Norfolk Over 60’s entertained Friends of Essex for the second leg of their annual challenge match on Sunday at Hingham Sports & Social Club. With Tony Ealham’s Essex team ten points up from the first leg the home side knew they would have a battle on their hands to continue their winning streak after their win in North Yorkshire recently. A good start was essential, and achieved, as the first session saw Norfolk’s triples take an 11-5 points win across the eight mats in play. Geoff Payne, Colin Hayman & Mel Barker led the way with a 14-5 win that proved to be the first of four straight wins for Barker’s triple on the day. Steve Easter, Billie Barker & David Blundell were also in great form recording a 14-6 win and also went on to add three more wins for maximum points. The pairs then came out for the second session, and although Norfolk scored a total of 96 shots against 64, the points were shared at eight each with both teams winning four games. The visitors hit back in the third session with their triples taking a 10-6 points win but their hopes of holding on to their aggregate lead took a massive hit when the pairs returned to the mats for session four. Norfolk won across all eight mats with Will Townsend & Terry Newby racing to a 21-1 win on mat one. Lesley Turner & Tony Ottewell’s 13-10 win was their second of the day and they would go on to win their last two games as well for maximum points. Norfolk stamped their authority on the game in the next triples session winning six of the eight games to open up a 120-104 aggregate points lead with two sessions remaining. The seventh session saw Norfolk’s triples win five of the eight games to guarantee victory. The last session was shared on points but again Norfolk racked up superior shots as Jill Hayman & George Hume won 20-2 and Pat Saunders & Selwyn Goldsmith won 18-4. The final aggregate score was 138-118 on point, 1,111 – 1,027 on shots, in favour of Norfolk Over 60’s. As always the two leg encounter with Friends of Essex was a very enjoyable experience for all with players from both sides renewing friendships with their opponents who have become firm friends over the years. Norfolk Over 60’s Organiser Teresa Goldsmith thanked Mike & Jan Smail who provided a lunch for all players, Joan Costello for running the raffle and Cynthia Powell for keeping teas & coffees on the go. Teresa also thanked the Norfolk players for all their work on the day setting up the venue for bowls and dining.
Tony Ealham & Teresa Goldsmith
Line-up time for Norfolk Over 60's & Friends of Essex
Game on!
Norfolk bowlers resting between games
Ready for the next session?
Will Townsend - 21-1 win with Terry Newby