15-3 at Hemsby and drawing 9-9 at Stalham but Stalham won by a comfortable 12-6 margin at home to South Walsham. Hemsby suffered a second home defeat going down 10-8 against South Walsham.

Bure League

Kirby Bedon beat Horsford BC 8-2 with Dot Dawson, Jimmy Dye & Alistair Hunter winning 27-8 and Carol Johnson, Shirley Brown & Joe Brown winning 25-7. Selwyn Goldsmith’s triple picked up their other win by 19-5 despite a spirited performance by visiting skip Simon Warnes. John Bately’s Horsford triple beat Gerald Chilver’s triple 13-12 after the home triple found themselves trailing 10-0 after just six ends. Coltishall won 8-2 at home to St Faiths with Jean Browes, Ann Ducker & Willie Jefferies beating John Pye’s triple by 26-6. John Franco, David Guyton & Ted Redwood picked up the visitors only points beating Peter Barnett’s triple 15-14.

Ted Redwood, pictured with his wife Sheila, beat Peter Barnett at Coltishall

City League

It’s tight at the top of the City League with little separating the top four. It was a good week for Horsford Heroes who won 9-5 at home to pacesetters RG Carter and they gave their title chances a massive boost beating Costessey 13-1. Sprowston picked up their twelfth win of the season beating Old Bonds 12-2. First Bus will need to continue picking up points if they are to catch up the leading pack and a 12-2 home win against County Council will help but the absence of Lesley Crowe & Bob Oatway will not. Framingham Earl’s 7-7 draw at County Council left Old Bonds bottom of the table. Horsford BC inflicted an 11-3 home defeat on Old Bonds. British Rail continue to struggle losing 10-4 at home to Taverham as do Felthorpe who lost 12-2 at Taverham. Deaf Sports won the mid table clash against Anglian Windows recording a 12-2 home win.

City Shield

Both Sprowston & First Bus are through to the semi-finals. Sprowston beat Horsford Heroes 10-6 on aggregate and First Bus defeated RG Carter by the identical scoreline.

Posted 28-1-11

Norfolk beat London

Norfolk Premier 29 (187) London 11 (149)

Venue Lakeside, Date 23-1-11

Norfolk Premier enjoyed their best result of the season at home to London finishing winners by 29-11 on points, 149 on shots. Maximum points were gained by David Lamb in the singles with wins of 12-10 & 20-8 while Mike Boswell added a 19-11 win. In the pairs Andrew Stratton & Paul Baker drew both their games 10-10 and Colin Stevenson & Peter Smart recorded a 17-11 first half win.

Mark Linsdell, Nigel Willard & Chris Mann were on form in the triples winning 14-12 & 10-6 while Jean Woods, John Turner & George Clarke drew their first game 10-10 and won their second 10-7. Donna Lamb, Jon Sparham, Kim Bridge & Melvin Woods dominated the fours beating London rinks by 9-6 & 9-3 but Robin Amos, Ollie Allen, Debbie Phillips & Brian Saunders lost both their games by just one shot. As long as Norfolk avoid a total disaster in their last group game in London the result will see them safely through to the Consolation Quarter-Finals and a match against either Shropshire, Worcestershire or Avon.

David Lamb - Two wins in the singles

Norwich Cup Quarter-Finals

The three Norwich Cup quarter-final games played over the last few days all produced convincing home wins. Hevingham swept to an 18-6 win against Thorpe Marriott with Ian McLean, Pat Williamson & Vic Woods winning 11-3, 8-4 & 9-1 and Gill Bunn, Alan Bunn & George Clarke winning 7-5, 11-2 & 6-3. Connaught “A” beat fellow Breckland League side Watton 13-3 with the visitors conceding with two sessions remaining. Ray Wells’ triple won twice as did Bill Adcock’s triple. The highly anticipated clash between Wymondham and Hempnall failed to produce the classic hoped for as Wymondham reached the semi-finals with a 13-3 win. Brian Saunders’ triple won by 8-5 & 7-2 and Debbie Phillips’ triple won by 5-2 & 13-0 before Hempnall conceded.

Debbie Phillips of Wymondham wins again!

Breckland League

Connaught “A” continue to pursue Wymondham in what now looks a two horse race for the Breckland League title. They brushed aside visitors Watton by 10-0 with G Wilcox, Bob Oatway & Ollie Allen winning 32-4, Diana Adcock, D Liles & Bill Adcock winning 29-11 and P Hambling, J Winup & Sheila Bragg winning 28-14. Banham won 7-3 at Harling with Mike Seager, Roger Kerrison & Jim Delaney winning 26-9. Tony Ottewell’s Forncett triple won 30-9 as they won 7-3 at home to Carleton Rode.

