Summer League Presentations

The NCSMBA Summer League held its Presentation Evening at Thorpe Marriott following the close of the 2011 summer season which saw Bob Carter successfully defend the Division One title finishing sixteen points clear of second placed Wymondham. Thurton were crowned Division Two champions finishing just three points ahead of Horsford “B” who will join them in the top flight next summer. Division Three champions were Horsford “A” who finished four points ahead of Watton Green. Bob Carter were also presented with the Summer Cup and Kirby Bedon “A” received the runners-up trophies. The successful teams enjoyed an informal night of bowling before tucking in to refreshments provided by the Thorpe Marriott ladies which was followed by the Presentation Ceremony and Photo-Call.   

                                                              Presentation Night Photo-Call
                                                                                                                                                            Posted 17-9-11

The annual Potters Cup weekend at Potters Leisure Resort in Hopton-on-Sea attracted its biggest ever entry with over 200 attending one of the biggest weekends in short mat bowls. 21 mats were in use in Potters famous International Arena and an appreciative audience witnessed one of the closest Potters Cup finals seen in years which was finally decided on a dramatic extra end. In a remarkable twist Felthorpe’s Mick & Val Harris both reached the final for the first time but on opposite sides of the fence. Mick was playing at lead for Anglian Windows stars Diane & Mike Boswell while Val was playing at lead for Suffolk’s Margaret Hastings & Bob Cousins. Mike Boswell ditched the jack on the opening end to take a 1-0 lead and umpire Peter Smart declared the second end to be no-scoring after deciding that both triples had a bowl touching the jack when he was called in to adjudicate. On the third end Bob Cousins’ triple moved 3-1 up after Mike Boswell was forced to attack the head with his final bowl but to no effect. Bob Cousins tapped the jack through to increase their lead to 4-1 on the fourth end but Boswell’s triple were back on terms at 4-4 after six ends. A superb backhand draw by Margaret Hastings and a perfect final wood by Cousins saw them take a three shot lead on the seventh end but that would prove to be their last scoring shots. Bob Cousins looked in control of the next end until Mike Boswell saved the day with a great last wood to take two shots and then held on to take a single on the last scheduled end to earn a 7-7 draw and force an extra end. With tension high the extra end began with some loose woods but came alive when Diane Boswell drew in a good bowl which was immediately outdrawn by Margaret Hastings. Mike Boswell dealt the killer blow taking out Hastings bowl and Bob Cousins failed to change the situation with his last wood leaving Boswell’s triple celebrating an 8-7 victory. The Potters Shield Final saw the talented Wymondham triple of Mark Linsdell, Debbie Phillips & Chris Mann sweep to a stunning 14-2 win against Joan Southton, Don Pamment & Pauline Pamment of Essex. Mann’s triple were just 3-2 up after four ends but there was simply no stopping them after that as they collected eleven shots over the remaining ends without reply. The ever popular Potters Cash Pairs saw just five pairs finish on maximum points with shot difference used to decide the four cash winners. The £100 first prize was won by Wymondham’s Mark Linsdell & Debbie Phillips who completed a hugely successful Potters weekend with +46 shots. In second place was Hempnall’s Jon Sparham & Wymondham’s Chris Mann with +34 shots. North Yorkshire’s Rose Haynes & Roger Green of Great Ouseburn were third with +27 shots and Jim & Jean Wetherill of North Yorkshire’s Knaresborough club were fourth with +19. The unlucky pair to miss out on the money despite winning all their games were last year’s winners Neil Davidson of Hempnall & Peter Smart of Sprowston with  +16 shots. Potters Cup organiser Teresa Goldsmith introduced popular Potters entertainer Mark Brewer who conducted the Potters Cup Presentation Ceremony. At the beginning of the weekend Potter’s Mark Brewer announced that next year’s Potters Cup Weekend will begin on Friday August 31^st.  He also announced the launch of a brand new event called The East Coast Triples, which will begin on Monday 7^th May 2012 and run through until Friday 11^th May. This event will be run by Potters Cup organisers Teresa & Selwyn Goldsmith and details can be obtained from Teresa by ringing 01603-403628.

            Potters Cash Pairs 3rd - Roger Green & Rose Haynes of Great Ouseburn (North Yorks) with Richard Beare

Potters Cash Pairs 4th - Jim & Jean Wetherill of Knaresborough, North Yorkshire with Richard Beare

                                                                                                                               Posted 6-9-11

Boswell saves the day for Windows

Anglian Windows’ county team star Mike Boswell ensured Division Two survival as he skipped his triple to two big wins and earn a 4-4 draw at home to Thorpe Marriott “A” in their final match of the season. The result sent Anglian Windows ahead of Framingham Earl on shot difference and condemned Framingham Earl to relegation. Diane Boswell, Keith Halford & Mike Boswell cruised to a first half 18-5 win against S Warnes’ triple but Marriott’s Sheila Redwood, Trevor Pinchen & Tony Turner hit back with a 25-8 win against A Johnson’s triple. After the break Mike Boswell’s triple, with Avril Walker substituting for Diane Halford, beat Tony Turner’s triple 20-8 to keep Anglian Windows Division Two status intact but Sylvia Turner’s 15-14 win earned the visitors a draw. The last game in Division One saw Hevingham needing maximum points at home to Kirby Bedon “B” to finish in third place but they were held to a 4-4 draw and finish fourth. The visitors took a 4-0 points lead in the first half as Peter Johnson, Bob Pattison & Gerald Chilvers beat Vic Woods’ triple 14-13 and Shirley Brown, Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown beat David Sharpe’s triple 20-13. Sharpe & Woods both skipped their triples to second half wins to earn Hevingham a 4-4 draw but it was not enough to overhaul Kirby Bedon “A” for third place. The final Division Three match of the season was contested by the two bottom teams. Deaf Sports emerged with a 5-3 win at Thorpe Marriott “B” with Gillian Amos, John Robertson & Robin Amos drawing their opening game 14-14 and winning their second game by 15-8 against Malcolm Roe’s triple.  

Over 200 set to go to Potters Cup Weekend

Over 200 people will be heading to Potters Leisure Resort this Friday for the 11^th Annual Potters Cup event organized by Teresa & Selwyn Goldsmith. The biggest ever entry of 61 triples will take to the mats on Saturday in the famous International Arena with bowlers from Norfolk, Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Kent, North Yorkshire, Lincolnshire & Cheshire taking part. Defending champions Gill Bunn, David Bunn & Pat Williamson of Norfolk side Hevingham will be there as will three times winner Phil Watson of Kirby Bedon and his triple. 2009 winners Jon Sparham of Hempnall, David Lamb of Halvergate & Paul Baker of Hempnall will also be taking part. North Yorkshire’s Roger Green, who played well in last season’s National Fours at Kempston, will be skipping a triple in the Potters Cup for the first time. Another top North Yorks bowler, Arthur Jackson, will be playing with Saxlingham’s Alice & Geoff Payne. Mark Linsdell, Debbie Phillips & Chris Mann of Wymondham are sure to be in the hunt as will Suffolk’s Terry Cooke, Doreen Cook & Derek Barley. Shirley Minx of Essex always plays well in this event and her triple will be one to watch.

                         Last season's Potter's Cup Winners Pat Williamson, David Bunn & Gill Bunn

Thurton Division Two Champions as

Div One beckons for Thurton & Horsford “B”

Thurton are Division Two champions after finishing three points clear of runners-up Horsford “B”. A 6-2 away win for Thurton at Watton Yellow was vital in clinching them the title. Jenny Walker, Pam Grint & Peter Walker won their games by 13-12 & 13-11 while Jan McClintock’s triple contributed a 13-11 win. Thurton lost their final match of the season 6-2 at Thorpe Marriott “A” where Sylvia Turner’s triple won both their games but the title was already won after Horsford “B” had lost 5-3 at home to Anglian Windows four nights earlier. Windows now require at least a draw in their final match against Thorpe Marriott “A” if they are to overhaul Framingham Earl and avoid going down with Watton Yellow.

Horsford “A” & Watton Green promoted to Div Two

Horsford “A” & Watton Green can look forward to life in Division Two next summer. Horsford “A” had already been confirmed as champions and Watton Green beat Hingham Yellow 8-0 to make sure of the runners-up spot. Roger Braham’s triple won by 15-10 & 15-12 while Ron Harvey’s triple won by 17-6 & 20-10.

                                                                                                                                     Posted 27-8-11

Thurton's Peter & Jenny Walker - Looking forward to life in the top flight!

Bob Carter beat Kirby Bedon “A” in Cup Final Classic

Bob Carter 5 (50) v Kirby Bedon “A” 3 (47)

With so much pre-match interest in the Norfolk Summer Cup Final clash between Bob Carter & Kirby Bedon “A” there was a worry that the actual event would be an anticlimax. Even ESMBA Chairman Chris Hopkins and Cheshire ace Gareth Stanway had commented on the outcome! With two current England internationals, five ex England internationals and one former Scottish international taking part all the ingredients were there for an exciting night of bowls. In reality the match lived up to all expectations and delivered a classic cup final with Bob Carter winning by 5-3 on points and 50-47 on shots at the neutral Anglian Windows venue. The match looked like finishing level on points until Melly Woods took shot with his final bowl of the night to snatch a 12-12 draw against Neil Davidson’s triple and finally put the tie beyond doubt. Carter had assembled an awesome looking side for the summer season and with the league title won and the National Club Championship in the bag they were determined to add the Summer Cup and emulate the triple crown achievement Kirby Bedon “A” pulled off in 2009. In the first half Carter’s David Lamb, John Turner & Melly Woods found themselves on the back foot against Kirby’s Teresa Goldsmith, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith but finally took the lead for the first time on the tenth end. The Kirby triple struggled to get woods into the head for the next three ends and that proved fatal as Carter took a grip on the game and won 14-10. Kirby’s Phil Watson, Alistair Hunter & Neil Davidson led 12-6 after ten ends against Carter's Nigel Willard, Trevor Brown & George Clarke. A change of skip prompted a comeback by the Carter triple but a two on the last end saw Davidson’s triple win 15-12 leaving the game level on points at the interval but with Carter just one shot up. The second half was played out at the same intense level as the first and was not for the faint hearted. The Kirby triples were unchanged but Bob Carter decided to bring in Jason Woods in place of George Clarke, with Nigel Willard at number two and Trevor Brown at skip, to face Selwyn Goldsmith’s Kirby triple. Kirby started well and led 6-1 after four ends but Brown’s triple won four out of the next five ends to level the game at 7-7. Kirby regained the lead on the ninth end but back came Carter to lead 10-9 with two ends remaining. The penultimate end decided the issue as the Kirby skip was forced to drive the jack back from a two down position. The jack stayed live though and two great woods by Trevor Brown gave Carter a 12-9 lead to take into the last end. The last end had to be replayed after Carter killed the end and Jason Woods ditched the jack from the lead position on the replayed end. With Carter’s toucher close to the ditch Kirby were in deep trouble and the best they could do was take a single with the skips last bowl to leave Brown’s triple celebrating a 12-10 win. On mat two Carter’s David Lamb, John Turner & Melvin Woods were quick off the blocks against Phil Watson, Alistair Hunter & Neil Davidson and led 6-0 after three ends. A determined fight back by Davidson’s triple took them into a 9-8 lead after ten ends. Carter edged back into the lead scoring two shots on the eleventh end and a single on end twelve to lead 11-9. The Kirby triple hit back to win the next two ends and with one end to play led 12-11. Neil Davidson’s triple still had shot after he had played his last wood but Carter supporters erupted as Melly Woods took shot with his final bowl to earn a 12-12 draw and seal a 5-3 victory for Bob Carter to lift the Summer Cup.

                                                                                                               Posted 24-8-11 

Bob Carter - Norfolk Summer Cup winners 2011

L to R. George Clarke, David Lamb, Trevor Brown, Nigel Willard (Captain), Melvin Woods, Jason Woods, John Turner

Melvin Woods joins Lamb & Mann in England Squad

The full England squad, numbering 51 players, has been named for the 2011/12 season by team manager Keith Smith. It was already known that Halvergate’s David Lamb & Wymondham’s Chris Mann were in the squad but Bob Carter’s Melvin Woods has also retained his place. The requirement of England players to appear for their county sides in I.C.C action continues to deny England the opportunity to name all of their very best players to compete in the all important British Isles Championships. Notable names missing from the squad this time include Grant Soller, Gareth Stanway, Steve McAllister & Trevor Brown.

England Senior Squad 2011/12 Season

Norfolk (3) – David Lamb, Chris Mann, Melvin Woods

West Sussex (1) – Keith Hawkins

Essex – (7) Craig Burgess, Anthony Fautley, Dom Reed, Nigel Reed, Jack Shephard, Matt Sifford, Mitchell Young

Northants (2) – Chris Hopkins, Edward Sawbridge

North Yorks (5) – Bronagh Malone, David Newsome, Ben Render, Gareth Townend, Jacinta Townend

West Mids (3) – Keith Alders, Simon Willies, Chris Willies

Shropshire (7) – Darren Beardsmore, Herbie Bowden, Warwick France, Alan Jones, Nick Tideswell, Alan Williams, Chris Williams

Oxfordshire (6) – Julian Bradbury, A.J Brown, Micheal Keevil, Roger Wiggins, David Wiggins, Les Woodward

Hampshire (3) – James Bucknall, Jason McLean, Ben Pay

Cheshire (3)  – John Manley, Stephen Proctor, Martin Walker

East Sussex (1) – Andrew Beard

Cornwall (2) – Peter Hore, Karen Watson

Devon (3) – Lee Toleman, James Trott, Michael Ivings

Surrey (1)  – Mark Jones

Somerset (2)  – Chris Shakeshaft, Kevin Pinkawa

Warwickshire (1) – Jon Pitcher

Gloucestershire (1)  – Ryan Knight

Melvin Woods of Bob Carter - Back for England

ESMBA Chairman Chris Hopkins - named in England Squad

                                                                                                           Posted 23-8-11

Wymondham clinch runner-up spot

As expected Wymondham clinched the runner-up spot in Division One with a decisive 8-0 home win against Kirby Bedon “B” in their final match of the season. Neither side was at full strength but Wymondham proved too strong for the visitors to contain. Pat Saunders, Mark Linsdell & Brian Saunders beat Gerald Chilver’s triple 23-8 in the first half and added a 16-12 win against Joe Brown after the break. Peter King, Andrew Stratton & Chris Mann opened with a 16-9 win against Joe Brown. In the second half Mary Fisher substituted for Peter King in an 18-13 win against Peter Johnson, Carol Johnson & Gerald Chilvers.   

                                                                                                                      Posted 22-8-11

Thurton & Horsford “B” battle for Division Two title

The fierce battle for the Summer League Division Two title continues but both Horsford “B” & Thurton look certain to occupy the top two places and clinch promotion to the top flight. Thurton took ten points from this week’s games to move just two points behind leaders Horsford “B” and have the advantage of a game in hand. Thurton will be pleased with a 4-4 draw at Diss, a venue where it is never easy to get a result. Shirley Francis, Trish Taylor & Terry Newby opened in style for Diss with a 21-8 win against Trevor Howard’s triple and Keith Buck’s triple added to Thurton’s first half misery as they beat Peter Walker’s triple 13-12. Thurton hit back after the break to claim a draw as Peter Walker’s triple beat Terry Newby 14-10 and Margaret Newcome’s triple beat Keith Buck 14-7. Thurton moved nearer to promotion with a 6-2 home win against Anglian Windows. Margaret Newcome, Kerry Greenacre & Jan McClintock were in sparkling form winning their first game 22-5, and with John Ford subbing for Newcome, beat county star Mike Boswell 17-10 in their second game. Horsford “B” needed to win at Diss to keep clear blue water between themselves and Thurton but failed. Graham Mobbs’ triple beat former Bob Carter star Roger Frank 16-9 and followed that up with a 13-12 win against Keith Chapman in a 6-2 home win for Diss. Thorpe Marriott “A” saw their outside chance of promotion diminish further as they lost 6-2 at Diss Green where Graham Mobbs’ triple won by 17-11 & 17-10. Bottom team Watton Yellow are relegated and either Anglian Windows or Framingham Earl will go down with them. Windows need to pick up ten points from their last two games to be sure of overhauling a Framingham Earl side who have already completed their fixtures. It is surprising to see both sides struggling in Division Two when recently Framingham Earl were in Division One while Anglian Windows surely have too many good players to be where they are. Horsford “A” are Division Three champions and can look forward to promotion but Watton Green, Hingham Green & Deaf Sport all have a chance of grabbing the remaining promotion spot. Watton Green thumped Deaf Sport 8-0 to make themselves firm favourites to go up. Roger Braham’s triple beat Dennis Kemble 19-8 and Roger kept up the pressure beating Robin Amos 18-12. Daphne Braham’s triple beat Robin Amos 14-11 and Dennis Kemble 16-8 to complete a whitewash. Hingham Green are in no mood to concede the runner-up spot yet as they showed in a superb 8-0 win at Thorpe Marriott “B”. The home side conceded 82 shots against a rampant Hingham side as Ken Buller’s triple won by 19-10 & 19-4 and John Higgs won by 28-8 & 16-8. Summer League champions Bob Carter completed their league campaign with a 6-2 win at relegated First Bus. The contrast between these two sides is summed up by the statistics, 11 wins and one draw for Carter and 11 defeats and one draw for First Bus.  

Battle for runner-up spot heats up

Wymondham suffered a 6-2 defeat in their penultimate league match away to Kirby Bedon “A”. The result leaves the battle for the runner-up spot still in question with both Wymondham & Hevingham having one game each to play while Kirby Bedon “A” now occupy the position just ahead of both. The evening proved a nightmare for Pat Saunders, Peter King & Debbie Phillips who suffered two heavy defeats. In the first half they slumped to a 20-3 defeat against Leonora Chilman, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith and trailed 16-0 after nine ends. After the break their misery continued as they went down 21-4 against Neil Davidson, John Aggas & Phil Watson. Roger Steele, Brian Saunders & Chris Mann earned what could be two vital points for the visitors in the first half as they beat Carol Aggas, John Aggas & Phil Watson 12-10 despite winning just six ends. End twelve proved to be fatal for Watson’s triple as Mann’s triple picked up five shots. After the break Jill Watson, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith enjoyed a great start against Chris Mann’s triple moving into an 11-2 lead after seven ends. A change of playing order saw Brian Saunders move to skip for Wymondham and it paid dividends as the visitors stormed back to take a 12-11 lead with three ends to go. The closing ends were not for the faint hearted but Goldsmith’s triple scored three singles to win 14-12. 

                                                                                                                                              Posted 16-8-11

Trevor “The Beast” Brown wins Thrash Singles

The Neil Davidson organized “Thrash Singles” at Carleton Rode featured twelve of Norfolk’s top singles players and proved an exciting affair with an innovative scoring system in place to encourage positive play. Extra points were awarded to any player scoring a full-house with points deducted for any player conceding four shots on an end. Bob Carter’s Trevor Brown reached the final against Wymondham’s young England ace Chris Mann and Trevor’s vast international experience helped him to a 5-0 lead after three ends. Chris Mann had no intention of going down easily though and hit back to lead after seven ends. A full-house by Trevor Brown on the penultimate end gave him a 10-6 lead to take into the final end on which Chris Mann could only score a single leaving Brown the first winner of the Thrash Singles. A great night was had by all and hopefully the competitive play will have helped players prepare for the start of the county season.

