NCSMBA County Championships and National Qualifiers
The next two events were held at Hingham Sports & Social Club on 30th November 2025. It was the turn of the Fours and Mixed Fours. Given the number of entries only half of the hall was used. Despite the cold there was some excellent bowling.
Fours
There were 6 entries and as such it could be classified as a County Championship as well as the National Qualifying heat. Unfortunately, one of the Fours dropped out very late however this left a field of five strong teams. A good day’s bowling was anticipated.
The first round saw a clash of the titans full of current and ex England Internationals. It turned out to be a very enthralling and competitive game taking about one- and three-quarter hours to complete. Christopher Willies block (Jack Marshall, Simon Willies & Keith Cooke) coming out on top 11-6 against Gary Best, Jack Pye, AJ Pye & Morgan Warnes. David Lambs Block (James Forster, Karl Newby & Ryan Fox) won 14-9 against Peter Harveys block (Will Townsend, Andy Rawnsley & Jason Martin) after a hard fought tussle.
The second round saw Gary Best block shut out John Jefferys (Robin Amos, Ray & Steven Lamb) block to win comfortably. Christopher Willies block seemed to be in command against Peter Harveys block however they picked up a 3 on the last end to gain a draw.
The third round saw Gary Best block give another masterful display of fours play leaving Peter Harvey block in their shadow. David Lambs Block came up against John Jefferys block and eased to a comfortable win.
The fourth round featured another clash of the giants with David Lambs block playing Gary Bests block. Again, a high standard of play was on display with Gary Bests block taking control and running out winners 12-4. The other game saw Christopher Willies block beat John Jefferys block 10-3.
The final result all depended on the last round of bowls with the title up for grabs. This saw Christopher Willies block take on David Lambs block. Christopher Willies block took control of the game and won 13-6. The other game saw Peter Harveys block secure fourth place with a win over John Jefferys block.
The overall position saw Christopher Willies block as Champions with 9 points, second were Gary Best Block with 8 points and third were David Lambs block with 6 points.
Keith Cooke, Jack Marshall, Simon Willies & Chris Willies - County Fours Champions
Mixed Fours
There were only two entrants for the Mixed Fours Nationals Qualifier. Due to circumstances one of the blocks did not attend. It was a very late notification and the other block were all present at the designated time. Given the circumstances the Donna Lamb, Lianne Mills, Ryan Fox and David Lamb were awarded the game.
Report submitted by Simon Willies, NCSMBA Competition Secretary