Great day of Over 60's bowls at Hingham

: Selwyn; 24 August 2025; Hits: 345

Great day of Over 60's bowls at Hingham

Norfolk Over 60’s entertained Kent Invicta at Hingham Sports Centre for the second leg of their Annual Shield encounter. Norfolk’s heavy defeat in Kent in the first leg had left them with a massive 44-28 points deficit but four wins out of six in the first session of the day cut Kent’s lead to 48-36 on aggregate. The second session saw Kent Invicta restore their lead as they won four of the six games to lead 56-40 on points. Norfolk moved up a gear in session three with four wins, one draw and just one loss to cut the deficit to just ten points. An even better fourth session produced five wins for Norfolk to cut Kent Invicta’s lead to two points. The penultimate session saw Norfolk Over 60’s take an aggregate lead for the first time with four wins from six games leaving them 67-65 ahead on points going into the final session. Three wins were needed to clinch victory for Norfolk but after five games had finished, with one mat still in play, only two had been achieved while Kent had won on three mats. All Norfolk’s hopes now rested on the shoulders of Joy Neave, Jill Hayman & Trish Taylor who needed to win to recapture the Shield from Kent Invicta. The Kent triple had collected four shots on the opening end but a determined comeback by Taylor’s triple had left the game level at 7-7 with one end remaining. All eyes were now on this final game and the tension heightened even more after the last end was killed and had to be replayed. But the wait was worthwhile for Norfolk as their triple emerged with a single shot to win the game 8-7 leaving Norfolk Over 60’s with 67 points and 504 shots to Kent Invicta’s 65 points and 467 shots to complete a remarkable comeback. Maximum points were achieved by three Norfolk triples on the day. Jenny Walker, Colin Hayman & Selwyn Goldsmith won their three games by 10-7, 7-3 & 13-1. Billie Barker, David Chadwick & Jane James won their games by 12-6, 10-7 & 9-5 and George Cody, Richard Moore & Graham Tweed won by 8-6, 9-4 & 10-7. Regardless of the result the match produced a wonderful day of bowls for all who took part with everyone enjoying themselves and already looking forward to the matches next summer. The result completed three successive weekends of success for Teresa Goldsmith’s Norfolk Over 60’s side captained by Steve Easter. It began with a win against Arthur Jackson’s Select consisting of players from North Yorks, Hertfordshire and Derbyshire. This was followed up with victory against the Friends of Essex side on the second weekend before Kent Invicta’s visit this weekend. All NCSMBA registered bowlers aged 60 or above can take part in the Norfolk Over 60’s activities. They meet every other Thursday at Hingham Sports Centre and anyone wishing to attend should arrive by 9.30am to book in. The cost is £5 per person, which includes all teas, coffees and biscuits on the day and you play three 9 end games with a tea-break between each session in the morning. For those wishing for more bowls you can stay to play another 15 end game in the afternoon which is included in the price. The next Norfolk Over 60’s day is on Thursday 28^th August, you are guaranteed a warm welcome and the opportunity to make new bowling friends from many clubs around Norfolk. Players come from far and wide to enjoy a great day of bowls and many bring a packed lunch and stay for the afternoon session. Norfolk Over 60’s Squad day dates and fixtures can be found on the NCSMBA website by clicking on https://www.shortmatnorfolk.co.uk/over-60-s/overs-60-s-fixture-list.html

PICTURES FROM THE DAY

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