Mobb’s triple star in vital Diss win

Keith Buck, Gill Coleman & Graham Mobbs won both their games as Diss beat Framingham Earl 6-2 to move off the bottom of Division Two. In their first game they beat Karl Bunn’s triple 14-10 and followed that up with a 17-9 win against Mervyn Blaza’s triple. The result lifts Diss above Watton Yellow and leaves them just three points behind Anglian Windows.

                                                                                                                                         Posted 14-8-11

Carter win semi-final classic at Hevingham

A sensational Summer Cup Semi-Final tie at Hevingham saw three games won by just one shot as Bob Carter overcame their Division One rivals. In the first half Carter’s Nigel Willard, Trevor Brown & George Clarke were 16-15 winners against Ian MacLean, Marjorie Hall & Pat Williamson and their first half joy was complete as David Lamb, John Turner & Melvin Woods beat Pat Bunn, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe 13-12. After the break Ian MacLean, Marjorie Hall & Pat Williamson hit back for Hevingham with a 12-11 win against David Lamb, John Turner & Melvin Woods but the night belonged to Carter as Nigel Willard, Trevor Brown & George Clarke ran out 18-14 winners against Pat Bunn, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe. Bob Carter will now meet Kirby Bedon “A” in the Summer Cup Final at Anglian Windows on Tuesday 23rd August. 

                                                                                                                     Posted 12-8-11

Double away joy for Kirby “A”

First Bus will probably greet the end of the season with relief after suffering their tenth league defeat in eleven games at home to Kirby Bedon “A”. Ralph Wilson, John Cummins & Maurice Kemp kept things tight against Kirby’s Phil Watson, Neil Davidson & John Aggas and the game was level at 9-9 after eight ends. A late flurry of shots propelled the visiting triple to a 19-13 win. Another close game saw Kirby’s Carol Aggas, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith survive a spirited comeback by Maureen Munford, Colin Coman & Bob Oatway to win 11-10. After the break Goldsmith’s triple enjoyed a comfortable 18-6 win against Ralph Wilson, Elaine Oatway & Maurice Kemp. John Aggas’ triple also appeared in control leading 11-4 after ten ends against Bob Oatway but with an end remaining the home side were just one shot behind. Oatway appeared to have done enough to earn First Bus a consolation win until John Aggas produced a great final bowl to give Kirby a 15-12 win on shots and an 8-0 away win. Hevingham’s hopes of finishing as runners-up in Div One took a knock as they suffered a 6-2 home defeat against a rejuvenated Kirby Bedon “A” side who have surged up the table. Carol Aggas, Neil Davidson & Selwyn Goldsmith opened with a 20-11 win followed by a 15-9 win with Jill Watson subbing for Carol Aggas at lead. Phil Watson, Jim Couling & John Aggas added a 17-14 win while Marjorie Hall, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe scored a consolation 15-14 win for Hevingham against John Aggas.

                                                                                                                                               Posted 10-8-11

Wymondham beat Kirby “A” 5-3 to move second

A superb match at Wymondham produced four tight games that all went to the wire. In the first half Wymondham’s Jack Barrett, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann faced Kirby’s Phil Watson, John Aggas & Neil Davidson and after thirteen ends the game was level at 14-14. The Wymondham triple dug deep to score one shot on the fourteenth and another two on the last end to win 17-14. On the other mat Pat Saunders, Peter King & Debbie Phillips had built up a 10-5 lead after eleven ends against Alistair Hunter, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith but the Kirby triple took the last four ends to earn a 10-10 draw. After the break Goldsmith’s triple faced Mann’s triple and another great game developed with the Kirby triple scoring a four on end twelve to level the game at 13-13. Chris Mann’s triple scored a single on the thirteenth to move ahead but Kirby replied with three shots to take a 16-14 lead into the last end. Four superb bowls by Hunter & Couling put all the pressure on Wymondham number two Mark Linsdell but he produced two stunning attack shots to leave the home side holding two. Selwyn Goldsmith drew his opening wood onto the jack to leave skip Chris Mann in trouble but Mann produced a brilliant shot to open the end up again. Goldsmith drew his last wood into the head leaving Chris Mann with a difficult shot choice. After a long delay while the Wymondham triple decided on the shot to play Mann stepped up on to the mat. His shot left a measure to determine shot wood but Kirby emerged with another single for a 17-14 win. On mat 2 Pat Saunders, Brian Saunders & Debbie Phillips faced Neil Davidson’s unchanged triple. The Wymondham triple had a flying start and appeared to be on their way to the only comfortable win of the game leading 10-1 after six ends. A change of playing order in the Kirby triple saw John Aggas at skip and the change worked wonders for Kirby as they came back strongly to level the game at 12-12 after twelve ends. Two singles for Wymondham saw them take back the lead at 14-12 with one end remaining. When John Aggas stepped up to play the last bowl Debbie Phillips held shot but a running wood from the Kirby skip had every chance of taking the Wymondham bowl out of the head to snatch a win. To the relief of the Wymondham side the Kirby bowl just came under the head and missed Debbie Phillips’ bowl leaving the home triple with a 15-12 win on shots and a 5-3 home win on points. The match was a great advert for short mat bowls at its competitive best.  

Wymondham skip Debbie Phillips & Kirby "A" skip Selwyn Goldsmith - 3 points apiece

                                                                                                          Posted 7-8-11

Thurton’s Cup Run ends as Kirby Bedon “A” reach final

Kirby Bedon “A” claimed a Summer Cup Final place beating Thurton 8-0. The Division Two team faced a difficult task drawn away to Kirby “A” but fought hard in the first half. Maureen Newson, Pam Grint & Trevor Howard were just two shots down with three ends to go against Carol Aggas, John Aggas & Phil Watson but the Kirby triple eased home by 16-10. Shirley George, Kerry Greenacre & Jan McClintock made a poor start and trailed by 9-0 after just three ends against Leonora Chilman, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith but hit back to narrow the gap to 13-9 after nine ends. The home triple moved up a gear after that winning all but one of the remaining ends to score a 27-12 win. After the break substitutes Jill Watson & Alistair Hunter entered the fray for Kirby to play at lead & number two with Selwyn Goldsmith against Trevor Howard’s triple. A low scoring game saw Kirby edge to a 7-1 lead after eight ends but then a flurry of shots saw Goldsmith’s triple win 22-3. Phil Watson’s unchanged triple pulled clear early on against Jan McClintock’s triple and went on to win 22-6 and ensure a place in the Summer Cup final.     

                                          Kirby's Alistair Hunter pictured in his Scottish international days

Thorpe Marriott “A” Promotion Push

The Division Two promotion battle heated up as Thorpe Marriott “A” pulled off a 6-2 win at second placed Thurton. Janet Pinchen, Trevor Pinchen & Sylvia Turner won 17-12 against Peter Walker’s triple and the Pinchens, this time with S Warnes, also won against Trevor Howard’s triple. Marriott’s other win was scored by Tony Turner’s triple who beat Trevor Howard 14-10. Their late push for promotion continued with an 8-0 maximum home win against Framingham Earl with the night’s biggest win of 18-6 scored by Sheila Redwood, D Knights & S Warnes. Anglian Window’s 6-2 home win against Watton Yellow eased their relegation fears as Mike Boswell’s triple stormed to wins of 21-10 & 23-9. The bottom two teams met with Watton winning a tight match 5-3 at Diss. David Quadling, Joan Bebee & Margaret Hunter were Watton Yellow’s match winners with a 17-12 win against Terry Newby’s triple and a 12-12 draw against Graham Mobbs. In Division Three Horsford “A” are now confirmed as champions and the only question to be answered is who goes up with them. This division is so close that any of the other six teams could still finish in the runner-up spot. Watton Green helped their cause with a 5-3 home win against Hingham Green with J Capell, B Davies & R Harvey winning by 18-11 & 16-11. Hingham Yellow held on to third spot beating Thorpe Marriott “B” 6-2. Deaf Sports are putting their poor early season form behind them as they won again, this time by 6-2 at home to Hingham Green with Robin Amos winning twice. Kirby Bedon “A” claimed a Summer Cup Final place beating Thurton 8-0 with Selwyn Goldsmith’s triple winning 27-12 & 22-3 while Phil Watson’s triple won by 16-10 & 22-6. Thurton will be pleased to have reached the semi-final stage, the only team outside Division One to do so. The match will have given them a taste of how competitive the top flight can be if they win promotion this season. 

                                                                                                                                           Posted 6-8-11

                                                   Thorpe Marriott's Trevor Pinchen in relaxed mood

Bob Carter retain Summer League Championship 

Bob Carter have won the Summer League Championship title for the second year running after an 8-0 home win against Kirby Bedon "B" made it impossible for any other team to catch them. It has been an excellent season for Carter who are still unbeaten. They won the National Club Championship title for the first time at the weekend and have reached the Summer Cup semi-final stage. If Bob Carter go on to win the cup as well they will emulate the "triple crown" feat achieved by Kirby Bedon "A" in 2009.
                                                                                                                                        Posted 4-8-11

 Alan Baldry – Rest in Peace

The N.C.S.M.B.A is saddened to learn of the death of Alan Baldry of Watton Short Mat Bowls Club. Alan died suddenly on Tuesday 26th July, he was aged 74. Alan previously played for Wayland S.M.B.C. The N.C.S.M.B.A would like to express their condolences to Alan’s family and friends. The funeral will take place at Earlham Crematorium on Wednesday 10th August at noon.

Hevingham hand Division Two ticket to First Bus

Any hopes First Bus had of avoiding relegation from the top flight were finally brought to an end as they went down 5-3 at home to Hevingham. The visitors went into the match needing every point they could get in their battle at the top end of the table and won both opening games. Ian MacLean, Marjorie Hall & Pat Williamson battled back from behind to beat Colin Coman, John Cummins & Bob Oatway 15-10 while Pat Bunn, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe beat Ralph Wilson, George Munford & Maurice Kemp 17-12. First Bus fared better after the break with Ralph Wilson, Maureen Munford & Maurice Kemp winning 17-7 against Pat Williamson’s triple. With Julia Cummins subbing for John Cummins the other game also looked like going the way of First Bus but David Sharpe’s triple came from behind to grab an 11-11 draw.

                                                                                                                   Posted 2-8-11

David Sharpe - a win & a draw at First Bus

Bob Carter beat Wymondham on shots in National Club Championship Thriller

It was an all Norfolk showdown in this year’s National Club Championships as Bob Carter & Wymondham met in the final at Kempston I.B.C in Bedfordshire. The Norfolk teams were in separate groups with Bob Carter up against defending champions Doddington of Cambs, Kent side Burham & Templecombe of Somerset. Wymondham’s opposition in the group stage were Chanctonbury of West Sussex, Hazelbury Bryan of Dorset & Middlezoy of Somerset. Bob Carter & Wymondham both made great starts and quickly established themselves as favourites to reach the final. Having duly disposed of the competition from the other counties the two Norfolk sides faced each other in the final. Wymondham captain Chris Mann scored a notable 12-9 win against Trevor Brown to give Wymondham a super start in the singles game. A close 5-3 rinks win for Jack Barrett, Mark Linsdell, Debbie Phillips & Andrew Stratton against Jason Woods, George Clarke, David Lamb & Melvin Woods put Wymondham 4-0 up on points. Carter hit back with a 13-7 pairs win for Trevor Brown & Nigel Willard against Mikey George & Chris Mann. The triples game also went Carter’s way as John Turner, David Lamb & Melvin Woods beat Mark Linsdell, Debbie Phillips & Andrew Stratton 7-4. With the points tied at 4-4 Bob Carter’s total shots of 32 against Wymondham’s 28  earned the bonus point that made them the new National Club Championship title holders.  

Bob Carter L to R. George Clarke, Trevor Brown, David Lamb, Nigel Willard, Jason Woods, Melvin Woods & John Turner

Wymondham L to R. Chris Mann, Debs Phillips, Mark Linsdell, Mikey George, Andy Stratton & Jack Barrett

                                                                                                                                              Posted 31-7-11

Relegation Trapdoor opens for Sprowston

The relegation trapdoor opened for Sprowston as they were beaten 8-0 at Kirby Bedon “A” in a vital Division One clash between two teams who have struggled for points this season. Leonora Chilman, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith stormed to a 23-5 win against Colin Thornton, David Fuller & Terry Fletcher to give Kirby a great start. Fuller switched with Fletcher in an effort to stem the tide but there was no way back in this game. Carol Aggas, John Aggas & Phil Watson added a 13-10 win against Margaret Poynter, Les Chadwick & John Poynter in a game that was level at 8-8 after ten ends but three shots on end twelve proved vital for Kirby. The clock was ticking on Sprowston’s time in the top flight as the second half saw Jill Watson, John Aggas & Phil Watson win 22-6 as Fletcher’s triple again struggled. With substitute Neil Davidson putting in a faultless performance at lead with Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith the Kirby triple beat Poynter’s triple 13-8 leaving Sprowston one off the bottom with all their games played. In their previous match Sprowston had gone down 6-2 at Bob Carter where Jamie Foster, Jason Woods & George Clarke won their games 17-15 & 19-8 for Carter. After nine consecutive league wins Summer League leaders Bob Carter were forced to settle for a share of the points at Hevingham. The home side enjoyed a brilliant start as Pat Bunn, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe beat Melvin Woods’ triple 20-12 and Gill Bunn, Marjorie Hall & Ian MacLean beat George Clarke’s triple by 14-12. Bob Carter came out fighting in the second half to earn a 4-4 draw with Frank Edy, David Lamb & Melvin Woods winning 15-12 against MacLean’s triple while Nigel Willard, Trevor Brown & George Clarke beat David Sharpe’s triple 24-5. In Division Two Horsford “B” are still on course for promotion. They won 8-0 at home to Watton Yellow with Lynn Frank, Duncan Nixon & Roger Frank winning by 15-13 & 17-6. Peter Fox, Carol Kemp & Keith Chapman won 14-7 and, with Sue Fox subbing for Carol Kemp, they won 24-7. Four nights later Horsford “B” drew 4-4 at Thorpe Marriott where all four triples won a game apiece. Watton Yellow won 5-3 at home to Framingham Earl with D Quadling, Joan Bebee & Margaret Hunter winning by 13-7 & 16-14. Division Three is also seeing success for Horsford as their unbeaten “A” team is pushing for promotion. They won 6-2 at home to Deaf Sport with David Woodrow’s triple winning by 16-8 & 16-10.

                                 Summer Cup Quarter-Final Round-Up

Bob Carter are through to the Summer Cup semi-finals after a hard fought win at Kirby Bedon “B”. In the first session a vital last bowl by the Carter skip saw Jon Sparham, George Clarke & Nigel Willard snatch victory against Gerald Chilver’s Kirby triple. On the other mat Carter’s Frank Edy, Trevor Brown & Melvin Woods were trailing with two ends remaining but won both ends to grab a 12-10 win. Shirley Brown, Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown hit back for Kirby after the break beating Nigel Willard’s triple 15-5 but Melvin Woods’ triple saw Carter over the finishing line with a 16-11 win. A great cup-tie at Diss saw visitors Thurton win the match by just two shots after the tie finished level at 4-4 on points. Jenny Walker, Jan McClintock & Trevor Howard were Thurton’s heroes beating Graham Mobbs’ triple 25-6 and Terry Newby’s triple 17-7. Thurton are now the only team outside Division One still in the cup. Hevingham proved too strong on their own mats for visitors Hingham Green to cope with. Mervyn Williamson, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe won by 18-8 & 18-9 while Pat Williamson’s triple added a 19-12 win. As previously reported Kirby Bedon “A” won at home to Horsford “B”. The semi-final draw has produced a mouth-watering all Division One clash with Hevingham entertaining Bob Carter. Division Two side Thurton face a difficult away tie against Kirby Bedon “A”.

                                                                                                                  Posted 30-7-11

Wymondham held at First Bus

After eight consecutive defeats First Bus will be delighted with a 4-4 draw at home to Wymondham. First Bus will have been surprised at the visitors line-up with several regulars missing from their team. In the first half Colin Coman, J Cummins & Bob Oatway looked to be on their way to defeat against Wymondham’s Mary Fisher, Jack Barrett & Chris Mann as they trailed 11-6 after twelve ends. Oatway’s triple pulled one shot back on the thirteenth but then shocked Mann’s triple as they took another four shots on the penultimate end to level the game at 11-11. England international Chris Mann was left with a difficult draw with his last bowl to try to win the game but he failed and Oatway’s triple were left celebrating a 13-11 win. Wymondham’s other triple was made up of Mikey George, Roger Steele & Peter King and they made sure the visitors went into the interval on level terms beating Ralph Wilson, Maureen Munford & George Munford 17-11. Two great woods by Peter King on end twelve helped Wymondham score a vital four and pull 12-8 ahead and there was no way back for First Bus from then on. After the break Chris Mann’s triple, with Jack Barrett moving up a gear, hit good form to beat George Munford’s triple 20-7 but the home side were not to be denied a draw. Colin Coman, Elaine Oatway & Bob Oatway made a storming start against Peter King’s triple leading 13-1 after nine ends. A comeback by the visiting triple came too late to save the game with Oatway’s triple finishing 15-9 up to earn a draw for First Bus, the first time they have avoided defeat in Summer League action this season. 

                                                                                                                                                                                              Posted 26-7-11    

Bob Carter racked up another win, this time by 6-2 at Kirby Bedon “B”, and are still hot favourites to retain the Norfolk Summer League title. The first half was shared with Kirby’s Shirley Brown, Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown beating Carter’s Kim Bridge, Trevor Brown & Nigel Willard by 12-8 while Carter’s Jason Woods, David Lamb & Melly Woods beat Bernie Cudden, Bob Pattison & Gerald Chilvers by 22-13. After the break it was all Carter as Jason Woods, Frank Edy & Melly Woods won 14-7 and Kim Bridge, Trevor Brown & Nigel Willard won 15-9. In Division Two, title chasing Horsford “B” suffered their first league defeat of the season and it was on their own mats. Two close first half games both went Framingham Earl’s way as Ray Jennings, Mervyn Blaza & Karl Bunn won 12-11 against Roger Frank and Joan Blaza, Debbie Bunn & Colin Emms beat Keith Chapman’s triple 14-12. The second half saw the Jennings-Blaza-Bunn triple clinch the match for the visitors beating Peter Fox, Mally Kemp & Keith Chapman by 15-13. Roger Frank’s triple scored a consolation victory for Horsford winning 20-5 against Colin Emms. Bottom team Watton will be pleased with a 6-2 home win against Thorpe Marriott “B” that will give them fresh hope of avoiding relegation. Maggie Dibble, Brian Dibble & John Hunter did the business beating both Ted Redwood’s triple & Tony Turner’s triple by the same score-line of 12-11. Watton’s Eddie Bebee, Joan Bebee & Margaret Hunter got the biggest win of the night beating Janet Pinchen, Trevor Pinchen & Ted Tedwood by 22-2 while Tony Turner’s triple scored Marriott’s only win. Division Three pacesetters Horsford “A” moved clear at the top with a 7-1 home win against Hingham Green as David Woodrow’s triple won by 15-10 & 17-9 & Chris Woodhouse’s triple won their first game 19-14 and drew their second game 12-12. Watton Green drew 4-4 at Hingham Yellow. The night’s biggest win was for Hingham’s Ken Thomas triple who won their second game by 20-6 while Hingham’s other win was an 18-11 victory for Jane Frary’s triple. Roger Braham skipped his Watton triple to wins of 13-9 & 16-13.

