Norfolk Over 60’s enjoy weekend in North Yorks

: Selwyn; 13 August 2024; Hits: 1081

Norfolk Over 60’s enjoy weekend in North Yorks

Norfolk Over 60’s left early on Friday morning for their Annual Challenge Match arranged by Norfolk’s Over 60’s Manager Teresa Goldsmith and North Yorkshire’s popular Arthur Jackson. Teresa again used Wrights Coaches of Hoveton and their driver Steve kept us right on schedule the entire weekend and was helpful and cheerful in every respect. After the main pick-up at Wymondham Dell IBC we made good progress and made our first stop at the Farm Shop Café at Holbeach on the A17 where we all enjoyed a cuppa and various items such as egg on toast or a bacon roll. We then headed to Knaresborough for the second refreshment stop of the day where some took a walk to Knaresborough Castle for the lovely views after enjoying a coffee and a bite to eat at one of the cafes in town. From then it was the short journey to Huby where we were again booked in at the Burn Hall Hotel for a three night stay and met the contingent of Hertfordshire bowlers who again made the trip up to play in Arthur Jackson’s Select Team. On Saturday morning after breakfast our coach took us on the short journey to Easingwold where the excellent Galtres Centre was again the venue for the match. Norfolk Over 60’s have held the Shield since the annual challenge match was began by Teresa & Arthur several years ago and were determined to hold on to it but Arthur’s team were equally eager to finally finish on the winning side. A hugely competitive and enjoyable match was played on eight mats with both sides fielding 16 triples playing four games each. Incredibly by the end of the day both teams were level on 64 points apiece and only shot difference separated the sides with Arthur Jackson’s Select, comprising of bowlers from North Yorks, Durham & Hertfordshire, winning the Shield for the first time ever. The best performing triples for Norfolk scored six points out of eight each. They were Gill Coleman, David Aldous & Brian Saunders, Christine Kerslake, David Kerslake & Trish Taylor and Sally Rawnsley, Peter Walker & Andy Rawnsley. Teresa asked Norfolk Over 60’s Captain Steve Easter to present the Shield to Arthur which they will now hold until the next match between the teams at Hingham in August 2025. On Sunday, what has traditionally become known as the mixed up triples, was played with all the 32 triples comprising of both Norfolk and Arthur’s Select bowlers playing together. The top two triples of the day were awarded bottles of wine by Arthur. They were Chantelle Ireland, Pat Hall & Lawrence Ireland and Di Quadling, Rodney Knight & Terry Newby. As on Saturday, all players were provided by teas and coffees throughout the day courtesy of a hard working Linda. On Monday morning we returned to Norfolk but made a two hour stop at Harrogate where we enjoyed a relaxing break in this beautiful town where some even lived the high life visiting Bettys Café Tea Rooms. All in all Norfolk Over 60’s may have let their grasp slip on the Shield but enjoyed another fabulous weekend in North Yorkshire.

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