South Norfolk League

Runaway leaders Hempnall predictably won 10-0 at Wreningham with Jon Sparham’s triple winning 31-1 but at least Wreningham kept things tighter on the other three mats with Paul Baker’s triple winning by just three shots against Gloria Grimes. Hempnall repeated their 10-0 scoreline at Mulbarton where Neil Davidson’s triple won 25-5. Thurton leapfrogged Watton into second place with a 10-0 home win against their rivals for the runner-up spot. Albert Reynolds’ triple won 23-5 & Peter Walker’s triple won 20-6 as Thurton scored 77 shots against 37. Saxlingham looked set to halt their poor run of form at home to Framingham Earl as they won both first half games. It all went pear shaped after the break though with Karl Bunn winning 20-5 and Colin Emms winning 17-9 to see the visitors snatch victory.

Bure League

Kirby Bedon held on to the top spot in the Bure League but they were put under extreme pressure by a strong Coltishall side. The first half was tight with both games level on the eleventh ends. A massive five shots on the penultimate end saw Kirby’s Bernice Adcock, Peter Adcock & Gerald Chilvers to a 16-12 win against Margaret Harman’s triple while eight shots scored over the last four ends helped Kirby’s Leonora Chilman, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith to a 15-7 win against John Aggas’ triple. After the break Coltishall roared back and after eight ends had been played on both mats they had established an overall lead. The home side dug deep though and Peter Johnson, Bob Pattison & Joe Brown won five of the last six ends to beat Les Harman’s triple 16-14. Martin Edridge, Eddy Edridge & Willie Jefferies scored Coltishall’s only win beating Alistair Hunter’s triple 18-11 as Kirby Bedon won 8-2 on points. Hevingham moved into second place with two heavy wins. After beating St faiths 8-2 they continued their title push with a 10-0 home win against East Tuddenham. Pat Bunn, Pat Williamson & Maurice Kemp scored valuable shots beating Gerald Potter’s triple 16-7 while David Sharpe’s triple also cut loose beating Robin Amos 17-10. Gill Bunn, Alan Bunn & George Clarke clinched a 14-10 win against Russell Harris while maximum points were ensured as Ian McLean, John Richardson & Vic Woods beat John Turner’s triple 16-13. Horsford BC are enjoying their best season so far and consolidated their mid table position beating St Faiths 10-0. Peter Warnes, David Knights & Simon Warnes top scored beating Russell Daynes’ triple 29-11 while Mick Dale’s triple weighed in with a 23-7 win.

Bure Cup Semi-Final 1^st leg

East Tuddenham established a 17-7 lead in the first leg of their Bure Cup semi-final match at home to Kirby Bedon. A depleted Kirby side went into the match with a player short and struggled with two regular skips missing. Russell Flint, Madge Meachen & Russell Harris took full advantage with wins of 8-4, 6-2 & 9-4 while Linda Chadwick, Les Chadwick & Robin Amos won two games each as did Geraldine Potter, Denny Cross & Gerald Potter. Albert Palgrave, Chrisie Turner & John Turner earned three points from their three games. Dot Dawson, Leonora Chilman & Jimmy Dye were Kirby’s top triple with three points while Brian Saunders’ triple and Phil Watson’s triple scored one win each. Kirby’s Jan Hewitt & Alistair Hunter played without a number two and unsurprisingly failed to collect a point.

Bure League Singles Championship

The St Faiths heat saw Woodbastwick’s Jim Couling recover from losing his opening game 9-8 against Kirby Bedon’s Gerald Chilvers to reel off three straight wins to finish in first place. Chilvers qualified in second place with five points while the seeded player Trevor Hallett of Woodbastwick failed to progress after finishing third. The full Finals Night line-up is Jim Couling of Woodbastwick, David Bunn, Vic Woods & George Clarke of Hevingham, Jimmy Dye & Gerald Chilvers of Kirby Bedon, Margaret Harman of Coltishall and John Turner of East Tuddenham.

Inter-County Championship Knock Out Rounds Published

Late in the day the ESMBA have finally got around to publishing the I.C.C Knock-Out rounds on the ESMBA web-site. I wish it was worth the wait but yet again they would appear to have put little thought into it. It is surely not rocket science to ensure that group winners are not disadvantaged by actually winning their groups but once again the ESMBA have got it horribly wrong in the sport’s premier competition for county teams. The team who win the preliminary round tie between the runners-up of Groups 4 & 5 go on to play the runners-up of Group 1 in the quarter-finals which guarantees that a group runner-up will earn a coveted I.C.C Premier semi-final place without meeting a group winner in the knock-outs. While this is happening the reward for the winners of Groups 1, 3, 4 & 5 is a quarter-final tie against each other. If there was no way to avoid this it would be understandable but by simply putting the 5 Group Winners into a hat and drawing out four of them to play in each of the four quarter-finals this situation would be avoided. If the reasoning behind this silliness is just to avoid two counties from the same group meeting in the knock-outs surely this should be measured against the folly of what you are now left with and that is a devalued competition.