                                                                                                                                     Posted 23-7-11

 

Clarke wins twice as Carter move closer to title

Kirby Bedon "A" reach Summer Cup semi-finals

Bob Carter moved closer to retaining the Summer League title as they beat Sprowston 6-2 at Drayton. Frank Edy, David Lamb & Trevor Brown started well beating Terry Fletcher’s triple 21-6 while Jason Woods, Jamie Foster & George Clarke added a 17-15 win against John Poynter’s triple. After the break Clarke’s triple proved too strong for Colin Thornton’s triple as they chalked up a 19-8 win. Relegation threatened Sprowston did earn two valuable points as Linda Chadwick, Les Chadwick & John Poynter pulled off a superb 18-8 win against Frank Edy, Trevor Brown & David Lamb and those points could prove vital in the fight to avoid the drop that now looks to be between First Bus, Sprowston & Kirby Bedon “A”. In the cup Kirby Bedon “A” reached the semi-final stage after a 6-2 home win against Horsford “B”. The Division Two side fought throughout, with Keith Chapman & Mark “The Marvel” Tuttle in particular proving tough nuts to crack, but Horsford’s Roger Franks’ triple had a night to forget on Kirby Bedon’s mat two. In the first half Carol Aggas, Jim Couling & Alistair Hunter beat Lynn Frank, Mally Kemp & Roger Frank 20-5 but Leonora Chilman, John Aggas & Phil Watson beat Keith Chapman’s triple 10-7 on the last end as the Kirby skip did the business. After the break Jill Watson came in for Leonora Chilman and Watson’s triple stormed to a 27-4 win against Roger Frank. Peter Fox, Mark Tuttle & Keith Chapman scored a consolation win for the visitors beating Carol Aggas, Jim Couling & Alistair Hunter 16-11.

                                                 Evening News Boobs Again!

The Norwich Evening News headline writers boobed again as last night's edition praised Sprowston for "strolling to victory over Wymondham." The column on the other hand correctly reported Wymondham's 8-0 win! It joins the list of headline boobs by the Evening News over the years, the most famous one hailed Woodbastwick as Tens League champions in a year in which they finished halfway down the table. The N.C.S.M.B.A would like to remind our readers that although the short mat bowls column in the Norwich Evening News is submitted by our Web & Press Secretary the headline is created by Evening News editorial staff. The column is also edited depending on space available. To read the full reports of what is happening in short mat bowls this web-site is the place to visit.

                                                                                                                        Posted 20-7-11

  

 Keith Chapman - Good performance for his team Horsford in their cup defeat at Kirby Bedon "A"

Hevingham Happy as they draw at Kirby

A great first half performance earned Hevingham four valuable points at Kirby Bedon “A” but the home side will be relieved to have shared the points after reshuffling their triples for the second half. With Vic Woods out of the Hevingham side awaiting an operation Pat Williamson was skipping with Ian MacClean at lead & Marjorie Hall at two. They started well against Jill Watson, John Aggas & Phil Watson and led 4-0 after two ends but the home side quickly got back on terms and a close game developed. 11-9 up with one end to go Watson’s triple could only score a single leaving the Hevingham triple with an 11-10 win. On mat two Pat Bunn, Alan Bunn & left handed David Sharpe faced Kirby’s Leonora Chilman, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith. The game was another close encounter with the home side 12-11 up with three ends to go. A two on the thirteenth gave Sharpe’s triple the lead but the penultimate end proved vital. Three down and deep in trouble David Sharpe played the bowl of the night to take the shot. Another single on the last end earned them a 15-12 win and a 4-0 points lead at the interval. Special mention must be made of the superb performance by Pat Bunn at lead who outplayed the Kirby lead throughout leaving Couling & Goldsmith constantly under pressure. For the second half Kirby brought in Neil Davidson at lead in place of Leonora Chilman and Carol Aggas in place of Jill Watson. Hevingham’s only change was Mervyn Williamson for Pat Bunn which was a surprise considering the first half showing by Pat Bunn. Carol Aggas, John Aggas & Phil Watson quickly moved into a good lead and were 17-3 up after only eight ends and there was no way back for Sharpe’s triple. The final score was 23-10 to Kirby. On mat one Kirby’s Neil Davidson, Jim Couling & Selwyn Goldsmith were in good form but so were Pat Williamson’s triple who put in a tenacious performance. The score was 7-6 to Kirby after twelve ends with neither triple giving an inch but the next end decided the issue as Kirby took a five to lead 12-6. The final score was 13-7 to Goldsmith’s triple earning Kirby a much needed 4-4 draw in their fight for Division One survival.

                                                                                                                     Posted 19-7-11

Debbie Phillips in great form as 5-Player Wymondham beat Sprowston

Wymondham would have been counting on maximum points at home to Sprowston but captain Chris Mann found himself with a headache as one of his players failed to show up for the match. Normally Wymondham have reserves in place, but with Brian & Pat Saunders on holiday, Mann had named just six players for this match so the non-appearance of Peter King left them short. Andrew Stratton & Chris Mann went out without a number two and faced Colin Thornton, David Fuller & Terry Fletcher. Playing with four woods against six is never easy but a great game developed with Wymondham leading 7-6 after ten ends. A dropped four on the next end cost the pair dearly leaving Fletcher’s triple 10-7 up but the two Norfolk county stars fought back to level the game at 10-10 after thirteen ends. Fletcher’s triple took a two on the penultimate end with Wymondham scoring a single on the last end that left the Sprowston triple winning 12-11. Wymondham’s Mary Fisher, Mark Linsdell & Debbie Phillips beat Linda Chadwick, Les Chadwick & John Poynter 20-13 to make sure the match was level at the break. Debbie Phillips was again in superb form for the home side as she skipped her triple to victory. The second half saw Stratton & Mann continue the struggle against the Chadwick-Chadwick-Poynter triple and they trailed 7-3 after four ends. They fought back to 7-7 after six ends and then moved 11-9 up after eleven ends. Les Chadwick moved to skip for Sprowston on the closing ends and had a chance to win the match on the last end. His attempt to take out Wymondham’s woods and win the match failed as he also took out his second wood and scored just one shot. This left the Wymondham pair with a very satisfactory 13-12 win. On the other mat Debbie Phillips continued to play at the top of her game and she proved too hot to handle for Fletcher’s triple. With the Wymondham triple 18-6 up after eleven ends the game was as good as over although the visitors reduced the score to 19-11 by the end. Considering they only fielded five players Wymondham will be more than happy with this 6-2 win that moved them back to second place in the table.

                                                                                                                                             Posted 18-7-11

Kirby “B” move into second spot

A good week for Kirby Bedon “B” saw them move into second place in Division One. Shirley Brown, Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown beat Terry Fletcher’s triple 28-5 and drew 14-14 with John Poynter as Kirby “B” won 5-3 at home to Sprowston. First Bus slumped to their eighth defeat in eight games as Kirby Bedon “B” picked up maximum points away from home. Shirley Brown, Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown won by 25-12 & 17-13 and Bernie Cudden, Bob Pattison & Gerald Chilvers won by 17-8 & 16-4. Division Two leaders Thurton romped to an 8-0 home win against Framingham Earl with Trevor Howard’s triple winning 22-12 & 16-11 and Peter Walker’s triple winning by 14-12 & 28-7. Horsford “B” are just two points behind them after beating Diss 7-1 with Roger Frank’s triple winning 17-7 & 28-8. Division Three leaders Horsford “A” had to settle for a 4-4 draw at home to Thorpe Marriott “B”. The away side were 4-0 down at the break but wins for Richard Kightley & Richard Perkins earned the draw in the second half. Watton Green won 6-2 at Hingham Green to move second in the table. B Davies, J Capell & R Harvey won both their games for the visitors by 23-3 & 15-10. Deaf Sport won 5-3 at home to Hingham Yellow to gain ground on the teams above them. Robin Amos’ triple won their first game by 21-8 and drew their second 15-15 against K Thomas’ triple. Hingham Yellow also lost at Thorpe Marriott “B” where two wins for Malcolm Roe’s triple helped Marriott to a 6-2 victory.

 David Whittington – Rest in Peace

The N.C.S.M.B.A is saddened to learn of the death of David Whittington, Captain of Stalham Short Mat Bowls Club. The N.C.S.M.B.A would like to express their condolences to David’s family and friends. Following their sad loss Stalham S.M.B.C have decided to withdraw from all bowls leagues that they are involved with.

                                                                                                                       Posted 16-7-11

Sprowston discover it’s a Mann’s World

Current form suggested that Wymondham would struggle at Sprowston but the home side had a bad night as the visitors recaptured their form to win 8-0. After playing well in recent games against Bob Carter and Kirby Bedon the Sprowston side failed to sparkle leaving Wymondham to control the match scoring 74 shots against 34. Wymondham’s Jack Barrett, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann trailed 7-0 against John Poynter’s triple after three ends but came back strongly to win 26-7. On the ninth end Chris Mann stepped up a gear playing Sprowston’s only wood out of the head to score a maximum six shots. Pat Saunders, Brian Saunders & Debbie Phillips completed a great first half for Wymondham beating Terry Fletcher’s triple 15-12. After the break Chris Mann’s triple won 14-9 and Debbie Phillips won 19-6 as Wymondham collected an unexpected maximum point’s haul.

                                                                                                                       Posted 14-7-11                       

Sunday Day out ends in victory for Shirley, Gerald & Joe

The Dave Durrant Memorial Triples event was held at Thorpe Marriott on Sunday where Shirley Brown, Gerald Chilvers & Joe Brown of Kirby Bedon “B” emerged winners. The runners-up were George Munford, Maureen Munford & Colin Coman of First Bus. A raffle held at the event raised £88 which was donated to the Quidenham Children’s Hospice.

                                                                                                                                                 Posted 11-7-11

                      Shirley Brown, Joe Brown & Gerald Chilvers win Dave Durrant Trophy

New Carter "Dream Team" win at Wymondham

Wymondham’s title ambitions were shattered as Bob Carter inflicted the first home defeat on them since they entered the Summer League. After the 6-2 defeat on Tuesday at Carter the Wymondham side needed to strike back hard in the return match but Carter were just too good on the day winning once again by 6-2. The defending champions have taken their game to a new level this season with the addition of Trevor Brown & John Turner to their side. Brown is without doubt one of England’s finest exponents of short mat bowls while John Turner’s game appears to have been re-ignited by his involvement in Carter’s new-look dream team. Wymondham did well to keep Carter in check in a competitive first half that finished level at 4-4 on points and 22-22 on shots. Pat Saunders, Peter King & Debbie Phillips were involved in a close match against Jason Woods, Trevor Brown & Melly Woods and trailed by just 9-8 with two ends to go but Carter won those ends to complete a 12-8 victory. Jack Barrett, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann hit back for Wymondham with a 14-10 win against Jon Sparham, Nigel Willard & John Turner after building up a 7-0 lead after five ends. Despite a Carter fightback The Blazerman’s triple held their nerve to win. After the break Wymondham brought in Andrew Stratton & Brian Saunders to join Debbie Phillips against Kim Bridge, Jon Sparham & John Turner. A brilliant first end for Wymondham saw them score a full-house to lead 6-0. The Carter triple did not let this setback affect them though and after eight ends led 12-6 with Wymondham shell-shocked. They then made a tactical switch with Andrew moving to skip and Debbie to lead and this paid dividends as they reduced the deficit to 12-9 after ten ends. Wymondham’s hopes of winning then disappeared as Carter scored a single on the eleventh end and two more shots on the next to lead 15-9. After fourteen ends Carter were 17-10 up and home and dry despite dropping three shots on the last end. In the remaining game Jason Woods, Trevor Brown & Melly Woods faced Wymondham’s talented young triple of Jack Barrett, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann. A close start saw Mann’s triple 4-3 up after five ends but a great attacking bowl by Melly Woods on the sixth end earned them three shots. Wymondham found themselves under increasing pressure as Carter moved into an 11-4 lead after ten ends. Trevor Brown was in awesome form and Melly Woods hardly missed a shot as the Carter triple began to dominate from the lead and two positions. Chris Mann found himself with no other option then to attack on too many ends as Carter led 14-6 after twelve ends. The final score was 15-9 to Melly Woods’ triple as Bob Carter wrapped up a valuable away win.

                                                                                                                                                     Posted 10-7-11

National Singles Championship 2011

Bradwell's Keith Cooke makes it to last 16 in National Singles - Dom Reed of Essex new champion

Keith Cooke put on a good show to make it through to the last 16 in the National Singles Championships at Kempston before going out to Worcestershire's Ian Davis by 12-4. In the group stages Keith grabbed the second qualifying place with wins of 11-5 against Hampshire's James Bucknell and 14-4 against Paul Hutchinson of Humberside. He then claimed the scalp of Shropshire's Nick Tideswell beating him 12-6 before his last 16 defeat. Norfolk Singles Champion Neil Davidson of Hempnall failed to make it through the group stages with a 13-6 win against Dorset's Alan Rabjohn his only success. Bob Carter's Jason Woods opened brightly with a 10-6 win against London's Peter Smith but narrowly lost his other two games and was eliminated. The group stages saw a major shock as defending champion Lee Toleman of Devon suffered a massive 18-3 defeat against Adam Sultana of Essex and failed to make it through the group. By the semi-final stage 2002 champion Gareth Stanway looked to be the man to beat but he went down 10-5 against Somerset's Jim Mannell. Dominic Reed of Essex claimed his place in the final with a narrow 9-8 win against Robert Edwards of Surrey. In the final Dominic Reed lifted the coveted England National Singles title with a 13-10 win against Jim Mannell.

                                                                                           Posted 7-4-11

National Mixed Fours Championship 2011

Bob Carter 7-Time Norwich Cup Winners

A fantastic performance by Bob Carter saw them lift the Norwich Cup at Connaught as the home side suffered four straight defeats. After winning the home leg 17-7 Carter needed just eight points from the second leg in Attleborough to clinch their seventh Norwich Cup Final win but could not have expected to finish Connaught off so early. In the opening session Nigel Willard's triple beat Bill Adcock's triple 8-0 and Melvin Woods' triple won 9-3 against Sylvia Parsons to leave Connaught 21-7 down on aggregate. By the end of the second session it was all over as David Lamb's triple won 8-3 against Ollie Allen and Trevor Brown's triple beat Sheila Bragg 6-3.

The victorious Bob Carter side with the Norwich Cup

                                                             Posted 6-4-11

National Championship Glory for Norfolk Rink

Jenny Walker, Jean Woods, Jon Sparham & David Lamb today added the England National Mixed Fours title to the Norfolk title they won earlier in the season. They had a great start against an Essex rink comprising of Michelle Howe, Babs Morokutti, Craig Burgess and Barry Hedges leading 7-0 at one stage. The Essex rink fought back and the score was 8-5 to Norfolk with one end remaining. Hedges had a chance to take the jack back to score a three to force an extra end but missed the opportunity and Norfolk held on to win 8-6. England Chairman Chris Hopkins was full of praise for the Norfolk rink afterwards and highlighted the lead play of Jenny Walker of Haddiscoe as a major factor in putting the Essex rink under pressure throughout.

Jon Sparham, Jean Woods, Jenny Walker & David Lamb

National Mixed Fours Championship Winners

                                                                                     Posted 2-4-11

                                   

Woodbastwick Duo are new Bure Pairs Champions

Trevor Hallett & Jim Couling of Woodbastwick lifted the Bure Pairs Championship title at St Faiths after a 6-4 win against Kirby Bedon’s Teresa & Selwyn Goldsmith in the final. With Trevor Hallett putting in a solid shift at lead they built an early lead which the Kirby pair failed to pull back. In the semi-finals Trevor & Jim beat Coltishall’s Ann Ducker & Willie Jefferies 4-2 while the Goldsmiths beat Woodbastwick’s Peter Johnson & Derek Sheldrake 6-4. The quarter-finals saw Trevor & Jim beat Piero Cognetti & Paul Isgate of Horsford BC 6-2. The Goldsmiths won 7-6 against East Tuddenham’s John Turner & Robin Amos when a measure decided the last end in the Kirby pairs favour after Robin Amos elected not to play his last wood thinking he was holding shot. In the other quarter-finals Johnson & Sheldrake beat Alan Bunn & Pat Williamson of Hevingham 5-3 while Ducker & Jefferies beat Maureen & Ken Dease of Anglian Windows 7-5.   

Joltin’ Joe Wins Bure Triples Title with final bowl

Shirley Brown, Brian Saunders & Joe Brown of Kirby Bedon won the Bure Triples Championship title held at Coltishall after a 5-2 final win against Gill Bunn, Marjorie Hall & George Clarke of Hevingham. The Kirby triple were one shot up going into the last end but George Clarke’s final bowl left his triple holding two shots and scenting victory. Joe Brown was faced with a pressure wood with his final bowl but produced the goods scoring two shots to lift the title. In the semi-finals Joe Brown’s triple easily beat Terry Raisbury, Dennis Seaton & Mick Dale of Horsford by 10-1 while George Clarke’s triple beat Gerald Potter, Robin Amos & John Turner 6-4. Brown’s triple beat Hevingham’s Ian MacLean, David Bunn & Vic Woods by 7-3 in the quarter-finals while Clarke’s triple beat Brenda Sizer, Diane Boswell & Mike Boswell 7-5. In the other quarter-final games John Turner’s triple beat Norma Jablonowski, Elaine Cole & Peter Jablonowski of Woodbastwick 6-4 while Mick Dale’s triple won by 8-6 against Janice Hewitt, Teresa Goldsmith & Alistair Hunter of Kirby Bedon.    

         Shirley Brown, Joe Brown & Brian Saunders - Bure Triples Champions

 RG Carter Move Top of City League

It was a big week of results in the City League as RG Carter claimed top spot with a 14-0 home win against Old Bonds and a 12-2 away win against Taverham. Sprowston suffered a bad result going down 12-2 against a First Bus side who for once are well off the title race but with this result could have had a major say in where it goes. Thorpe Marriott also lost ground losing 11-3 at Anglian Windows. Horsford Heroes won 12-2 at home to near neighbours Horsford BC and now look the biggest threat to RG Carter. 

Tens League

In another big blow to Hempnall's Tens League hopes Coltishall beat them by one shot to snatch a 2-0 home win. The visitors put on an excellent show on three mats as Joan Cann & Paul Baker beat Mally Catchpole & Margaret Harman 14-10, Colin Stevenson, Richard Harrowing & Charlie Archer beat Les Harman's triple 14-4 and Bernie Cudden & Chris Mann drew 12-12 with Jean Barnett & John Aggas. But the points were won for Coltishall by Ann Ducker, Edy Edridge & captain Willie Jefferies who stormed to a 22-7 match winning scoreline against Roger Parker's triple.

