NCSMBA National Qualifiers
The first ESMBA National Qualifiers were held at Hingham Sports and Social Club on Sunday 19th October 2025. Two events were staged the Under 18s Singles and the Over 55s Pairs. The day started off with a bit of a hiccup of my own making. The draw for the Over 55s Pairs had to be recast.
Under 18s Singles
There were four entries and to give them a full days bowling they played each other twice on a league basis. The bowling was of the highest standard with some exceptional bowls played under pressure. The result came down to the last end of the last game where the two elder Suffolk sisters battled it out to see who would win the Under 18's Qualifier. In the end Chloe Suffolk held on to win despite losing a very close game with her sister Kacy. Congratulations to both Kelsey and Alfie for taking part and playing some excellent bowls over the day.
Over 55s Pairs
There were ten entries, up from last year which is a good starting point. In hindsight playing games over 15 ends was not the right call. However, everyone had a good days bowling. Each pair playing at least 4 games. It was unfortunate one pair had to leave the competition early due to one player not feeling well.
Again the bowling was of the highest standard with some games going down to the last bowl. Group One was won by Kerry Greenacre and Keith Cooke (Hempnall/Halvergate) with the runners up Neil and Erika Thomas (Thetford). Group Two winners were Andy Rawnsley and Simon Willies (Watton Expendables) and the runners up were Cyril Cole and Will Townsend (Hingham). All four proceeded to the semi-finals. Thetford outclassed the pair from Watton Expendables who conceded with an end to spare. The other semi-final turned out to be a classic with Hingham taking the early advantage only for Hempnall/Halvergate to fight back. The game was tied so a deciding end was played and Keith Cooke drew within inches of the Jack leaving Will Townsend a very difficult shot to get the win but he did not pull it off.
The Third and Fourth playoff was a rematch of the group game between Watton Expendables and Hingham with the same result. Andy Rawnsley and Simon Willies finishing third.
The final was again a rematch of the group game between Hempnall/Halvergate and Thetford with the same result. Kerry Greenacre and Keith Cooke finished as winners of the NCSMBA Over 55s Pairs National Qualifier.
Well done to all who took part and hopefully everyone enjoyed a long days bowling.
A great big thankyou to all those that helped putting out and away the equipment. Also thank-you to John Jeffery (Assistant Competition Secretary) and to Elaine Willies who helped keep the competition desk ticking over.
Lessons to be learned from an enjoyable days bowling. We move onto the next one in November.
Simon Willies
NCSMBA Competition Secretary
Over 55's Pairs winners Keith Cooke & Kerry Greenacre
Runners-up Erika and Neil Thomas of Thetford SMBC
Chloe Suffolk of Thetford SMBC with Simon Willies
Under 18's entrants all played well on the day