Posted 23-1-11

Mikey George wins National Under 18’s qualifier

Wymondham’s Mikey George won the Under 18’s National Championship qualifying heat at Sprowston scoring seven points out of eight and finishing unbeaten. Bradwell’s Josh Baxter also impressed and finished in second place with a thumping 12-4 win against county regular Mark Linsdell of Wymondham the highlight of his day. Costessey’s Jack Barrett earned the third qualifying place finishing with four points with an 8-5 win against Josh Baxter and a 9-2 win against County Council’s Lewis Cranston seeing him through. County star Linsdell made a shock exit scoring just two points and finishing fourth ahead of County Council’s Lewis Cranston on shot difference.

Latest News

Norfolk County Cup

A classic Norfolk County Cup encounter saw Breckland League giants Wymondham defeat powerful City League side First Bus with the quarter-final tie undecided until the last end. First Bus triple Betty Cox, John Cummins & Maurice Kemp got the home side off to a winning start on mat one but they had skip Maurice Kemp to thank as he produced some huge shots to frustrate Debbie Phillips’ triple. Several times the visiting triple held fours & fives before Kemp stepped on the mat to take shot in a game that finished in an 11-10 win for First Bus. Wymondham’s Pat Saunders, Mary Fisher & Mark Linsdell ensured the teams were tied on points at the interval as they built a 15-10 win on the firm foundation of some excellent lead bowling by ex Carter player Pat Saunders. Julia Cummins, Lesley Crowe & Rex Cox of First Bus started the second half well against Mikey George, Peter King & Chris Mann and led 6-0 after five ends but Mighty Mann’s triple hit back to win a tight game by just 11-10 despite another solid performance by Lesley Crowe. The match was decided on mat two where Bob Oatway’s First Bus triple faced Brian Saunder’s Wymondham triple. Saunder’s triple began well leading 8-3 after seven ends but Oatway’s triple dug deep to reduce the arrears to one shot by the twelfth end. The First Bus triple missed opportunities to punish the Wymondham triple on the closing ends and had to settle for an 11-11 draw which was enough to give the visitors a 5-3 points win and a place in the semi-finals for the first time in their history. The much delayed 1^st round tie has been played at Hempnall where the South Norfolk league giants defeated visitors Hevingham 6-2. Charlie Archer’s triple beat John Richardson’s triple 18-8, Paul Baker beat George Clarke 17-7 and Roger Parker beat David Sharpe 17-13 while Vic Woods scored the visitors only win beating Neil Davidson 16-12. It would appear that the other 1^st round between Woodbastwick and Horsford Heroes, which has been listed as not yet played, was in fact played way back in November but the card has not been sent to the NCSMBA Competitions Secretary. Woodbastwick apparently won the encounter by 6-2 but no other details are available.

South-East Region Rinks 2011

Norfolk almost pulled off a surprise win in the South-East Rinks finishing just two points behind hot favourites Essex. Essex rinks skipped by Craig Burgess, Barry Hedges, Anthoney Faultley & Tony Orpin scored 24 points with Norfolk a close second on 22 points. Cambs & Suffolk finished a long way back on 9 points each with Cambs grabbing third place on shots. Trevor Brown made his debut for Norfolk in Melvin Woods’ rink who scored 7 out of 8 points.

Bure Singles

A faultless display of singles bowling by Hevingham’s David Bunn saw him qualify for the Bure Singles Championship final’s night. The draw gave him a tough nut to crack in the first session as he faced East Tuddenham star John Turner but his 11-8 win was just the first of four straight victories as he dominated proceedings at Kirby Bedon. Bunn beat county singles player Mike Boswell of Anglian Windows by 11-7 in his second match and followed this with a 25-1 win against St Faith’s Russell Daynes and a 16-6 win against Woodbastwick’s Roger Green. John Turner recovered from his early setback to win his other three games to qualify in the runners-up spot. He beat Roger Green by 17-3, Mike Boswell by 12-5 and Russell Daynes by 20-3. At the Horsford BC heat Hevingham’s Vic Woods & Coltishall’s Margaret Harman both qualified with six points apiece. Margaret Harman opened with an 8-7 win against East Tuddenham’s Gerald Potter while Vic Woods won his first game 12-7 against Avril Walker of Anglian Windows. Woods & Harman met in their next game and Margaret Harman put herself in the driving seat with a 10-4 win against the Hevingham ace. While Woods went on to win his last two games, 13-6 against Gerald Potter and 13-1 against Woodbastwick’s Brian Frost, Margaret Harman suffered a surprise 12-6 loss to Brian Frost. Harman then recovered to beat Avril Walker 16-5 to seal the runner-up spot behind Woods. News just in from the South Walsham heat names George Clarke of Hevingham and Jimmy Dye of Kirby Bedon as the two qualifiers.