                                         I.C.C

I.C.C Premier Consolation Semi-Final

Norfolk 13 (136) v Hampshire 27 (136)

Norfolk Premier exited the competition as Hampshire proved too hot to handle on the fast surface at the Carolyn Chisholm venue in Northants. The writing was on the wall early on as the opening session of singles & pairs produced just two points courtesy of a narrow 14-13 win by Halvergate's David Lamb against Paul Goodman. Mike Boswell kept it tight against Jason McLean losing by just 15-12 in the other singles match. The pairs suffered badly as Colin Stevenson & Andrew Stratton went down 17-8 and Sue Hunt & Sheila Bragg lost 18-5. The second session was edged 5-3 by Hampshire increasing their lead to 11-5. Mikey George, Colin Coman, Debbie Phillips & Brian Saunders won by one shot to gain Norfolk's only win while Peter Smart, Bob Oatway & Chris Mann drew their game 9-9. In the remaining games Jean Woods, George Clarke & John Turner lost by 9-6 and Donna Lamb, Robin Amos, Kim Bridge & Melvin Woods lost by 13-6. The second session of singles & pairs sealed Norfolk's fate as they failed to score a point against a rampant Hampshire side. England's David Lamb went down 18-4 while Mike Boswell suffered his second defeat of the day losing 16-7. Stevenson & Stratton lost 14-13 and Sue Hunt & Sheila Bragg went down heavily again, this time by 20-9. As to be expected, with Hampshire now 19-5 up on points, the final session of the day was devoid of excitement but Norfolk finished the match with their best session of the day. Chris Mann's triple won 13-7 to finish the day unbeaten and John Turner's triple won 10-7 with their shots proving enough to gain the two  bonus points in the triples, Norfolk's only bonus points of the day. Melvin Woods' rink won 8-5 but Brian Saunders' rink lost 6-5 as the match finished with Hampshire earning an I.C.C Consolation Final's spot against Somerset who beat London by 27-13. One cannot help wondering how Norfolk would have fared if this match had been played at Kempston I.B.C where the quarter-finals were held, a mat on mat venue like Norfolk's home venue at Lakeside I.B.C.

                                                                                                                         Posted 6-3-11

Norwich Cup

Hevingham slumped to a 16-8 home defeat against Bob Carter in their Norwich Cup Semi-Final 1st leg clash and now have a mountain to climb if they are to reach the final. It was a great team effort by Carter with all their four triples scoring four points out of six. Trevor Brown's triple scored 8-3 & 5-4 wins, Melvin Woods' triple won by 6-4 & 4-3, David Lamb's triple won 6-5 & 6-5 while Kim Bridge won by 8-5 & 5-3. Hevingham's Vic Woods' triple put up the most resistance winning two games by 11-0 & 4-3 but it was a miserable night for George Clarke's triple who lost all their three games.

Latest News

Norwich Cup

Connaught "A" are through to their third Norwich Cup Final in five years after completing a home & away double against their biggest Breckland League rivals Wymondham. Protecting a six point lead from the away leg Connaught found Wymondham determined to fight back but the task proved beyond them on Connaught's home mats. Ray Wells, Christine Musk & Sylvia Parsons came back from 5-0 down to beat Chris Mann 8-5 and Derek Liles, Diana Adcock & Bill Adcock scored a vital five on the fifth end against Debbie Phillips to snatch a 7-6 win as Connaught completed the job.After an excellent cup game both captains were complementary of their opponents and Wymondham captain Chris Mann wished Connaught "A" good luck in the final against either Bob Carter or Hevingham.

Breckland League

Connaught “A” followed up their superb league & cup wins against title rivals Wymondham by pulling off a rare 8-2 Breckland League win at Yaxham. Sylvia Parsons’ triple conceded a six on the fourteenth end to trail 14-13 but produced nine shots over the last four ends to beat Yaxham’s Owen Secker 22-14. Ray Wells battled back from 10-2 down to beat Denny Cross 19-17 and county star Sheila Bragg beat Russell Harris 22-16. Ollie Allen’s triple, with Judith Adam making her second appearance in the “A” team, lost 25-15 to John Turner but the shots they pulled back after falling 20-4 behind after ten ends helped Connaught earn the bonus points. Wymondham kept up their title push with a 9-1 win at Connaught “B” where Chris Mann’s triple beat Ken Lurcock 23-10. Wymondham received a further boost to their title ambitions when Forncett were unable to field a team in their match and Breckland League rules handed Wymondham a 10-0 win on points, 32-0 on shots. Albert Palgrave, Chrissie Turner & John Turner led the way for Yaxham with a 25-14 win at Harling as the visitors took maximum points. In the remaining games Carleton Rode won 6-4 at Banham while Hingham Yellow beat Hingham Green 6-4 in their local derby.

Wensum News

Wensum League leaders Bob Carter won 8-2 at Stalham while second placed Coltishall lost ground losing 6-4 at Cromer. Carter look hot favourites for the title but Coltishall have the chance to stop Carter achieving the double when they meet in the final of the Wensum Cup.

                                                                                                  Posted 2-3-11     

Inter-County Consolation Quarter-Final

Venue Kempston IBC

Norfolk 21 (166) v Shropshire 19 (168)

Norfolk Premier produced their best performance of the season defeating a star studded Shropshire side 21-19 in Bedfordshire to clinch a semi-final place in the I.C.C Consolation event. The match went to the wire with a decisive last bowl by Bob Carter’s Melvin Woods in the rinks clinching a 10-9 win and seeing Norfolk over the finishing line. Woods’ England team-mate David Lamb of Halvergate  also played a key role winning his singles games by 14-9 & 18-8. Shropshire’s England stars found Norfolk in determined mood in the pairs as Teresa & Selwyn Goldsmith of Kirby Bedon beat Dawn Prince & Chris Williams 12-8 in the first half. Teresa was forced to withdraw from their second game with a knee problem with reserve Sheila Bragg of Connaught stepping in. Sheila & Selwyn Goldsmith then combined to pummel Alan Williams & Alan Jones 21-7 after the break with the Shropshire pair unable to match their Norfolk opponents. Despite losing his last game 8-7 a great last end performance by East Tuddenham’s John Turner earned the three shots that clinched the bonus points in the triples. Mike Boswell recovered from a first session singles defeat to win his second game 12-9, Chris Mann’s triple won their opening game and Brian Saunder’s rink fought back from 4-0 down to draw their fours game against Warwick France 6-6.  Certainly the Norfolk management will be perplexed by this top rate showing by a Norfolk Premier side after they have struggled to find any consistency throughout the season. This Shropshire side was in probably the hardest group in the I.C.C and had already beaten the formidable Cheshire team 21-19 as well as the highly rated West Midlands side by 24-16 in the group stages. Norfolk now face a Hampshire side who defeated Cornwall 33-7 in a match where their triples and fours swept all before them gaining maximum points. If the momentum and spirit from the Shropshire match can be maintained against Hampshire there is no reason why Norfolk can not go all the way in the Consolation section of the I.C.C.

Norwich Cup

Connaught “A” pulled off a 15-9 win at Wymondham to win the first leg of their Norwich Cup semi-final. Sheila Bragg’s triple won 6-4, 6-2 and drew their other game 4-4 while Ollie Allen’s triple won by 11-3, 6-5 and drew 6-6. The result gives Connaught “A” a six point lead to take back to Attleborough and they must now be firm favourites to reach the final for the third time in five years.

City of Norwich League

County Council pulled off a major upset beating league leaders Sprowston 11-3. RG Carter took advantage winning 10-4 at Horsford BC and also winning 10-4 at home to Felthorpe to move second. With a game in hand Carter are now just twelve points behind Sprowston. Horsford Heroes lost 10-4 at Jarrolds as they slipped below Carter. Thorpe Marriott scored a 10-4 win at Old Bonds and with

Bure League

Hevingham entertained defending champions Kirby Bedon in a top of the table clash in the Bure League. The visitors enjoyed a great first half as Shirley Brown, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith beat Pat Williamson’s triple 23-8 and Leonora Chilman, Gerald Chilvers & Phil Watson beat George Clarke’s triple 15-5. The home side improved after the break with Vic Woods winning 15-7 and David Sharpe winning 17-15 but they could not claw back the shots lost leaving Kirby 6-4 winners on points. 

Tens League

Hevingham continue to push closer to Carter beating Horsford Heroes 4-0 away. John Richardson & George Clarke top scored with an 18-7 result.

                                                                                                                 Posted 27-2-11

 

                                 27-5 Win for Trevor Brown's triple

Tens League

Bob Carter kept a firm hold on the leadership of the Tens League beating title contenders Hevingham 4-0. Carter’s Frank Edy, Jean Woods & Rob Howlett enjoyed a 19-7 win against Pat Williamson’s triple but the visitors hit back with Gill Bunn & George Clarke beating Sue Hunt & Nigel Willard 12-7. Carter cut loose after the break with a big 27-5 win for Margaret Reynolds, Kim Bridge & Trevor Brown making sure of maximum points. Connaught pulled off an away win against Kirby Bedon where the home side continued their poor run. Diane & Bill Adcock’s 14-8 win was the biggest of the night as Kirby lost on three mats. A 15-14 win for Kirby’s Gerald Chilver’s triple was spoiled by dropping a six on the last end to allow Ollie Allen’s triple to gain a 3-0 points win for the visitors. Hevingham won 4-0 at Horsford with John Richardson & George Clarke beating Maurice Kemp & Keith Chapman 18-7.

                                   Connaught "A" beat Wymondham 10-0

Breckland League

Breckland League leaders Connaught “A” inflicted the first 10-0 defeat on defending champions Wymondham in two years as they made it fifteen wins from sixteen games. Ray Wells was in superb form for Connaught producing some great saving shots as his triple beat county regular Debbie Phillips 15-13. It is no surprise to once again see Sheila Bragg’s triple delivering the best score of the night winning 20-13 while Bill Adcock beat England’s Chris Mann 19-13 and Ollie Allen beat county colleague Mark Linsdell 19-14. Rita Secker, Pauline Wilson & Owen Secker won by an amazing 42-4 as third placed Yaxham thumped struggling Connaught “B” 10-0. John Hunter’s Watton triple won 28-5 in a 10-0 home win against Harling. Colin Harris of Hingham Yellow won 28-7 as Forncett lost 10-0 with only three triples. Forncett, this time with eleven players, also lost 10-0 at Hingham Green where J Higgs’ triple won 22-8. A busy but unrewarding spell of three games saw Forncett also lose 10-0 at Banham where Tony Blackburn’s triple won 24-9. With their next game scheduled to be at Wymondham, bottom of the table Forncett will struggle to avoid another heavy defeat.

                   Owen & Rita Secker feature in amazing 42-2 win for Yaxham

                                      Leaders Bradwell Lose

Thurne League

Woodbastwick climbed up to third place in the Thurne League with an 8-2 home win against top of the table Bradwell but the leaders did achieve an 8-2 away win at bottom club Stalham.

                                  Top 4 all win in City League

City of Norwich League

There was little change in the City League as all top four clubs won. Leaders Sprowston won 12-2 at home to County Council as did second placed Horsford Heroes at home to Old Bonds. RG Carter ran out 11-3 winners at home to Costessey while Thorpe Marriott won 12-2 at County Council. At the other end of the table Old Bonds beat Taverham 12-2. British Rail achieved a rare 14-0 win at home to Anglian Windows.  

                                                                                          Posted 24-2-11

Lamb, Mann & Woods in England B.I “A” Team Championships

David Lamb of Halvergate, Chris Mann of Wymondham & Melvin Woods of Bob Carter have been selected to play for England in the British Isles “A” Team Championships in Swansea on the 19^th & 20^th March. They scored maximum points in an international against Wales in Bristol and have been picked to play in a rink with North Yorkshire’s Jacinta Townend.

                              Chris Mann of Wymondham - England Call Up

Bure League

Defending Bure League champions Kirby Bedon made it ten wins from eleven games with a 6-4 win at East Tuddenham. Just two shots separated them at the interval as East Tuddenham’s Gerry Potter won 17-9 and Kirby’s Gerald Chilvers won 18-12. After the break John Turner’s home triple led 9-0 after five ends but Phil Watson’s triple restricted them in the closing stages and the game finished at 13-6. The match went Kirby’s way in the remaining game as Jimmy Dye, Alistair Hunter & Selwyn Goldsmith won five out of the last six ends to beat Robin Amos 22-9. St Faiths slipped to their ninth defeat in a row going down 6-4 at home to Horsford BC. Bob Burrage made sure of an away win with the night’s best result winning 20-10. 

                 Selwyn Goldsmith of Kirby Bedon - 22-9 win at East Tuddenham

Tens League

Tens League title contenders Hempnall & Hevingham met with both teams eager to close the gap on leaders Bob Carter. Three close games could have gone either way but a huge 29-1 win for Hempnall’s Bernie Cudden & Chris Mann sunk the visitors without trace and earned the home side maximum points. A stunning 24-4 win for Coltishall’s Martin Edridge, Peter Barnett & Les Harman gave their side a 1-1 draw at Connaught where their cause was aided by a 14-12 win for Carol & John Aggas in the pairs. A 19-7 win for Ty Musk’s triple and an 18-8 win for Chris Musk & Sylvia Parsons gave Connaught the perfect start but young Connaught skip Ollie Allen could not stop former county player Les Harman and his triple storm back.

                                Former England star John Aggas of Coltishall

Breckland League

Two wins apiece in the Watton v Yaxham match but a 27-11 win for Albert Palgrave, Chrissie Turner & John Turner and a 21-8 win for Rita Secker, Pauline Wilson & Owen Secker made sure of the match points and a 6-4 win for Yaxham. Carleton Rode achieved their fourth win of the campaign beating Hingham Green 10-0 with Pamela Rush, Karl Newby & Terry Newby scoring a 22-11 win. Ken Lurcock’s Connaught “B” triple scored a 17-14 win but that was the best it got for them as Banham earned an 8-2 away win. C Smith, Jim Delaney & Bill Francis starred for Banham with a 28-8 win. Harling are now up to fourth place in the league after winning 8-2 at home to Hingham Yellow. Jane Frary was the visitors only winning skip as Arthur Snelling’s triple won 23-10, Roy Buffery’s triple won 24-15 and Brian Knappett’s triple edged out Ken Buller’s triple by 18-17. 

South Norfolk League

A good week for Connaught in the South Norfolk League as two wins propelled them up to second place in the table. A 10-0 win at bottom team Mulbarton was followed by another 10-0 win at Framingham Earl. Chris Musk, Ty Musk & Sheila Bragg starred with a 20-7 win against former Langley star Mervyn Blaza. Saxlingham started well at home to Horsford winning both opening games. Geoff Briggs’ triple won 19-7 and A Banham won 14-13 and it proved to be enough to see them home by 6-4 despite Horsford skips David Woodrow & Mick Dale winning their second half games.

Eastern England Over 60’s League

Cambs moved closer to the Eastern England Over 60’s title after a 22-12 points win at home to Norfolk Over 60’s. The points gained were enough to move Norfolk above Northants into second place. Norfolk visit Northants on the 10^th March and will be eager to get a good result to hold their position in the league.

                                                                                                                        Posted 21-2-11

South Norfolk League

Defending South Norfolk champions Hempnall finished last season with fourteen wins from fourteen games and in an enlarged South Norfolk League the only question now appears to be if they can repeat the feat again. A maximum 10-0 home win against Watton made it eleven straight wins as Roger Parker’s triple won 26-6 and Paul Baker’s triple won 23-9. Watton’s week went from bad to worse as they lost their next game 6-4 at bottom of the table Mulbarton where the home triple of Norma Mickleburgh, John Dean & Stephen Denning won 17-6. Thurton consolidated their place at second place in the table beating Connaught 8-2 with Margaret Newcome, Margaret Howlett & John Pidgen winning 25-5.

                                               Roger Parker of Hempnall

Bure League

Kirby Bedon held on to the top spot in the Bure League after Peter Johnson, Jimmy Dye & Alistair Hunter beat Woodbastwick’s Norma Jablonowski 14-13 to grab a 6-4 away win. Trailing 13-9 after ten ends Norma Jablonowski’s triple had scored four single shots in a row to level the game with one end remaining but Hunter’s triple won the vital last end. This also gave Kirby a 50-49 win on total shots to earn the match points. Despite a massive 22-3 win for Mervyn Williamson, Ian MacLean & Vic Woods Hevingham had to settle for a 6-4 points win at Anglian Windows. Gill Bunn, Alan Bunn & George Clarke added a 14-10 win to aid their title bid but both Mike Boswell & Alan Williamson skipped their Window’s triples to 13-8 wins. Coltishall comfortably beat Woodbastwick 8-2 with Vernon Bunn, Peter Barnett & Les Harman leading the way with an 18-8 win against former Norfolk star Peter Jablonowski. St Faiths are still without a win after eight games following an 8-2 home defeat against East Tuddenham. Geraldine Potter, John Jefferies & Robin Amos romped to a 24-7 win but Richard Hart’s triple got a consolation 17-9 victory against Les Chadwick’s triple.

Bure Cup Semi-Final

Defending a 15-9 lead against Hevingham from their Bure Cup semi-final first leg clash Coltishall finished off their opponents with an accomplished display on their own mats. Coltishall captain Willie Jefferies showed the way with wins of 4-3 & 9-5 before Hevingham conceded with two sessions remaining and the match beyond saving. Coltishall will face East Tuddenham in the final. 

Tens League

Tens League leaders Bob Carter suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at Horsford Heroes after David Woodrow & Vic Webster stunned the visitors beating J Woods & Nigel Willard 19-4 & Mick Dale’s Horsford triple drew 15-15 against Robert Howlett. The other two games went Carter’s way with former England Singles Champion Trevor Brown beating Mark “The Marvel” Tuttle 10-9 and James Forster & Melvin Woods winning 16-8 in the pairs but it was not enough to compensate for the shots lost against Woodrow & Webster. Hevingham continued their push up the table with a comfortable 4-0 home win against Kirby Bedon. Three big wins for skips Pat Williamson, John Richardson & David Sharpe sunk the visitors but the pairs game between Hevingham’s Ian MacLean & Vic Woods and Kirby’s Teresa & Selwyn Goldsmith produced a superb game with the home pair snatching a 12-9 win.   

City of Norwich League

Two shock results this week could be a major factor in which way this title race goes. Thorpe Marriott went down 11-3 at home to struggling Framingham Earl and Horsford Heroes lost 12-2 at Anglian Windows. Two wins from their other games lifted Horsford Heroes to second place and compensated somewhat for this disappointment. The Heroes saw off visitors First Bus 12-2 and also won 10-4 at Taverham. Felthorpe became the first side to concede over 1,000 shots this season in the league but they achieved their sixth win of the campaign beating Horsford BC 10-4. Sprowston are now sixteen points clear at the top after a 14-0 maximum win against Felthorpe to keep the pressure on the chasing pack. First Bus slipped further down the league after their bad week continued with a 12-2 defeat at Jarrolds. British Rail are now fourth off the bottom after they beat Jarrolds 12-2 which was their sixth win of the season.

                                                                                                              Posted 13-02-11

City League Singles Championship

Mick Coxall of Jarrolds has lifted the City League Singles title at Lakeside beating Taverham's Sue Hunt by 11-4 in the final. Mick Coxall, Chairman of the City League, has played for Jarrolds in the league since its formation. It is the first time a player from his club has ever won the title. In the semi-finals Mick Coxall beat defending champion Geoff Payne of County Council 10-5 and Sue Hunt beat Thorpe Marriott's Trevor Pinchen 11-7. Losing quarter-finalists were Debbie Barrett of Costessey, John Jeffery of Deaf Sports, Janet Pinchen of Thorpe Marriott & Keith Chapman of Horsford Heroes.

