There is a new name on the Norfolk County Singles shield as AJ Pye beat his Wymondham team-mate and two time champion Chris Mann in the final. The last time two Wymondham bowlers contested the final was in 2021-22 when Jack Pye won the coveted title defeating Chris Mann. 2023-24 champion Ryan Fox of Halvergate won the third place play-off against Jason Woods of Bob Carter to secure the third National Championship place up for grabs. A full report on the days play by Competition Secretary Simon Willies appears below,
Norfolk CSMBA Singles County Championships and Nationals Qualifier
This weekend the Singles to took centre stage. The one many players want to win. There were two late dropouts which left 21 players fighting for the title. Four groups on a league basis were played followed by three knockout stages.
All group games were very competitive with some fascinating ties. It was good to see some of our younger players competing against the more experienced players. All acquitted themselves very well.
The draw for the quarter finals threw up some enticing games with
Chris Mann and Morgan Warnes
Gary Best and Jason Woods
Ryan Fox and Jack Pye
AJ Pye and Jason Martin
Ryan Fox ran the jack in the ditch on the last end and with his next bowl blocked Jack Pye’s toucher leaving last year’s winner with no real shot to play. Ryan went forward to the Semi Finals.
Gary Best and Jason Woods was a game of two halves with Jason taking an early lead only for Gary to fight back. In the end an extra end was required which saw Jason progress to the Semi Finals.
Chris Mann and Morgan Warnes was another close game going down to the final end. Chris Mann held on to move into the Semi Finals.
AJ Pye overcame Jason Martin winning 10-6. Leaving the Thetford man rueing some missed chances.
The Semi Finals saw Chris Mann completely outplay Jason Woods. Chris peppered a short set jack and as much as Jason tried Chris had an answer.
The other Semi Final saw AJ Pye play Ryan Fox. Another excellent display of bowls saw the game decided on an extra end where AJ had run the jack into the ditch leaving Ryan with a difficult shot to gain victory. He just missed so AJ moved forward to the final.
The third and fourth playoff produced some excellent bowling and saw Jason Woods take the lead. However, on the penultimate end Ryan Fox took the lead picking up a four. Ryan held his nerve and gained victory on the last end. Ryan progresses to the National Championships.
The final produced some excellent bowling with both players playing a mixture of draw shots and aggressive bowls. In a very close game AJ Pye held a slender lead after 7 ends of 2 shots. AJ played some controlled bowls over the last couple of ends to take the title winning 8-4. Both AJ Pye and Chris Mann go forward to the National Championships.
A huge thankyou to all those who helped setting up and putting away, to the markers and all players for sticking to the timetable. A special mention to Will Townsend who helped throughout the day and also John Jeffery (Assistant Competition Secretary).
AJ Pye - Norfolk Singles Champion 2025-26
Chris Mann - Norfolk Singles Runner-up 2025-26