Tens League

Connaught’s Diana & Bill Adcock stormed to a 24-4 win against Hevingham’s Janet Kemp & Alan Bunn to help their side to a 3-0 home win. Mike Parsons, Alison Rush & Gordon Wilcox won 17-8 against David Sharpe’s triple to aid Connaught’s cause. Hevingham won on the other two mats with Maurice Kemp’s triple winning 17-10 and the pairing of Ian MacLean & Lesley Crowe beating Chris Musk & Sylvia Parson’s 13-10. Coltishall beat Horsford 2-0 with home pairing Les & Margaret Harman beating Mally Kemp & Chris Woodhouse 18-7 and Melly Catchpole, Brian Bunting & Peter Barnett winning 13-9 against David Woodrow’s triple. Horsford kept the overall loss down to just six shots as Richard Dix & Mick Dale won 16-10 against Carol & John Aggas and Vic Webster’s triple beating Willie Jefferies’ triple 12-9. Horsford slammed an out of sorts Kirby Bedon side 4-0 with Joyce Hubbard, P Foster & Richard Dix winning 29-8 in a great first half display against Bob Pattison’s triple. Lyn Frank was in good form playing at lead with Keith Chapman as they won 15-8 against Teresa & Selwyn Goldsmith as the home pair dominated the closing stages of a game that had been tight up to the eleventh end. After the break Joe Brown’s triple never looked likely to threaten Chris Woodhouses’ triple as the Horsford trio won 19-9. Kirby’s only win came from Shirley Brown & Alistair Hunter who took three shots on the final end to beat Derek Gaskin & Mick Dale by 15-12.

Breckland League

Breckland League strugglers Hingham Yellow will be delighted after holding high flying Wymondham to a 5-5 draw. Cynthia Powell, Colin Harris & Roy Naish claimed the major scalp of England’s Chris Mann as they picked up seven shots on the last two ends to turn a 12-10 deficit into a 17-12 win. Another shock defeat followed as Wymondham’s young Norfolk star Mark Linsdell slumped to a 19-11 defeat against E Herbert’s triple but a 23-17 win for Debbie Phillips’ triple and an 18-11 win for Brian Saunders’ triple saved Wymondham from a shock defeat. Wymondham fared better in their previous match at Carleton Rode where they won 9-1. Second placed Connaught “A” continued their title push with a 9-1 home win against Forncett inspired by a 26-11 win for Sheila Bragg. Other results included an 8-2 away win for Yaxham at Banham, where Owen Secker won 24-14, and a 9-1 home win for Connaught “B” against Hingham Yellow.

City League & Shield

RG Carter’s lead at the top has been cut to just five points. Mid-table side Jarrolds managed to take some points away from their visit to RG Carter as they lost by just 9-5 while title chasing Thorpe Marriott won 14-0 at home to Felthorpe and 12-2 at home to Horsford BC. Sprowston are still handily placed after a 10-4 away win at Anglian Windows. Horsford Heroes have games in hand on all the teams above them and improved their chances with a 14-0 home win against Deaf Sports. Framingham Earl continue to struggle and are now bottom after a 14-0 defeat at Horsford BC and a 12-2 defeat at Taverham. City Shield Quarter-Final 1^st leg games saw Sprowston beat Horsford Heroes 8-0 and First Bus held to a 4-4 draw on their own mats against RG Carter.