Bonus Points cost Norfolk the match at Kempston

Norfolk "A"  18 (171) v Northants "A" 22 (171)

Venue Kempston Date 6-2-11

Preliminary Round

Norfolk "A" missed out on reaching the quarter-finals and a match against Kent "A" when they were narrowly beaten by Northants "A". The match could not have been closer with the teams finishing on 16 points each, before bonus points were added, and 171-171 on shots. Northants progressed due to winning the bonus points in the pairs, triples & rinks while Norfolk only outscored Northants in the singles. It was another good day for Connaught's Sheila Bragg who won her singles games by 13-9 & 18-11. Colin Coman won his second game by 16-9 to earn Norfolk eight points out of ten in the singles. Four points were collected in both the pairs & triples disciplines but Northants edged out Norfolk in the rinks scoring eight out of ten points scoring 32 shots against Norfolk's 31.

Bure Cup

Holders Hevingham suffered a serious blow to their hopes of reaching the final again after going down 15-9 at home in their first leg semi-final match against old rivals Coltishall. Unless they can pull off a great comeback in the second leg it will be Coltishall who face 2001 winners East Tuddenham in the final. Vernon Bunn, Peter Barnett & Les Harman had a brilliant evening beating Pat Bunn, Peter Smart & John Richardson 10-1 as well as beating triples skipped by Vic Woods & George Clarke.

Bure League

Hevingham held on to second place in the Bure League with a home win against Anglian Windows but Pat Curchin, Maureen Dease & Ken Dease denied them maximum points as they beat David Sharpe’s triple 13-7. Biggest win for Hevingham was a 23-5 result for Ian MacLean, Pat Williamson & Vic Woods against Mike Boswell’s triple. Coltishall signaled their title ambitions with a 10-0 away win at St Faiths where Carol Aggas, Brian Bunting & John Aggas won 34-5 against Ted Redwood’s triple. Coltishall racked up 106 shots against just 20 as Margaret Harman’s triple won 28-4, Willie Jefferies’ triple won 29-7 and Les Harman’s triple won 15-4.

Thurne League

Bradwell’s 8-2 home win against struggling South Walsham leaves them in a strong position twelve points clear at the top of the Thurne League. Halvergate look to be their most serious rival for the title and they defeated Woodbastwick 7-3 to leave themselves thirteen points behind the leaders in third place but with a game in hand over Bradwell and four games in hand over second placed Hemsby. 

City of Norwich League

Sprowston head the table after a 14-0 home win against Jarrolds but dropped points in a 10-4 defeat at Horsford BC. Second placed Thorpe Marriott had a good week beating Jarrolds 14-0 and also winning 12-2 at British Rail. First Bus slipped further off the pace after a shock 14-0 defeat at strugglers British Rail. RG Carter continue to put pressure on the leading pair after beating County Council 10-4 and also winning 11-3 at home to Deaf Sports. But maybe the big threat to them all are Horsford Heroes who sit back in fourth place with games in hand on the three teams above them. A 14-0 home win against British Rail took their average points tally per match up to 10.43, and that is better than Sprowston, Thorpe Marriott & RG Carter. Felthorpe continue to struggle for points, this week losing 12-2 at mid-table Jarrolds. Framingham Earl lifted themselves off the foot of the table with an 11-3 home win against eleventh placed Anglian Windows. Both teams have more ability in their sides than their league positions indicate. In the remaining match County Council won 12-2 at home to Horsford BC.

                                                                                            Posted 6-2-11                   

Breckland League

Connaught “A” maintained their super run of results with back to back wins. Their visit to Forncett garnered nine precious points but Connaught had to battle hard for their 9-1 win. Both Bill Adcock & Sylvia Parsons skipped their Connaught triples to one shot wins while G Wilcox had to settle for a 16-16 draw against Tony Ottewell. Mike Parsons, Ty Musk & Sheila Bragg again starred for the Breckland League leaders beating Keith Humphreys 24-9. In their local derby at home to Connaught “B” Sheila Bragg’s triple again cut loose winning 24-7. They were aided and abetted by Bill Adcock’s triple winning 25-8 & Ray Wells winning 18-10 but Len Thurston, Marie Head & A Marshall hit back for bottom of the table Connaught “B” beating Ollie Allen’s triple 30-13. Connaught “B” took a 10-0 beating at Hingham Green where John Higgs, Keith Thomas, Mike White & Ronnie Leverett’s triples all won. Harling moved up to fifth place with an excellent 8-2 win at Carleton Rode where Gerald Palframan, Beryl Potter & Peter Dennis won 19-10 but home skip Rod Baker and his triple won 31-9.  

Wensum League

Stalham, bottom of the Wensum League, went down 8-2 at Cromer. Bob Carter still top the league following their 10-0 home win against Cromer in the middle of January.

Coastal Cup

Bradwell Blue began their Coastal Cup campaign with a convincing 16-2 home win against Martham and a 14-4 home win against South Walsham. Martham suffered a second away defeat going down 14-4 at South Walsham. Bradwell Red matched their local rivals by also winning their opening matches beating Hemsby 12-6 and Stalham by the same margin.

                                                                                                                   Posted 4-2-11

I.C.C News

 

London 18 (169) v Norfolk Premier 22 (181)

 

Norfolk Premier completed a double over London in their last I.C.C group game but the outcome was undecided until the final end of the match. Colin Coman, Jon Sparham, Kim Bridge & Melvin Woods had won their first rinks game 16-5 but their final game was level at 9-9 with one end remaining. The match result would be decided by the final score and Melvin’s rink did not disappoint taking a three to win 12-9 giving Norfolk a 22-18 points win. Young Wymondham player Mikey George made his county debut at lead in Brian Saunders’ rink and played extremely well as they took three points from four. It was also a good day for Norfolk’s pairs as Andrew Stratton & Paul Baker won their games 10-9 & 15-6 and Colin Stevenson & Neil Davidson added a 21-10 win. London edged the triples as Jean Woods, Robin Amos & George Clarke earned one point and Mark Linsdell, Nigel Willard & Chris Mann won their second game 16-8. Halvergate & England player David Lamb went down by small margins in both his singles games but Anglian Windows’ star Mike Boswell won his first game 13-10.     

 

Latest League & Cup News

Norfolk County Cup

Bob Carter swept aside Woodbastwick to reach the semi-final stage of the Norfolk County Cup. The visitors could not cope with the home side in awesome form as Nigel Willard’s triple won 25-9, David Lamb’s triple won 29-6, Trevor Brown’s triple won 20-3 and Melvin Woods’ triple won 19-8. Cromer failed to make home advantage count in their quarter-final tie against Thorpe Marriott. The match finished at 4-4 on points but with Thorpe Marriott’s Tony Turner’s triple winning 31-7 Cromer were defeated on shots by 65-50. 

Bure Cup

East Tuddenham played well at Kirby Bedon to restrict the home side to an 11-9 win and complete a 26-18 aggregate victory in the Bure Cup. It was a good all-round performance by the visitors with Russell Flint, Madge Meachen & Russell Harris top scoring with three points while Gerald Chilvers and Alistair Hunter’s triples were the pick of the home team.

                                                    Madge Meachen of East Tuddenham

Tens League

Bob Carter won the top of the table clash in the Tens League beating Hempnall 2-0 with Trevor Brown’s triple leading the way with a 14-7 win against Jon Sparham. Connaught pulled off a 3-0 win at Coltishall where Christine Musk & Sylvia Parsons beat Les & Margaret Harman 16-6 in the pairs.     

City League

Sprowston moved top of the City League with a 10-4 win at Framingham Earl and a 12-2 home win against Anglian Windows. Old Bonds scored their fourth win of the campaign beating Costessey 12-2 but Costessey fared better at home to Taverham beating them 12-2.

City Shield

Thorpe Marriott beat Anglian Windows 12-4 on aggregate in the City Shield scoring 103 shots against 89.

                                                                                                                  Posted 30-1-11

                                    

Breckland League

Connaught “A” made it twelve wins from thirteen games to maintain their push for the Breckland League title. Their 8-2 home win against Hingham Yellow was only marred by a surprise 14-12 defeat for Sheila Bragg’s triple as Mick Groombridge, Colin Harris & Pat Groombridge deprived them of two valuable points. Normal service was resumed at Carleton Rode as Sheila Bragg’s triple won 25-18 in a 7-3 win for Connaught. Yaxham won 8-2 at home to Hingham Green with Albert Palgrave, Chrissie Turner & John Turner winning 24-12 but Hingham Green fared much better at Forncett where they won 8-2. Four tight games saw Hingham skips Keith Thomas, Mike White & John Higgs all win while Tony Ottewell’s triple scored the home sides only victory. Forncett also went down 8-2 at Watton where Doreen Paffey, Diane Quadling & Don Paffey won by a big 28-5 margin.

Coastal League

In the Coastal League Woodbastwick Eagles moved closer to the title with an 11-7 win at Martham but local rivals Woodbastwick Owls kept their hopes alive with a 15-3 home win over Stalham.

Coastal Cup

The Coastal Cup campaign began with Woodbastwick Eagles winning 15-3 at Hemsby and drawing 9-9 at Stalham but Stalham won by a comfortable 12-6 margin at home to South Walsham. Hemsby suffered a second home defeat going down 10-8 against South Walsham.

Bure League

Kirby Bedon beat Horsford BC 8-2 with Dot Dawson, Jimmy Dye & Alistair Hunter winning 27-8 and Carol Johnson, Shirley Brown & Joe Brown winning 25-7. Selwyn Goldsmith’s triple picked up their other win by 19-5 despite a spirited performance by visiting skip Simon Warnes. John Bately’s Horsford triple beat Gerald Chilver’s triple 13-12 after the home triple found themselves trailing 10-0 after just six ends. Coltishall won 8-2 at home to St Faiths with Jean Browes, Ann Ducker & Willie Jefferies beating John Pye’s triple by 26-6. John Franco, David Guyton & Ted Redwood picked up the visitors only points beating Peter Barnett’s triple 15-14. 

                     Ted Redwood, pictured with his wife Sheila, beat Peter Barnett at Coltishall

City League

It’s tight at the top of the City League with little separating the top four. It was a good week for Horsford Heroes who won 9-5 at home to pacesetters RG Carter and they gave their title chances a massive boost beating Costessey 13-1. Sprowston picked up their twelfth win of the season beating Old Bonds 12-2. First Bus will need to continue picking up points if they are to catch up the leading pack and a 12-2 home win against County Council will help but the absence of Lesley Crowe & Bob Oatway will not. Framingham Earl’s 7-7 draw at County Council left Old Bonds bottom of the table. Horsford BC inflicted an 11-3 home defeat on Old Bonds. British Rail continue to struggle losing 10-4 at home to Taverham as do Felthorpe who lost 12-2 at Taverham. Deaf Sports won the mid table clash against Anglian Windows recording a 12-2 home win.

City Shield

Both Sprowston & First Bus are through to the semi-finals. Sprowston beat Horsford Heroes 10-6 on aggregate and First Bus defeated RG Carter by the identical scoreline.  

                                                                                                                         Posted 28-1-11

Norfolk beat London

Norfolk Premier 29 (187) London 11 (149)

Venue Lakeside, Date 23-1-11

Norfolk Premier enjoyed their best result of the season at home to London finishing winners by 29-11 on points, 149 on shots. Maximum points were gained by David Lamb in the singles with wins of 12-10 & 20-8 while Mike Boswell added a 19-11 win. In the pairs Andrew Stratton & Paul Baker drew both their games 10-10 and Colin Stevenson & Peter Smart recorded a 17-11 first half win.

Mark Linsdell, Nigel Willard & Chris Mann were on form in the triples winning 14-12 & 10-6 while Jean Woods, John Turner & George Clarke drew their first game 10-10 and won their second 10-7. Donna Lamb, Jon Sparham, Kim Bridge & Melvin Woods dominated the fours beating London rinks by 9-6 & 9-3 but Robin Amos, Ollie Allen, Debbie Phillips & Brian Saunders lost both their games by just one shot. As long as Norfolk avoid a total disaster in their last group game in London the result will see them safely through to the Consolation Quarter-Finals and a match against either Shropshire, Worcestershire or Avon.

                                             David Lamb - Two wins in the singles

Norwich Cup Quarter-Finals

The three Norwich Cup quarter-final games played over the last few days all produced convincing home wins. Hevingham swept to an 18-6 win against Thorpe Marriott with Ian McLean, Pat Williamson & Vic Woods winning 11-3, 8-4 & 9-1 and Gill Bunn, Alan Bunn & George Clarke winning 7-5, 11-2 & 6-3. Connaught “A” beat fellow Breckland League side Watton 13-3 with the visitors conceding with two sessions remaining. Ray Wells’ triple won twice as did Bill Adcock’s triple. The highly anticipated clash between Wymondham and Hempnall failed to produce the classic hoped for as Wymondham reached the semi-finals with a 13-3 win. Brian Saunders’ triple won by 8-5 & 7-2 and Debbie Phillips’ triple won by 5-2 & 13-0 before Hempnall conceded. 

                                      Debbie Phillips of Wymondham wins again!

Breckland League

Connaught “A” continue to pursue Wymondham in what now looks a two horse race for the Breckland League title. They brushed aside visitors Watton by 10-0  with G Wilcox, Bob Oatway & Ollie Allen winning 32-4, Diana Adcock, D Liles & Bill Adcock winning 29-11 and P Hambling, J Winup & Sheila Bragg winning 28-14. Banham won 7-3 at Harling with Mike Seager, Roger Kerrison & Jim Delaney winning 26-9. Tony Ottewell’s Forncett triple won 30-9 as they won 7-3 at home to Carleton Rode.

South Norfolk League

Runaway leaders Hempnall predictably won 10-0 at Wreningham with Jon Sparham’s triple winning 31-1 but at least Wreningham kept things tighter on the other three mats with Paul Baker’s triple winning by just three shots against Gloria Grimes. Hempnall repeated their 10-0 scoreline at Mulbarton where Neil Davidson’s triple won 25-5. Thurton leapfrogged Watton into second place with a 10-0 home win against their rivals for the runner-up spot. Albert Reynolds’ triple won 23-5 & Peter Walker’s triple won 20-6 as Thurton scored 77 shots against 37. Saxlingham looked set to halt their poor run of form at home to Framingham Earl as they won both first half games. It all went pear shaped after the break though with Karl Bunn winning 20-5 and Colin Emms winning 17-9 to see the visitors snatch victory. 

Bure League

Kirby Bedon held on to the top spot in the Bure League but they were put under extreme pressure by a strong Coltishall side. The first half was tight with both games level on the eleventh ends. A massive five shots on the penultimate end saw Kirby’s Bernice Adcock, Peter Adcock & Gerald Chilvers to a 16-12 win against Margaret Harman’s triple while eight shots scored over the last four ends helped Kirby’s Leonora Chilman, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith to a 15-7 win against John Aggas’ triple. After the break Coltishall roared back and after eight ends had been played on both mats they had established an overall lead. The home side dug deep though and Peter Johnson, Bob Pattison & Joe Brown won five of the last six ends to beat Les Harman’s triple 16-14. Martin Edridge, Eddy Edridge & Willie Jefferies scored Coltishall’s only win beating Alistair Hunter’s triple 18-11 as Kirby Bedon won 8-2 on points. Hevingham moved into second place with two heavy wins. After beating St faiths 8-2 they continued their title push with a 10-0 home win against East Tuddenham. Pat Bunn, Pat Williamson & Maurice Kemp scored valuable shots beating Gerald Potter’s triple 16-7 while David Sharpe’s triple also cut loose beating Robin Amos 17-10. Gill Bunn, Alan Bunn & George Clarke clinched a 14-10 win against Russell Harris while maximum points were ensured as Ian McLean, John Richardson & Vic Woods beat John Turner’s triple 16-13. Horsford BC are enjoying their best season so far and consolidated their mid table position beating St Faiths 10-0. Peter Warnes, David Knights & Simon Warnes top scored beating Russell Daynes’ triple 29-11 while Mick Dale’s triple weighed in with a 23-7 win.

Bure Cup Semi-Final 1^st leg

East Tuddenham established a 17-7 lead in the first leg of their Bure Cup semi-final match at home to Kirby Bedon. A depleted Kirby side went into the match with a player short and struggled with two regular skips missing. Russell Flint, Madge Meachen & Russell Harris took full advantage with wins of 8-4, 6-2 & 9-4 while Linda Chadwick, Les Chadwick & Robin Amos won two games each as did Geraldine Potter, Denny Cross & Gerald Potter. Albert Palgrave, Chrisie Turner & John Turner earned three points from their three games. Dot Dawson, Leonora Chilman & Jimmy Dye were Kirby’s top triple with three points while Brian Saunders’ triple and Phil Watson’s triple scored one win each. Kirby’s Jan Hewitt & Alistair Hunter played without a number two and unsurprisingly failed to collect a point.   

Bure League Singles Championship

The St Faiths heat saw Woodbastwick’s Jim Couling recover from losing his opening game 9-8 against Kirby Bedon’s Gerald Chilvers to reel off three straight wins to finish in first place. Chilvers qualified in second place with five points while the seeded player Trevor Hallett of Woodbastwick failed to progress after finishing third. The full Finals Night line-up is Jim Couling of Woodbastwick, David Bunn, Vic Woods & George Clarke of Hevingham, Jimmy Dye & Gerald Chilvers of Kirby Bedon, Margaret Harman of Coltishall and John Turner of East Tuddenham.

                           Inter-County Championship Knock Out Rounds Published

Late in the day the ESMBA have finally got around to publishing the I.C.C Knock-Out rounds on the ESMBA web-site. I wish it was worth the wait but yet again they would appear to have put little thought into it. It is surely not rocket science to ensure that group winners are not disadvantaged by actually winning their groups but once again the ESMBA have got it horribly wrong in the sport’s premier competition for county teams. The team who win the preliminary round tie between the runners-up of Groups 4 & 5 go on to play the runners-up of Group 1 in the quarter-finals which guarantees that a group runner-up will earn a coveted I.C.C Premier semi-final place without meeting a group winner in the knock-outs. While this is happening the reward for the winners of Groups 1, 3, 4 & 5 is a quarter-final tie against each other. If there was no way to avoid this it would be understandable but by simply putting the 5 Group Winners into a hat and drawing out four of them to play in each of the four quarter-finals this situation would be avoided. If the reasoning behind this silliness is just to avoid two counties from the same group meeting in the knock-outs surely this should be measured against the folly of what you are now left with and that is a devalued competition.  

                                                                                               Posted 23-1-11 

Mikey George wins National Under 18’s qualifier

 

Wymondham’s Mikey George won the Under 18’s National Championship qualifying heat at Sprowston scoring seven points out of eight and finishing unbeaten. Bradwell’s Josh Baxter also impressed and finished in second place with a thumping 12-4 win against county regular Mark Linsdell of Wymondham  the highlight of his day. Costessey’s Jack Barrett earned the third qualifying place finishing with four points with an 8-5 win against Josh Baxter and a 9-2 win against County Council’s Lewis Cranston seeing him through. County star Linsdell made a shock exit scoring just two points and finishing fourth ahead of County Council’s Lewis Cranston on shot difference.  

