Simon Willies of Watton Expendables, and Bob Carter's Morgan Warnes & Jason Woods, are Norfolk County Triples Champions for an incredible three years in a row. They lifted the title after beating Keith Cooke of Halvergate, David Lamb of Halvergate & Chris Mann of Wymondham in the final. It was the fifth time Jason Woods had won the Norfolk County Triples title in the last ten years, for Simon Willies it was the fourth time and for Morgan Warnes the third time. For Keith Cooke and David Lamb it was the third time in four years they had reached the final and finished in the runner-up spot. The third place play-off was won by Jack Marshall of Wymondham, Ryan Fox of Halvergate and Chris Willies of Watton Expendables who beat AJ Pye of Wymondham, Jack Pye of Wymondham & Gary Best of Bob Carter.
The following detailed report has now been submitted by NCSMBA Competition Secretary Simon Willies
Norfolk CSMBA Triples County Championship and National Qualifier
Sunday, 14th December 2025 saw the next County Championship and National Qualifier take place. It was the turn of the Triples to take centre stage. 9 triples were present played with the draw being made on the day. Two groups one of 5 teams and the other of 4 teams.
Session one saw the clash of two giants, who on paper would be expected to make it through to the knockout stages. The game went in the favour of Jack & AJ Pye and Gary Best running out winners 13-5 with some very close ends. The other game in Group 2 saw John Jeffery, Ray & Steven Lamb win against Alfie Woods, Jean & Melvin Woods 11-7. It was great to see Alfie playing with his grandparents. Certainly, a talent for the future.
In Group 1 the triple of Simon Willies, Morgan Warnes and Jason Woods ease to win against a Thetford Block (Caralyn Walker, Suzanne Kenny, Clive Eke) 28-3. The other game saw Jason Martin, David Aldous and Peter Harvey beat the Triple of Cyril Coles, Andy Rawnsley and Will Townsend in a very close game 9-7.
Session two saw two games being played in group 1. In a close tussle Jason Woods triple came out on top 6-4 against Peter Harvey’s triple in a well fought out game. The other game saw the first appearance of one of the favourites Jack Marshall, Ryan Fox and Christopher Willies who beat Clive Eke’s triple 12-6.
Session three again threw up a clash of two of the favourites Christopher Willies triple running out winners 7-5 against Jason Woods triple in another very close game. The other game in Group one was Clive Eke’s triple against Will Townsend’s triple. Will’s triple eased to a 11-4 win.
In Group 1 Gary Best’s triple beat Steven Lamb’s triple 17-8 whilst the other game saw Chris Mann’s triple gain their first win against Melvin Woods’ triple 12-6.
Session 4 again saw two games from Group 1 being played with Peter Harvey’s triple winning 17-4 against Clive Eke’s triple. Christopher Willies’ triple beat Will Townsend’s triple 11-3.
The final session saw four games taking place with all to play for. Group two leaders, Gary Best’s triple, completed 3 wins out of 3 against Melvin Woods’ triple with a comfortable win of 29-3. Chris Mann’s triple needed to win to ensure runners up spot to go through to the knockout stages. They held on to beat Steven Lamb’s triple 11-9
In Group one 3 triples were in contention for a place in the knockout stages. Christopher Willies triple secured a 10-10 draw with Peter Harvey’s triple in a very tight game thus ensuring a place in the semi-finals. Peter Harvey’s triple needed Will Townsend’s triple to beat Jason Woods’ triple however it was not to be as Jason Woods triple ran out winners 10-4.
The semi-finals saw two very different games. In one game the floor to be a factor in the result with Jason Woods’ triple adapting much better than Gary Best’s triple. Jason Woods’ triple eased through to the final. The other game saw a very close contest between Christopher Willies’ triple and Chris Mann’s triple. Going into the last end the game was tied 6-6. The game was decided on the last bowl with Christopher Willies missing his final shot meaning Chris Mann’s triple went through to the final.
The third and fourth play off went the way of Christopher Willies’ triple beating Gary Best’s triple 10-4. The final saw Jason Woods’ triple ease into a 5-1 lead after 5 ends. Chris Mann’s triple replied with a 2 on the 6th end however the 7th end saw Jason Woods’ triple pick up 4 shots to lead 9-3 with two ends left to play. Another 2 to Chris Mann’s triple meant they needed at least 4 shots and with only Jason Woods to bowl they were holding 4 shots. Jason Woods held his nerve and ran the jack into the ditch to count 1 shot giving the win to Simon Willies, Morgan Warnes and Jason Woods for their 3rd consecutive title.
Thank-you to John Jeffery, Assistant Competition Secretary, and Will Townsend for their help in setting up and taking down. Also, to all the players that helped tidy up and clear up during the day.
Simon Willies, Morgan Warnes & Jason Woods - Norfolk County Triples Champions
Norfolk County Triples Runners-up 2025 - Chris Mann, David Lamb & Keith Cooke