Posted15-1-11

Bragging rights for Norfolk "A" as they grab runner-up spot

Norfolk Premier 15 (150) v Essex Premier 25 (182)

Norfolk “A” 24 (207) v Essex “A” 16 (171)

Match Date 9-1-11

Inter-County Championship action at Lakeside saw Norfolk “A” defeat Essex “A” 24-16 to claim second place in their group and a place in the knock-out stages. The Norfolk side began the day knowing that they were just one point ahead of third placed Suffolk, who were entertaining runaway leaders Cambs in Felixstowe, and that every point could be vital. As it was Suffolk suffered a massive home defeat going down 32-8 and finished in fourth place. Connaught’s Sheila Bragg delivered the goods in style winning her singles games by 21-5 & 18-7 and with fellow singles player Colin Coman picking up a 16-5 win in his second game they picked up eight of the ten points in their discipline. The rinks also collected eight points as Roger Green, Gerald Chilvers, Bob Oatway & Les Chadwick won by 12-7 & 21-5 while Shirley Brown, Brian Bunting, Ty Musk & Charlie Archer added an 11-6 win. Sheila Redwood, Joe Brown & David Dewing took maximum points winning their triples games 10-6 & 9-6 while in the pairs Jenny & Peter Walker and Chris Musk & Elaine Cole won a game apiece. Norfolk Premier have had a disappointing season so far losing their opening three games and the management were looking for an improvement against leaders Essex Premier with a reshuffled line-up. On the day there was no great difference between the sides as the singles, pairs & rinks all produced two wins each but greater shots earned Essex the two bonus points in all three disciplines. Essex got the better of the exchanges in the triples though but Jean Woods, John Turner & George Clarke won their first game 13-12 and Chris Mann’s triple drew 9-9 against Essex star Anthony Faultley.

Connaught's Sheila Bragg savaged Essex "A" in the singles

Wensum League

Bob Carter strengthened their position at the top of the Wensum League with an 8-2 home win at home to Woodbastwick which followed on from their pre-Xmas 10-0 away win at Coltishall. Woodbastwick also lost 8-2 at Halvergate.

City League

The battle at the top of the City League intensified as leaders RG Carter were beaten 12-2 at Costessey and the chasing pack closed in. Thorpe Marriott won 9-5 at First Bus to close the gap to ten points while Sprowston slammed British Rail 14-0 to rejuvenate their title hopes. Jarrolds suffered a surprise 12-2 home defeat against Old Bonds.

Tens League

Hempnall lost a chance to gain ground on leaders Bob Carter as they were defeated 2-0 at Kirby Bedon.

Thurne League

Stalham entertained Woodbastwick in the first game of the New Year but failed to trouble the visitors who won 8-2 and scored 72 shots against just 34. Just before Xmas the top of the table clash at Bradwell saw leaders Halvergate defeated 7-3.

South Norfolk League

Wreningham have suffered two huge defeats on their latest travels. At Connaught they went down 10-0 on points, 91-24 on shots, with Sheila Bragg’s triple winning 31-2 and at Framingham Earl they again lost 10-0 on points, 92-23 on shots, with Karl Bunn’s triple winning 31-4.

                                                                                                          Posted 10-1-11

                                           Neil Nails It!
Neil Davidson of Hempnall is the new Norfolk County Singles Champion after a run of shock results saw five previous champions eliminated in the knock-out stages. Young Bob Carter star Jason Woods reached his first Norfolk Singles final but the greater experience of Neil Davidson, who finished runner-up two years ago, helped the Hempnall player through to a 9-4 victory and his first ever Norfolk Singles title. In the play-off for third place Bob Carter’s Sue Hunt beat surprise packet Keith Cooke of Bradwell by 12-6. Mervyn Barker lost by 8-5 to the eventual champion in the quarter-finals but had an amazing day. In the preliminary round Barker beat his Wymondham team-mate and 2004 champion Andrew Stratton by 7-6 and he followed this up with a 10-8 win against four times champion John Turner of East Tuddenham in the last 16 stage. Another previous champion, Ian McLean of Hevingham, also made his exit at this stage as he suffered a 15-1 mauling at the hands of Hempnall’s Jon Sparham. Many had predicted that England & Wymondham star Chris Mann would lift the title this year but he also suffered a shock defeat at this stage against unfancied Bradwell bowler Keith Cooke who won their encounter by 9-7. Yet another upset saw Norfolk County regular Joe Brown of Costessey lose 11-9 to Wendy Wilkinson of non-league side Foxley. In the quarter-finals 2009 champion Peter Smart of Sprowston lost 6-4 to Bob Carter’s Sue Hunt while a sudden death extra end was needed before Jason Woods beat 2007 champion Jon Sparham 6-5. Wendy Wilkinson & Keith Cooke met in the clash of the giant killers which Keith won by just 10-9. Keith Cooke’s great run came to an end in the semi-finals as he lost by just one shot against Neil Davidson. Sue Hunt’s dream of becoming the first ever woman to lift the title finally came to an end as she was beaten 16-3 by Jason Woods.

Neil Davidson holds the hard earned trophy

Neil Davidson - Winner
                                                                     Posted 2-1-11

Norfolk County Short Mat Bowls Association

The Home of Short Mat Bowls in Norfolk