Latest News

Norfolk County Cup

A classic Norfolk County Cup encounter saw Breckland League giants Wymondham defeat powerful City League side First Bus with the quarter-final tie undecided until the last end. First Bus triple Betty Cox, John Cummins & Maurice Kemp got the home side off to a winning start on mat one but they had skip Maurice Kemp to thank as he produced some huge shots to frustrate Debbie Phillips’ triple. Several times the visiting triple held fours & fives before Kemp stepped on the mat to take shot in a game that finished in an 11-10 win for First Bus. Wymondham’s Pat Saunders, Mary Fisher & Mark Linsdell ensured the teams were tied on points at the interval as they built a 15-10 win on the firm foundation of some excellent lead bowling by ex Carter player Pat Saunders. Julia Cummins, Lesley Crowe & Rex Cox of First Bus started the second half well against Mikey George, Peter King & Chris Mann and led 6-0 after five ends but Mighty Mann’s triple hit back to win a tight game by just 11-10 despite another solid performance by Lesley Crowe. The match was decided on mat two where Bob Oatway’s First Bus triple faced Brian Saunder’s Wymondham triple. Saunder’s triple began well leading 8-3 after seven ends but Oatway’s triple dug deep to reduce the arrears to one shot by the twelfth end. The First Bus triple missed opportunities to punish the Wymondham triple on the closing ends and had to settle for an 11-11 draw which was enough to give the visitors a 5-3 points win and a place in the semi-finals for the first time in their history. The much delayed 1^st round tie has been played at Hempnall where the South Norfolk league giants defeated visitors Hevingham 6-2. Charlie Archer’s triple beat John Richardson’s triple 18-8, Paul Baker beat George Clarke 17-7 and Roger Parker beat David Sharpe 17-13 while Vic Woods scored the visitors only win beating Neil Davidson 16-12. It would appear that the other 1^st round between Woodbastwick and Horsford Heroes, which has been listed as not yet played, was in fact played way back in November but the card has not been sent to the NCSMBA Competitions Secretary. Woodbastwick apparently won the encounter by 6-2 but no other details are available.

 

South-East Region Rinks 2011

Norfolk almost pulled off a surprise win in the South-East Rinks finishing just two points behind hot favourites Essex. Essex rinks skipped by Craig Burgess, Barry Hedges, Anthoney Faultley & Tony Orpin scored 24 points with Norfolk a close second on 22 points. Cambs & Suffolk finished a long way back on 9 points each with Cambs grabbing third place on shots. Trevor Brown made his debut for Norfolk in Melvin Woods’ rink who scored 7 out of 8 points.

 

Bure Singles

 A faultless display of singles bowling by Hevingham’s David Bunn saw him qualify for the Bure Singles Championship final’s night. The draw gave him a tough nut to crack in the first session as he faced East Tuddenham star John Turner but his 11-8 win was just the first of four straight victories as he dominated proceedings at Kirby Bedon. Bunn beat county singles player Mike Boswell of Anglian Windows by 11-7 in his second match and followed this with a 25-1 win against St Faith’s Russell Daynes and a 16-6 win against Woodbastwick’s Roger Green. John Turner recovered from his early setback to win his other three games to qualify in the runners-up spot. He beat Roger Green by 17-3, Mike Boswell by 12-5 and Russell Daynes by 20-3. At the Horsford BC heat Hevingham’s Vic Woods & Coltishall’s Margaret Harman both qualified with six points apiece. Margaret Harman opened with an 8-7 win against East Tuddenham’s Gerald Potter while Vic Woods won his first game 12-7 against Avril Walker of Anglian Windows. Woods & Harman met in their next game and Margaret Harman put herself in the driving seat with a 10-4 win against the Hevingham ace. While Woods went on to win his last two games, 13-6 against Gerald Potter and 13-1 against Woodbastwick’s Brian Frost, Margaret Harman suffered a surprise 12-6 loss to Brian Frost. Harman then recovered to beat Avril Walker 16-5 to seal the runner-up spot behind Woods. News just in from the South Walsham heat names George Clarke of Hevingham and Jimmy Dye of Kirby Bedon as the two qualifiers.

 

Tens League

Connaught’s Diana & Bill Adcock stormed to a 24-4 win against Hevingham’s Janet Kemp & Alan Bunn to help their side to a 3-0 home win. Mike Parsons, Alison Rush & Gordon Wilcox won 17-8 against David Sharpe’s triple to aid Connaught’s cause. Hevingham won on the other two mats with Maurice Kemp’s triple winning 17-10 and the pairing of Ian MacLean & Lesley Crowe beating Chris Musk & Sylvia Parson’s 13-10. Coltishall beat Horsford 2-0 with home pairing Les & Margaret Harman beating Mally Kemp & Chris Woodhouse 18-7 and Melly Catchpole, Brian Bunting & Peter Barnett winning 13-9 against David Woodrow’s triple. Horsford kept the overall loss down to just six shots as Richard Dix & Mick Dale won 16-10 against Carol & John Aggas and Vic Webster’s triple beating Willie Jefferies’ triple 12-9. Horsford slammed an out of sorts Kirby Bedon side 4-0 with Joyce Hubbard, P Foster & Richard Dix winning 29-8 in a great first half display against Bob Pattison’s triple. Lyn Frank was in good form playing at lead with Keith Chapman as they won 15-8 against Teresa & Selwyn Goldsmith as the home pair dominated the closing stages of a game that had been tight up to the eleventh end. After the break Joe Brown’s triple never looked likely to threaten Chris Woodhouses’ triple as the Horsford trio won 19-9. Kirby’s only win came from Shirley Brown & Alistair Hunter who took three shots on the final end to beat Derek Gaskin & Mick Dale by 15-12.

Breckland League

Breckland League strugglers Hingham Yellow will be delighted after holding high flying Wymondham to a 5-5 draw. Cynthia Powell, Colin Harris & Roy Naish claimed the major scalp of England’s Chris Mann as they picked up seven shots on the last two ends to turn a 12-10 deficit into a 17-12 win. Another shock defeat followed as Wymondham’s young Norfolk star Mark Linsdell slumped to a 19-11 defeat against E Herbert’s triple but a 23-17 win for Debbie Phillips’ triple and an 18-11 win for Brian Saunders’ triple saved Wymondham from a shock defeat. Wymondham fared better in their previous match at Carleton Rode where they won 9-1. Second placed Connaught “A” continued their title push with a 9-1 home win against Forncett inspired by a 26-11 win for Sheila Bragg. Other results included an 8-2 away win for Yaxham at Banham, where Owen Secker won 24-14, and a 9-1 home win for Connaught “B” against Hingham Yellow. 

City League & Shield

RG Carter’s lead at the top has been cut to just five points. Mid-table side Jarrolds managed to take some points away from their visit to RG Carter as they lost by just 9-5 while title chasing Thorpe Marriott won 14-0 at home to Felthorpe and 12-2 at home to Horsford BC. Sprowston are still handily placed after a 10-4 away win at Anglian Windows. Horsford Heroes have games in hand on all the teams above them and improved their chances with a 14-0 home win against Deaf Sports. Framingham Earl continue to struggle and are now bottom after a 14-0 defeat at Horsford BC and a 12-2 defeat at Taverham. City Shield Quarter-Final 1^st leg games saw Sprowston beat Horsford Heroes 8-0 and First Bus held to a 4-4 draw on their own mats against RG Carter.  

                                                                                                                    Posted15-1-11

              Bragging rights for Norfolk "A" as they grab runner-up spot

Norfolk Premier 15 (150) v Essex Premier 25 (182)

Norfolk “A” 24 (207) v Essex “A” 16 (171)

Match Date 9-1-11

Inter-County Championship action at Lakeside saw Norfolk “A” defeat Essex “A” 24-16 to claim second place in their group and a place in the knock-out stages. The Norfolk side began the day knowing that they were just one point ahead of third placed Suffolk, who were entertaining runaway leaders Cambs in Felixstowe, and that every point could be vital. As it was Suffolk suffered a massive home defeat going down 32-8 and finished in fourth place. Connaught’s Sheila Bragg delivered the goods in style winning her singles games by 21-5 & 18-7 and with fellow singles player Colin Coman picking up a 16-5 win in his second game they picked up eight of the ten points in their discipline. The rinks also collected eight points as Roger Green, Gerald Chilvers, Bob Oatway & Les Chadwick won by 12-7 & 21-5 while Shirley Brown, Brian Bunting, Ty Musk & Charlie Archer added an 11-6 win. Sheila Redwood, Joe Brown & David Dewing took maximum points winning their triples games 10-6 & 9-6 while in the pairs Jenny & Peter Walker and Chris Musk & Elaine Cole won a game apiece. Norfolk Premier have had a disappointing season so far losing their opening three games and the management were looking for an improvement against leaders Essex Premier with a reshuffled line-up. On the day there was no great difference between the sides as the singles, pairs & rinks all produced two wins each but greater shots earned Essex the two bonus points in all three disciplines. Essex got the better of the exchanges in the triples though but Jean Woods, John Turner & George Clarke won their first game 13-12 and Chris Mann’s triple drew 9-9 against Essex star Anthony Faultley.

                             Connaught's Sheila Bragg savaged Essex "A" in the singles

Wensum League

Bob Carter strengthened their position at the top of the Wensum League with an 8-2 home win at home to Woodbastwick which followed on from their pre-Xmas 10-0 away win at Coltishall. Woodbastwick also lost 8-2 at Halvergate.

City League

The battle at the top of the City League intensified as leaders RG Carter were beaten 12-2 at Costessey and the chasing pack closed in. Thorpe Marriott won 9-5 at First Bus to close the gap to ten points while Sprowston slammed British Rail 14-0 to rejuvenate their title hopes. Jarrolds suffered a surprise 12-2 home defeat against Old Bonds.

Tens League

Hempnall lost a chance to gain ground on leaders Bob Carter as they were defeated 2-0 at Kirby Bedon.

Thurne League

Stalham entertained Woodbastwick in the first game of the New Year but failed to trouble the visitors who won 8-2 and scored 72 shots against just 34. Just before Xmas the top of the table clash at Bradwell saw leaders Halvergate defeated 7-3. 

South Norfolk League

Wreningham have suffered two huge defeats on their latest travels. At Connaught they went down 10-0 on points, 91-24 on shots, with Sheila Bragg’s triple winning 31-2 and at Framingham Earl they again lost 10-0 on points, 92-23 on shots, with Karl Bunn’s triple winning 31-4.

                                                                                                                           Posted 10-1-11

                                           Neil Nails It!

Neil Davidson of Hempnall is the new Norfolk County Singles Champion after a run of shock results saw five previous champions eliminated in the knock-out stages. Young Bob Carter star Jason Woods reached his first Norfolk Singles final but the greater experience of Neil Davidson, who finished runner-up two years ago, helped the Hempnall player through to a 9-4 victory and his first ever Norfolk Singles title. In the play-off for third place Bob Carter’s Sue Hunt beat surprise packet Keith Cooke of Bradwell by 12-6. Mervyn Barker lost by 8-5 to the eventual champion in the quarter-finals but had an amazing day. In the preliminary round Barker beat his Wymondham team-mate and 2004 champion Andrew Stratton by 7-6 and he followed this up with a 10-8 win against four times champion John Turner of East Tuddenham in the last 16 stage. Another previous champion, Ian McLean of Hevingham, also made his exit at this stage as he suffered a 15-1 mauling at the hands of Hempnall’s Jon Sparham. Many had predicted that England & Wymondham star Chris Mann would lift the title this year but he also suffered a shock defeat at this stage against unfancied Bradwell bowler Keith Cooke who won their encounter by 9-7. Yet another upset saw Norfolk County regular Joe Brown of Costessey lose 11-9 to Wendy Wilkinson of non-league side Foxley. In the quarter-finals 2009 champion Peter Smart of Sprowston lost 6-4 to Bob Carter’s Sue Hunt while a sudden death extra end was needed before Jason Woods beat 2007 champion Jon Sparham 6-5. Wendy Wilkinson & Keith Cooke met in the clash of the giant killers which Keith won by just 10-9. Keith Cooke’s great run came to an end in the semi-finals as he lost by just one shot against Neil Davidson. Sue Hunt’s dream of becoming the first ever woman to lift the title finally came to an end as she was beaten 16-3 by Jason Woods. 

Neil Davidson holds the hard earned trophy

Neil Davidson - Winner

                                                                                                           Posted 2-1-11

Burst pipe wrecks Woodbastwick floor yet again!

For the second time in less than two years Woodbastwick have suffered a serious flood at their venue. A burst pipe just before Christmas has again left them needing a new floor which it is hoped will be in place sometime in January. The last flooring put in place proved difficult to say the least for visiting teams and it will be interesting to see how the mats play on the new floor when Peter Jablonowski and his team are back in action. Woodbastwick was the venue for a Bure League Singles Championship heat scheduled for Thursday 13^th January but this heat has now been re-scheduled and will take place at South Walsham Village Hall on Friday 14^th January.

 

Directions from Norwich direction to South Walsham Village Hall

Go past South Walsham Church and take next left. The hall is on the right opposite Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden (NR13 6DZ).

                                                                                                               Posted 31-12-10

Irish short mat bowlers celebrated at Stormont

While the public profile of short mat bowls in England continues to be almost non-existent it is interesting to note the difference in Ireland. This season the Irish Indoor Bowling Association, who administers short mat bowls in Ireland, celebrated their 50^th anniversary. To mark this event publicly the Irish Minister for Culture & Arts, Nelson McCausland, hosted a reception at Stormont and paid tribute to the work of the Association and highlighted many of their achievements. IIBA President Ronnie McDermott responded to the Minister’s speech by thanking him for the invitation to Stormont and spoke about the growth of the Association over the fifty years. Special presentations were made to Colm McHugh, Edwin Irwin & Dessie Hamilton. Colm has received 54 international caps, Edwin 54 & Dessie 51.

                                                                                                                                                                Posted 29-12-10

Latest News

Norfolk County Cup

A classic Norfolk County Cup clash at Cromer saw the sea-siders entertain powerful Breckland League side Connaught “A” on a freezing night. A great first half was shared with two great last end woods by Connaught skip Ray Wells earning his triple a 15-14 win against former Coltishall favourite Jane James. Cromer skip Aleck Haynes was the home sides hero against Bill Adcock’s triple as he produced some superb bowls over the last six ends to win 18-11 in a game that Cromer trailed by 11-9 after nine ends. After the break Cromer’s John Andreae had a dream start against county star Sheila Bragg scoring six shots on the first end and led 10-0 after three ends. A determined recovery saw Bragg’s triple cut the deficit to just 14-13 with one end left but Andreae’s triple snatched a single to win an amazing game by 15-13 and this proved to be a vital win. The remaining game saw a bright start by Ollie Allen’s Connaught triple who led Richard Airs’ Cromer triple by 6-1 after three ends but the home triple hit back to take an 11-6 lead after eight ends. The Connaught triple dug deep to come back and win 16-13 to leave both sides with two wins apiece. With a total of 60 shots against 55 it was Cromer who celebrated victory and they can now look forward to entertaining Thorpe Marriott in the quarter-finals.

                                                 John Andreae of Cromer - a vital win

Breckland League

Wymondham finished off their 2010 fixtures with a perfect 10-0 home win against Hingham Yellow, scoring 100 shots against just 32, and can sit back and enjoy their Christmas break 16 points clear at the top of the Breckland League. Mikey George, Peter King & Chris Mann scored a 31-8 win, Brian Saunders’ triple contributed a 27-9 win, Debbie Phillips’ triple won 24-7 and young Mark Linsdell returned an 18-8 scoreline. Connaught “A” reached the mid-season break with eight wins and just one defeat and look the only possible threat to Wymondham. They beat Yaxham 8-2 with Diane Adcock, Ollie Allen & Bill Adcock winning 36-8 against former Norfolk singles champion Russell Harris while Sheila Bragg’s triple continued their good form with a 27-12 win against Denny Cross. Yaxham’s only points were earned by John Turner’s triple with a creditable 26-8 win. Two nights later Connaught “A” visited Watton with changes in all their four triples but still produced another 8-2 win with Bill Adcock’s triple winning 24-8. Harling moved up to third with their fourth home win from five games as they ran out 8-2 winners against Carleton Rode. Betty Murphy, Terry Murphy & Matt Cunningham were top scorers winning 25-9 while Roy Buffrey’s triple won 24-12 and Brian Knappett’s triple won 20-14. Bottom team Connaught “B” won for just the second time this season beating Hingham Green 6-4 while Forncett beat Watton 8-2. 

Coastal League

Woodbastwick Eagles are flying high in the Coastal League after a 13-5 home win against Stalham leaves them nine points clear of second placed Hemsby. Two defeats for Hemsby, 14-4 at Bradwell Red and 12-6 at home to Bradwell Blue, derailed their title bid. Defending champions Woodbastwick Eagles suffered only their second defeat of the campaign at South Walsham where they went down 12-6 but look hot favourites to retain the title.

                                                                                                        Posted 23-12-10

                                           Norfolk Allocations for Nationals

Norfolk has once again earned a top allocation for the National Championships in 2011. Norfolk’s Competition Secretary Peter Smart has been informed that the county has been allocated 4 places in the National Singles, Pairs, Triples, Fours & Mixed Fours events and 3 places in the National Under 18’s. Norfolk’s bowlers earn their place at the Nationals through the combined Norfolk County Championship/National Qualifying Competitions held primarily at Lakeside Country Club in Lyng.

                                                                                                          Posted 22-12-10

Craig Burgess Announces Another Event

Essex & England bowler Craig Burgess has announced another competition, this time sponsored by the ESMBA. The charity event, billed as the St George’s Cup, will feature two teams representing The North of England & The South of England and will take place at Erdington Court Bowls Club in Birmingham on the weekend of the 26^th/ 27^th March. The South team for the match has been published and includes two Norfolk based players, Chris Mann of Wymondham and Trevor Brown of Bob Carter, and seven Essex players who are Barry Hedges, Babs Morokutti, Dominic Reed, Adam Sultana, Jack Shepherd, Mitchell Young & Craig Burgess in the 32 named. The remainder of the team named are Chris Hopkins, Leigh Hall & Edward Sawbridge of Northants, Phil Atkins, Lee Toleman, James Trott & Mike Ivings of Devon, Jason McLean, Paul Goodman, Ben Pay & James Bucknall of Hampshire, Roger Wiggins & Steve McAlister of Oxfordshire, Jody Frampton & Mark Wiedeholz of Kent, Andy Cowlin & Chris Shakeshaft of Somerset, Marc Lancaster & Matt Allen of West Sussex, Andy Beard of East Sussex, Mark Jones of Surrey, Mark White of Dorset & Phil Warr of Avon. 

                                                                                                              Posted 21-12-10

                    Norfolk County Triples Championship

Carter’s Jean Woods, Malcolm Reynolds & Kim Bridge lifted the Norfolk County Triples Championship title at Lyng beating Wymondham’s Pat Saunders, Debbie Phillips & Chris Mann by 11-2 in the final. It has been a tremendous season for Jean Woods who has already tasted county success winning the Norfolk Mixed Fours title while for Jean’s daughter Kim Bridge it was a second county triples title having previously won back in 2004/05. For Norfolk Over 60’s regular Malcolm Reynolds it was that all important first county title. England international Chris Mann and his triple started the final as firm favourites but Kim Bridge’s triple were not to be denied as they stormed to title glory. In the playoff for third place Thorpe Marriott’s Sheila & Ted Redwood, skipped by Anglian Window’s star Mike Boswell, beat Rita & Owen Secker of Yaxham and Ty Musk of Connaught by 8-6. In another twist to the day defending champion Melvin Woods, playing with Nigel Willard & John Turner, was shown the exit door by wife Jean and daughter Kim when her triple defeated them by 9-2.

                                                                                                           Posted 20-12-10

 

  

                    Kim Bridge, Malcolm Reynolds & Jean Woods - new Norfolk Triples Champions

Latest News

Norwich Cup

Wymondham’s Billie Barker, Shirley Foster & Debbie Phillips came from behind in all their three games to produce a hat-trick of wins against a talented Cromer side in their Norwich Cup clash. Mikey George, Peter King & Chris Mann added wins of 8-2 & 11-1 before Cromer conceded at 14-6 down. The Breckland League giants have been handed another home draw in the third round but current Tens League & South Norfolk League champions Hempnall are certain to field a strong side in what promises to be a classic cup tie. The quarter-final draw gives Hingham a difficult away tie at Bob Carter while Connaught “A” will entertain Watton in an all Breckland League clash. Hevingham will hope that home advantage will prove crucial as they entertain Thorpe Marriott.

Norfolk County Cup

 County Cup action saw Coltishall beat Hingham 8-0 with Les Harman’s triple winning 21-3.

Bure League

The top of the table match in the Bure League was at Kirby Bedon where the leaders entertained second placed Woodbastwick. The away side was in good form making it an uncomfortable night for Kirby who looked out of touch for much of the time. A tremendous last wood winner by Kirby skip Joe Brown denied Woodbastwick what looked certain victory leaving Kirby celebrating a 6-4 win. Martin Edridge, Mally Catchpole & Margaret Harman stormed to a 31-5 win as Coltishall beat Anglian Windows 8-2 with Mike Boswell’s triple again collecting the visitor’s only points.

Tens League

Since signing England international Trevor Brown the Bob Carter team have enjoyed excellent Tens League results with this week’s 2-0 win at the home of league champions Hempnall the best so far. J & M Woods led the way with a 19-12 pairs win against home favourite Paul Baker with Neil Davidson the only home skip to win. Carter fielded an unfamiliar looking side at home to Horsford Heroes with Roy Walker, Gary High & Steven Lamb of Halvergate all in action. Jason Foster & Nigel Willard gave Carter a great start beating Sue Fox & Mark Tuttle 24-6 and they easily achieved a maximum 4 points.

Breckland League

Yaxham moved up to third in the Breckland League beating Hingham Yellow 8-2 with John Turner’s triple winning by 26-10. Banham are third after an 8-2 home win against Watton in which J Delaney’s triple won 18-10. Connaught “B” slumped to their eighth defeat in nine games losing 8-2 at Hingham Yellow where N Thorpe’s triple won 28-8 while Carleton Rode beat Forncett 8-2.

South Norfolk League

Hempnall made it eight wins in a row in the South Norfolk League taking maximum points at home to Connaught with Roger Parker’s triple strolling to a 26-6 win. Wreningham won for the first time this season beating fellow strugglers Mulbarton 10-0 as G Adcock’s triple recorded a 25-5 win. Thurton went down 8-2 at Watton where D Paffey, D Quadling & D Braham won 22-6. Framingham Earl failed to collect a point at Horsford where Mark “The Marvel” Tuttle and his triple won 21-5 against Karl Bunn.       

                                                                                                                   Posted 17-12-10

Latest News

Norfolk "A" 24 (188) v Suffolk 16 (173)

Norfolk Premier 29 (188) v City of Norwich League 11 (148)

Norfolk “A” beat Suffolk 24-16 in a competitive I.C.C local derby at Lakeside with the singles and pairs leading the way. Haddiscoe’s Jenny & Peter Walker emerged victorious in both their games by margins of 14-12 & 16-13 while Chris Musk & Elaine Cole added a second half win. In the singles Colin Coman of First Bus was in good form winning by 17-8 & 15-10 while Sheila Bragg contributed a 13-10 win. The Norfolk triples had a good first half with Steven Lamb, Alison Rush & Ray Lamb winning 17-7 and Sheila Redwood, Joe Brown & David Dewing winning 7-5 but both second half games went Suffolk’s way. The rinks proved costly for Norfolk with a second half 15-9 win for Roger Green, Ollie Allen, Neil Davidson & Les Chapman the only success. The result moves Norfolk “A” up to second place in their group just one point ahead of Suffolk. Norfolk Premier beat a City League Select team 29-11 in a friendly match.

Two wins for Norfolk "A" singles player Colin Coman in the local derby against Suffolk

                                       Latest News

Tens League

Hempnall continue to impress in the Tens League with a 4-0 win at Horsford Heroes. Joan Cann & Neil Davidson swept to a 27-5 pairs win while Steven Oldfield, Charlie Archer & Roger Parker won 26-6 in the triples. A team hoping to challenge them is Bob Carter who won 4-0 at Kirby Bedon. J Woods, M Reynolds & England’s David Lamb stunned the home side with a massive 26-3 win against Gerald Chilver’s triple. Carter moved top with a 3-0 win at Connaught where Sue Hunt, Jason Woods & Robert Howlett won 17-6 but Hempnall are just three points behind with three games in hand.

                                                Hempnall Legend Roger Parker

City of Norwich League

RG Carter’s push up the City of Norwich League continued as they picked up 31 points. A 10-4 away win at First Bus damaged the home side’s title hopes while RG Carter collected all 14 points at home to Horsford BC. In their other match they visited Jarrolds and held them to a 7-7 draw. Thorpe Marriott beat Taverham 12-4 in their City Shield clash.

Bure League

Kirby Bedon continue to top the Bure League after an 8-2 home win against Anglian Windows but the home side were pushed hard. Kirby’s best win was a 19-12 result for Leonora Chilman, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith while Mike Boswell’s triple earned the visitor’s only points beating Alistair Hunter’s triple 15-11. Anglian Windows also went down 8-2 at Woodbastwick where Peter Jablonowski’s triple won 25-9 but Mike Boswell’s triple were again impressive scoring Window’s only points with a superb 22-7 win on the difficult Woodbastwick surface.  

Norwich Cup

Norwich Cup action saw Hempnall beat Horsford Heroes 14-6 with Roger Parker’s triple winning their games 7-6 & 8-1 and Paul Baker & Jon Sparham both winning two out of three games. An entertaining match at Thorpe Marriott saw the hosts and visitors East Tuddenham sharing the first four sessions to leave the score at 8-8 with two sessions to play. The fifth session proved vital as Margaret McPherson, Ted Redwood & Richard Perkins defeated John Turner’s triple 8-0 and Janet Pinchen, Trevor Pinchen & Sylvia Turner beat Russell Harris 10-3 to give Thorpe Marriott a 12-8 points lead and a 54-44 shots lead with one session left. This was shared leaving Marriott winners by 14-10.  

Coastal League

Woodbastwick Eagles scored a valuable 12-6 Coastal League local derby win at Woodbastwick Owls to move top of the Coastal League. The Owls are third after an 18-0 demolition job was completed against struggling Stalham. South Walsham mid table position was maintained with a 12-6 home win against Bradwell Red. Stalham also beat Bradwell Red 12-6.

Breckland League

Wymondham opened up their lead in the Breckland League to 22 points with an 8-2 win at Watton where Chris Mann’s triple won 20-8. Second placed Connaught “A” won 7-3 in their derby at Connaught “B as Chris Musk, Bob Oatway & Ray Wells produced a great 32-5 win against Ken Lurcock’s triple to secure the match points. Harling lost ground on the top two as they went down 8-2 at Banham where V Footer, D Grey & J Williamson won 29-5.

Thurne League

Its now five wins out of five for Bradwell in the Thurne League with South Walsham the latest victims, an 8-2 home win for Bradwell takes them up to second with six games in hand over leaders Hemsby. Halvergate won 6-4 at Woodbastwick while Hemsby lost 7-3 at home to Woodbastwick.

                                                                             Posted 11-12-10

Norfolk County Mixed Fours Championship

Jenny Walker of Haddiscoe, Jean Woods of Bob Carter, Jon Sparham of Hempnall & David Lamb of Halvergate retained the Norfolk County Mixed Fours Championship at Lakeside and became the first rink to win this title in successive years. They hit top form in the final beating Sheila Johnstone of British Rail, Linda Chadwick, Les Chadwick & David Dewing of Sprowston by 12-2. In the third place play-off Chris Musk, Russell Hales, Ty Musk & Sheila Bragg of Connaught won by 8-3 against Sue Hunt, Kim Bridge, Jason Woods & Melvin Woods of Bob Carter. David Lamb’s rink were involved in a tight semi-final match against Melly Woods’ rink which went down to an extra end in which Lamb’s rink scored two shots for a 9-7 win. The other semi-final match saw Dewing’s rink run out 13-4 winners against Bragg’s rink.  

                                                                                                          Posted 6-12-10

                                     Jon Sparham, David Lamb, Jean Woods & Jenny Walker

                                        Latest News

Piero Cognetti & Paul Isgate of Horsford won the Bure League Pairs qualifying heat at Kirby Bedon after a great recovery against Woodbastwick’s Elsie Couling & Derek Sheldrake. They conceded a five on the opening end but fought back to draw 6-6. The result meant that the Woodbastwick pair also qualified as runners-up. A strong line-up at the Horsford heat was won by Kirby Bedon’s Teresa & Selwyn Goldsmith with four straight wins. Three other pairs all finished with four points but Gillian & Robin Amos of East Tuddenham earned the second qualifying place on shot difference while seeded Woodbastwick pair Martin & Eddy Edridge and Anglian Window’s Alan Williamson & Mike Boswell missed out on final’s night places. Coltishall’s Ann Ducker & Willie Jefferies were unbeaten at the Anglian Windows heat winning three games and drawing one. Defending champions Shirley Brown & Gerald Chilvers of Kirby Bedon needed to win their last game against Hevingham’s Pat Williamson & Alan Bunn to qualify but lost 7-2 which earned the Hevingham pair a final’s night place. In the heat at Coltishall the outcome was undecided until the last session where any of the four pairs playing could still qualify. Trevor Hallett & Jim Couling of Woodbastwick delivered the goods eliminating last year’s runners-up Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown with a 14-6 win while Maureen & Ken Dease of Anglian Windows secured the other place beating Horsford’s Dennis Seaton & Mick Dale by 7-4.  A classic Norwich Cup clash at Woodbastwick saw the home side lose by a whisker against a Bob Carter side fielding three England internationals. In the last session Peter Jablonowski’s triple beat Robert Howlett 9-7 to keep Woodbastwick’s hopes alive but Carter’s Melly Woods held Norma Jablonowski’s triple to a 5-5 draw which clinched victory by 13-11 on points with the sides level on shots at 59-59. Thurne League leaders Hemsby beat Halvergate 8-2 to gain revenge for their defeat there in October. Bradwell still remain the only unbeaten side after their 8-2 home win against Woodbastwick. East Tuddenham suffered their first Bure League defeat of the season going down 8-2 at Woodbastwick where Norma Jablonowski’s triple won 20-10. Horsford Heroes moved to just two points behind City League leaders Sprowston but could have gone top if they had not lost 12-2 in the local derby at Horsford BC. Old Bonds enjoyewd only their second win as they beat Felthorpe 9-5. Jarrolds blew away visitors Anglian Windows 14-0. City League Shield action saw Horsford Heroes and County Council level on 8 points each but Horsford won 120-94 on shots. South Norfolk League action saw Hempnall chalk up their sixth consecutive win beating struggling Saxlingham 10-0 in a largely one sided encounter. Watton kept up their rich vein of form beating Framingham Earl 8-2 with Terry Crockett’s triple winning 19-7. Wreningham remain without a win after losing 6-4 at home to Horsford. Connaught though proved too strong for Horsford beating them 8-2 with Sheila Bragg’s triple starring for the home side winning 23-5. Framingham Earl were held to a 5-5 draw by visitors Thurton despite Mervyn Blaza winning 19-5. Breckland League action saw Harling move into third place after a 10-0 home win against Watton with Betty Murphy, Terry Murphy & Matt Cunningham leading the way with a 21-5 win. Neil Davidson’s Carleton Rode triple won 21-7 at Connaught “A” but the home side swept to an 8-2 win winning all the other games. Connaught “B” are bottom after losing 8-2 at home to Yaxham and then losing by the same score at Banham. Watton beat Hingham Green 6-4 in a close match with the match points secured by Roger Braham’s triple who won 23-11. Hevingham have experienced one of their worst Bure League starts ever but moved three places up the table with a 10-0 win at St Faiths where John Richardson’s triple won 19-6. St Faiths have yet to gain a point after three games but Pam Daynes came close losing by just 18-16 to George Clarke.

                                                                                                            Posted 5-12-10

 

                                     Paul Isgate & Piero Cognetti

                                         Latest News

Hevingham cruised through to the next round of the Norwich Cup defeating Framingham Earl 14-2 with the visitors conceding with two sessions remaining. The home side opened with Vic Woods’ triple winning 12-2 and Pat Williamson’s triple winning 8-1 and with George Clarke & David Sharp’s triples winning the next two games the City League team were on their way out. Watton claimed the scalp of Bure League champions Kirby Bedon after a classic cup tie at the Breckland League sides venue. With four mats down the match was played over three sessions and with just one session left the teams were level at 8-8 on points with Watton 44-43 up on shots. Watton’s June Walker, Maggie Dibble & Daphne Braham completed a hat-trick of wins to see Watton to victory by just 13-11 with Phil Watson & Selwyn Goldsmith’s triples winning two games apiece for Kirby. Saxlingham suffered without regular skip Geoff Payne at home to Hingham where they slumped to a 13-7 loss. J Baker, R Naish & N Thorpe won their three games by 6-3, 10-5 & 9-2 for Hingham. Connaught made a good start at home to Forncett and finished up winning 13-7 as Sheila Bragg’s triple scored maximum points. County Cup action saw Bob Carter win 5-3 at home to Thurton. M Greenacre’s triple beat England international David Lamb 14-9 and P Carter drew 11-11 with Robert Howlett to give Thurton a good start at Carter but the home side recovered to win with Nigel Willard scoring a 22-4 victory and Melvin Woods winning 19-7. In the Bure League East Tuddenham won 6-4 at Horsford BC with Jessie Palgrave, Chris Turner & John Turner winning 15-9 and Geraldine Potter, Gerald Potter & Denny Cross winning 17-6.    

In the City League First Bus have stormed up to third place with a 14-0 home win against Old Bonds, a 12-2 win at Taverham and a 7-7 draw against Deaf Sports. Thorpe Marriott beat Deaf Sports 10-4 but lost 12-2 at RG Carter. In the City League Shield British Rail won 10-6 at Felthorpe while Sprowston beat Deaf Sports 8-0.

                                                                                                                                           Posted 29-11-10

England Ace Joins Bob Carter

Overshadowing local results this week is the news that Oxfordshire & England ace Trevor Brown, former National Singles Champion, has signed for Bob Carter. Trevor Brown, crowned World Fours Champion in Belgium in 2008, dominated the sport in 2006 when he won both the England National Pairs & Fours Championships. He represented England in the British Isles Singles Championships on the Isle of Man two weeks ago where he finished third despite beating the eventual champion from Ireland. Bob Carter will be delighted with this transfer coup after their bid to win back the Tens League title from Hempnall this season has already suffered with defeats at both Hevingham & Coltishall.

                                                                                                                   Posted 26-11-10

                      City League Pairs Crown for Melly Woods & Malcolm Reynolds

Bob Carter regular & England international Melly Woods won the City League Pairs title with RG Carter team-mate Malcolm Reynolds. They narrowly defeated First Bus pairing Betty Cox & Colin Coman in the final at Lakeside Country Club.

                                                               Melvin Woods

                                            Latest Breckland News

The good news for Connaught “A” was the return of the talented young Ollie Allen to short mat bowls action but the bad news was the end of their unbeaten run at Wymondham. Despite putting up stout resistance at the home of defending Breckland League champions Wymondham they could not stop the league leaders extending the gap at the top. Sheila Bragg continued her good run with a 17-11 win for Connaught but Wymondham won the other three games with Chris Mann’s triple winning 25-14, Debbie Phillips’ triple winning 17-12 and Mark Linsdell’s triple winning 13-9. In their previous match Wymondham swept Connaught “B” aside by 10-0. Sylvia Archer, Shirley Foster & Debbie Phillips are undoubtedly the form triple in the league and added a 28-9 win against Joyce Hazell’s triple to their list of conquests this season. Billie Barker, Peter King & Chris Mann won 23-5 and Melvyn Barker, Andrew Stratton & Brian Saunders won 26-8 and Wymondham’s shot difference is an impressive +233 after seven games. Yaxham won 6-4 at home to Harling as the visitors put up an impressive performance winning on two mats. The bonus points were secured by Yaxham’s Reg Wilson, Albert Palgrave & John Turner  who raced to a 34-6 win and Owen Secker’s triple who won 19-7. Yaxham will be disappointed to have lost valuable home points as Betty Murphy, Terry Murphy & Matt Cunningham beat Russell Harris’ triple 15-14 and Beryl Potter, Peter Dennis & Arthur Snelling beat Betty Steed, Madge Meachen & Denny Cross by 20-15. Three days earlier Harling had won 8-2 at Hingham Yellow where Betty Murphy, Terry Murphy & Peter Dennis won 16-11 and Gerald Palframan, Pauline Barsby & Brian Knappett won 16-12. Both other games were drawn.

Hingham Green won 6-4 at home to Carleton Rode with David Mylchreest, Jim Roache & Mike White winning 31-10.   

                                                                              

                                                                                                                     Posted 24-11-10

                            British Isles Championships 2010

Team Event

The 2010 British Isles Championships were hosted by the Isle of Man and once again Ireland triumphed in the Team event beating England 36-31, Isle of Man 77-12, Scotland 60-20 and Wales 36-32. England were runners-up beating Isle of Man 73-14, Scotland 53-27 & Wales 35-27 before their narrow defeat against the Irish. Wales were third with the Isle of Man fourth. Scotland finished last losing all their games including a surprise 33-32 defeat against the Isle of Man.

 

Individual Events

England will be delighted with their performances in the individual events winning both the B.I Pairs and B.I Fours titles and finishing runners-up in the B.I Triples. Devon’s Michael Ivings & the legendary Lee Toleman lifted the British Isles Pairs winning four out of five games, the same as Ireland. A 14-8 win against the Irish and a massive 29-4 win against the Isle of Man helped them on their way to British Isles glory. Warwick France, Allan Williams, Chris Shakeshaft & Chris Williams of Shropshire were unbeaten in the British Isles Fours as were the Welsh rink. Their crunch match finished level at 11-11 but the English four beat the Isle of Man 20-2 while Wales could only beat them 11-8. The Irish rink had a shocking day by their standards losing 12-9 to Scotland, 17-6 to England and 12-7 to Wales who finished as runners-up. Dave Hayward (Warwickshire), Martin Walker (Cheshire) & Jon Pitcher of Warwickshire finished runners-up in the British Isles Triples. Ireland won the title beating Scotland 31-8, Wales 25-8 & Isle of Man 26-3 but were beaten by Pitcher’s England triple 13-10. Unfortunately the England triple lost 13-9 to Wales which cost them the title. Despite finishing third in the B.I Singles Oxfordshire’s Trevor Brown can take consolation in the fact that he beat the eventual champion from Ireland 13-10 and that his only defeat was against second placed Wales.

 

 Devon's Lee Toleman lifts British Isles Pairs Title

 

                                                  Latest News

 

Sheila Bragg is the toast of Attleborough after an amazing comeback by her triple secured all ten points for Connaught “A” at home to Harling in the Breckland League. Playing with Bob Oatway & Peter Hambling the Norfolk “A” singles star found her triple 18-10 down with just two ends remaining against Peter Dennis’ triple. With her last wood on the penultimate end Sheila took out Harling’s holding bowl to score a 5 to reduce the deficit to 18-15 before taking four shots on the last end to win the game 19-18. Sheila was also in sparkling form as she inspired her triple to a 27-9 win at Banham against John Williamson’s triple as Connaught “A” won 6-4 at a venue where visiting teams find points hard to come by. Albert Palgarve, Chris Turner & John Turner produced a 27-8 win as Yaxham beat Watton 8-2 while Hingham Green beat Hingham Yellow 10-0 in their local derby. Bob Carter’s Tens League title hopes took a knock as they lost two games in three days. At Coltishall they went down by just one shot despite Sue Hunt & Nigel Willard beating Jean Barnett & Margaret Harman 21-16. Ann Ducker, Eddie Edridge & Willie Jefferies hit back for Coltishall beating England international David Lamb by 19-14 while Brian Bunting, Peter Barnett & Les Harman scored a vital 11-10 win against Robert Howlett’s triple. The remaining pairs game between Coltishall’s Carol & John Aggas and Carter’s J & M Woods was drawn earning a 2-0 points win for Coltishall. Carter suffered a heavier defeat at Hevingham where the home side won on all four mats. Pat Bunn, Pat Williamson & Maurice Kemp picked up a 13-3 win against Malcolm Reynold’s triple and the experienced Ian MacLean & Vic Woods beat Kim Bridge & Nigel Willard 14-9 as Hevingham won 3-0. Bure League action saw Coltishall run out 8-2 winners at home to Kirby Bedon with captain Willie Jefferies beating Phil Watson 22-8 and former international Margaret Harman beating Gerald Chilvers 19-6. Kirby Bedon returned to winning ways two days later beating Hevingham 8-2 in a tight game. Peter Johnson, Brian Saunders & Joe Brown were in good form beating David Sharpe 13-4 while Gerald Chilvers beat Alan Bunn 17-13. The other two games finished level with Phil Watson drawing 12-12 with Peter Smart and Alistair Hunter drawing 10-10 with Pat Williamson. In the Bure Cup East Tuddenham defeated Anglian Windows 16-8 and face Kirby Bedon in the semi-finals. In the South Norfolk League Saxlingham suffered two bad defeats losing by 10-0 at both Thurton & Horsford. Wreningham visited Watton with just eight available players and paid the price losing 10-0 on points and 115-16 on shots as they faced the opposition with a player short on each mat. Watton made it four wins from five games beating Horsford 6-4 as Bryan Dibble’s triple beat Keith Chapman 19-12. Defending City League champions Sprowston scored a 10-4 home win against last seasons runners-up First Bus to move 14 points clear. Costessey went down 12-2 at Felthorpe and 8-6 at Jarrolds but took all 14 points at home to Horsford BC. Thorpe Marriott’s unbeaten run came to a finish with a surprise 10-4 home defeat against Horsford Heroes. Costessey beat Old Bonds 12-4 in the City Shield. After Cromer’s win against Bob Carter in the Wensum League the seasiders were brought back down to earth losing 6-4 at Stalham. Norfolk were runners-up in the South-East Rinks finishing just two points behind hosts Essex. Suffolk finished third with Cambs in fourth place.

 

                                                  Connaught skip Sheila Bragg
                                                                                   Posted 21-11-10

                                                  I.C.C News
Norfolk "A" went down 28-12 in Suffolk, a disappointing result that will not help their hopes of finishing in the top two positions in their group. A 17-5 win for Colin Coman in his first game earned the bonus points in the singles. Chris Musk & David Dewing won their first pairs match 16-10. Steven, Robbie & Ray Lamb recovered from losing their first game to win their second by 8-5.Sheila Redwood, Bob Oatway & Joe Brown finished with a 12-11 win and Charlie Archer's rink finished on a winning note with a 14-7 win.

                              Latest League & Cup News

Bure Cup action saw Coltishall dig deep and stage a terrific last session show to send old rivals Woodbastwick crashing out of the competition. Coltishall had beaten Woodbastwick 14-10 in the first leg so found themselves protecting a narrow lead in the away leg. Vernon Bunn, Les Harman & Peter Barnett of Coltishall were in good form and produced wins of 11-2 & 9-3 but Woodbastwick’s Brian Frost, Derek Sheldrake & Jim Couling reeled off three identical 6-2 wins to leave the teams level at 22-22 on aggregate with one session remaining. Peter Barnett’s triple then delivered the goods once again with a 7-4 win but a great last bowl gave Carol Aggas, Brian Bunting & John Aggas a 6-4 win to leave Coltishall celebrating a last gasp victory by 26-22 on points. They will now face Hevingham in the semi-finals. Kirby Bedon are also through to the semi-finals after a 33-15 aggregate win against Horsford BC. Horsford started the second leg well with two wins but Kirby quickly got on top to put the tie beyond the reach of Horsford with two sessions to spare. Kirby Bedon will play the winners of the Anglian Windows v East Tuddenham tie in the semi-finals. County Cup matches saw Thorpe Marriott defeat Connaught “B” 7-3 & Coltishall win 6-2 at home to Sprowston. Chris Mann has taken on the Wymondham captaincy following the sudden departure of Steve Phillips and credit must be given for the way Wymondham have coped with the circumstances. Another professional performance at Forncett saw the defending Breckland League champions crush Forncett 9-1. Chris Mann’s rink trailed 15-6 but won the last six ends to force a draw with M Humphrey’s triple. Sylvia Archer, Shirley Foster & the talented Debbie Phillips won 17-8 and the ever improving Mark Linsdell skipped his triple to a 23-13 win. Harling also produced a 9-1 win at home to Connaught “B” with Brian Knappett’s triple winning 28-10 and Arthur Snelling’s triple winning 22-4. Carleton Rode won a close match 6-4 at home to Banham.  After beginning their Thurne League campaign with uncharacteristic double defeats Woodbastwick got back to winning ways beating early season leaders Hemsby 6-4. Bottom club South Walsham followed their 8-2 defeat at Hemsby with an 8-2 defeat at home to Stalham. Its now five straight wins for South Norfolk League giants Hempnall but visitors Thurton restricted them to a 7-3 win. Peter Walker’s Thurton triple earned a 13-13 draw against county star Paul Baker but there was no stopping Hempnall’s Steven Oldfield, Richard Harrowing & Mike Pearce who won 25-3. A great week for Connaught saw them move into second place. They came back from 13 shots down at the interval at Saxlingham to win 8-2 with a 20-6 win for Alan Marshall, Peter Hambling & John Winup and a 19-5 win for Sheila Bragg, Ty Musk & Christine Musk. Bragg’s triple also did the damage at home to Mulbarton as they won 22-7 in an 8-2 points win. Mulbarton earned their first win of the season at home to Wreningham as Stephen Denning’s triple won 26-11. City League leaders Sprowston lost 12-2 at RG Carter while Costessey also suffered a setback losing 10-4 at Taverham. Tens League leaders Bob Carter went down 2-0 in a thriller at Coltishall. Just one shot separated them at the end with Coltishall’s Willie Jefferies playing a vital captain’s role skipping his triple to a 19-14 win against David Lamb’s triple. Hevingham suffered a shock 8-2 loss at Horsford BC where D Coulson, P Cognetti & C Walsgrove beat David Sharpe 29-5. East Tuddenham will be delighted with a 6-4 away win at Coltishall. Wins for skips Robin Amos, John Turner & Denny Cross won them the game but a big 27-13 win for Willie Jefferies’ triple earned Coltishall a vital four points. Tuddenham then won 7-3 at Anglian Windows to move up to fifth place. Woodbastwick continued their good start with an 8-2 win at Windows. Coastal League leaders Hemsby went down 14-4 at Woodbastwick Eagles in their top of the table clash but beat Martham 16-2. South Walsham climb the table after an 18-0 home win over Stalham and a 14-4 win against Bradwell Blue.

              

                                                                                                            Posted 14-11-10

           

                                                         Brian Bunting of Coltishall

                       Norfolk County Captain's Resignation Confirmed
                                                                                              POSTED 10-11-10

                                Norfolk County Pairs Championship

Andrew Stratton & Chris Mann of Wymondham are the new Norfolk County Pairs champions after defeating Melvin Woods of Bob Carter & East Tuddenham’s John Turner 9-4 in the final at Lakeside Country Club in Lyng. It is the second county title in three weeks for England international Chris Mann who looks unstoppable this season. The Wymondham pair took first blood scoring two shots on the opening end but after three ends Woods & Turner were back on terms with the score at 2-2. The fourth end proved to be pivotal as the Wymondham pair scored a full house of four shots to move 6-2 up. The experienced Woods & Turner were in no mood to make life easy though and scored two singles to pull the score back to 6-4. The penultimate end brought the Wymondham pair closer to the finishing line as they scored a two to move 8-4 up and Woods & Turner now needed a full house on the last end if they were to force an extra end. It was not to be though as Chris Mann ditched the jack to ensure a 9-4 victory. It is the first ever Norfolk pairs title for the Wymondham pair although it is Andrew Stratton’s fifth county title in all and Chris Mann’s fourth. Andrew Stratton won the County Triples in 1988/89 & 2005/06, the County Mixed Fours in 2007/08 and the coveted County Singles title in 2003/04. Chris Mann won the County Triples in 2008/09 and has won the County Fours for the last two seasons. Bob Carter’s Kim Bridge & Robert Howlett won the third place play-off by 9-5 against Jason Woods of Bob Carter & Robbie Lamb of Halvergate. Andrew Stratton & Chris Mann beat Jason Woods & Robbie Lamb 6-5 in the semi-finals after an extra end while Melvin Woods & John Turner beat Kim Bridge & Robert Howlett 9-3. Defending champions Ian Maclean & Nigel Willard went out in the quarter-finals losing 10-1 against Jason Woods & Robbie Lamb. Other losing quarter-finalists were Margaret Howlett of Thurton & Trevor Howard of Jarrolds who went down 10-6 to Melvin Woods & John Turner, Sheila & Ted Redwood of Thorpe Marriott who lost 9-3 to Stratton & Mann and Les Chadwick & David Dewing of Sprowston who were beaten 8-5 by Kim Bridge & Robert Howlett. 

 

             Andrew Stratton & Chris Mann in high spirits after winning their first County Pairs title!

                                       Latest League & Cup News

 In the County Cup Connaught “A” won 6-2 at home to East Tuddenham with Sheila Bragg’s triple winning 20-10. First Bus won 6-2 at Watton where Tony Gray’s triple beat Terry Crockett 19-11. Tens League action saw defending champions Bob Carter beat Connaught 4-0. Kim Bridge’s return to the sport continued to pay dividends for Carter as she paired up with Nigel Willard in a 19-6 pairs win. Hevingham also enjoyed a 4-0 home win against Horsford Heroes with Leslie Crowe & George Clarke winning 31-2 against the usually reliable Keith Chapman and Mark “The Marvel” Tuttle. In the Bure Cup Hevingham completed a 34-14 aggregate win against St Faiths scoring 165 shots against 97. Kirby Bedon won 16-8 at Horsford BC in the first leg of their tie with Shirley Brown, Peter Adcock & Joe Brown winning 8-4, 7-5 & 8-1 and Peter Johnson, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith winning 8-1, 7-3 & 12-0. In the South Norfolk League Framingham Earl won 6-4 at Connaught where Colin Emms won 15-6. Saxlingham slumped to an 8-2 home defeat against Watton while Thurton collected maximum points at home to Horsford to move into second place. Watton won twice to move up to third place in the Breckland League. Bryan Dibble, John Bebee & Margaret Hunter won 22-11 and Terry Crockett’s triple won 18-9 as Watton won 8-2 at Connaught “B” and Roger Braham’s triple won 23-8 as watton won 7-3 at home to Hingham Yellow. Woodbastwick Eagles beat South Walsham 14-4 to move nine points clear of South Walsham in the Coastal League. City League leaders Sprowston made it six out of six with a 13-1 home win against Costessey. Thorpe Marriott are also still unbeaten after a 12-2 away win at Jarrolds. Horsford Heroes moved into third place after winning 11-3 at County Council.

 

Wye Valley I.B.C is venue for £800 Double Rink Open

 

The Wye Valley IBC in Surrey is the venue for the new Double Rink Open event announced by Essex & England star Craig Burgess. The event, for 8 player teams, will take place on Sunday 20^th February. The winners will receive £800 and the entry fee is £10 per player. Burgess, instrumental in launching the International Open with record prize money last season, is also intending to set up a World Open Singles event in 2011 with prize money of £1,000. It is reported that Burgess is also hoping to meet with Barry Hearn’s Matchroom Sport organisation to discuss the promotion of short mat bowls. Dagenham born Barry Hearn, the Chairman of Matchroom Sport, is famous for his involvement in darts, snooker & boxing and is also active in tenpin bowling, golf, fishing, pool and football. An application by Craig Burgess to fill the position of ESMBA General Secretary a few months ago was turned down and his application for the post of England Team Manager was also unsuccessful. Undeterred by these rejections by the ESMBA Management Committee Burgess has redoubled his efforts to take short mat bowls to a higher level. Entry forms for the Double Rinks Open can be obtained by e-mailing Craig at craigburgess@btinternet.com

                                       Latest News

 

Scarborough League 31 (309) v Norfolk Over 60’s 49 (393)

Norfolk Over 60’s 18 (203) v Cambridgeshire Over 60’s 16 (207)

 

Following their exciting home win against North Yorks the Norfolk Over 60’s faced two tough games in six days against the Scarborough League at Scarborough IBC and Cambridgeshire Over 60’s at Lakeside IBC in Lyng. After a warm welcome by Scarborough League supremo Edwin Smith the Norfolk Over 60’s took to the mats for the first ever short mat bowls match to take place at Scarborough Indoor Bowls Club. The match was to take place over five sessions on eight mats with six triples & two pairs games in each session. Norfolk organizer Teresa Goldsmith was changing her pairs players and triples for each session so a variety of playing partners would take to the mats. A tight first session saw Scarborough take an early 9-7 points lead with a 15-5 win for Ted Redwood & Doreen Stearman and a 10-9 win for Kerry Greenacre & Shirley George earning maximum points for Norfolk in the pairs. In the triples Sheila Doyle, Janet Pinchin & Rex Cox won 9-5 while Ray Potter, Trevor Pinchin & Selwyn Goldsmith drew 8-8. The second session saw Norfolk take the lead by 17-15 with four wins in the triples. Roy Seeley, Peter Johnson & John Andreae won 15-5, Carol Johnson, Peter Johnson & Rex Cox won 10-3, Frank Davy, Janet Pinchin & Trevor Pinchin won 9-5 and Marie Head, Betty Cox & Selwyn Goldsmith won 9-8 after taking three shots on the last end. Dorothy Muttitt & Richard Kightley added a 10-3 win in the pairs.

The lead was stretched to 27-21 after three sessions with some super results for Norfolk. John Elliott, Frank Davy & Len Thurston won 17-3, Ray Potter, Dorothy Muttitt & Richard Kightley won 15-4, Kerry Greenacre, Shirley George & Peter Johnson won 13-3 & Teresa & Selwyn Goldmith won 12-4 in the pairs as Scarborough struggled. With two sessions to go it was important for Norfolk to keep up the pressure and they did as session four saw another 10-4 points win to make the score 37-27. Margaret Reynolds & Malcolm Reynolds were 11-3 down after eight ends but staged a great fightback to win 14-11. Dorothy Muttitt, Tom Doyle & Richard Kightley dropped two shots on the opening end of their game but finished up with an 11-3 win. Marie Head, Len Thurston & Mick Harris added an 11-6 win, Kerry Greenacre, Shirley George & Sheila Redwood won 7-6 and Janet Pinchin & Rex Cox won 11-9. The last session delivered six wins and just two defeats as Norfolk continued to dominate and finished up 49-31 winners on points, 393-309 on shots. Both pairs games went to Norfolk with Peter Johnson & John Andreae winning 14-3 and Betty Cox & Mick Harris winning 15-5. In the triples Margaret Reynolds, Len Thurston & Malcolm Reynolds won 14-8, Peter Stearman, Janet Pinchin & Peter Johnson won 13-8, Val Harris, Doreen Stearman & Trevor Pinchin won 10-7 and Ray Potter, Frank Davy & Selwyn Goldsmith won 11-9. After the match Norfolk & Scarborough players exchanged gifts to mark the occasion.

Norfolk Over 60’s entertained Cambridgeshire Over 60’s in the Eastern England Over 60’s League. The game was evenly matched and the first session of triples was drawn with two wins apiece. Home wins were earned by Margaret Reynolds, Jenny Walker & Malcolm Reynolds with a 14-11 win against Roly Fincham’s triple and Alice Payne, Colin Coman & Ted Redwood who beat Barry Bell’s triple 17-10. The second session featuring pairs failed to break the stalemate as again both teams won two games apiece. Norfolk wins were by Kerry Greenacre & Mike Boswell, who beat Gill & Tony Kent 12-11, and Sheila Redwood & Sheila Bragg who won 16-12. The breakthrough came in the third session with three wins for Norfolk in the triples. Margaret Reynolds, Jenny Walker & Malcolm Reynolds won 18-7 against Roy Everitt’s triple, Betty Cox, Gerald Chilvers & Richard Kightley beat Barry Bell’s triple 19-12 and Alice Payne, Colin Coman & Ted Redwood beat Gwen Siggee’s triple 12-10. The fourth and final session was the third to be shared with yet again two wins for each side. Kerry Greenacre & Mike Boswell led throughout and won 15-8 while Shirley & Joe Brown won a tight game 11-9. This left Norfolk 18-14 up but Cambs earned the extra two points for overall shots.    

                                                                                Posted 6-11-10

                                        Latest I.C.C News

Northamptonshire Premier 27 (194) v Norfolk Premier 13 (164)

Match played 31-10-10 at Caroline Chisholm School in Northants

 

Team changes were made for the visit to Northants with former Bure League Singles champion Mike Boswell of Anglian Windows handed one of the coveted singles spots alongside East Tuddenham’s John Turner. Following the sudden withdrawal of county team captain Steve Phillips Bob Carter’s Kim Bridge made a return to county action. The changes did little to change the fortunes of the team as they went down to their third I.C.C defeat with their chances of qualifying from their group now remote. Once again the highpoint of the match for Norfolk was the triples where Mark Linsdell, Nigel Willard & Chris Mann impressed with wins of 11-7 & 20-4. George Clarke’s triple weighed in with a 14-10 win in their second game as the triples secured the bonus points yet again to record eight of the meagre thirteen points Norfolk had to show for the trip to Northants. In the pairs Andrew Stratton & Paul Baker scored an 18-8 win in their opening game but that was as good as it got in the pairs as they lost their second game 13-7 to Thelma & Chris Hopkins and Colin Stevenson & Peter Smart went down 13-9 & 14-10. The rinks, skipped by Wymondham’s Brian Saunders and Bob Carter’s Melvin Woods, both drew their games against the Collins-Clare-Younger-Leslie four but both lost their other game. The singles saw Mike Boswell open his account with a 12-12 draw against England international Leigh Hall while John Turner lost his opening game 18-8 against Edward Sawbridge. Their second games failed to add anything to the total as Mike Boswell lost 25-7 to Edward Sawbridge and John Turner went down 16-13 to Leigh Hall leaving him still looking for that elusive first point since his return to county team action in the I.C.C. Essex now lead the group with 91 points with Northants second on 83 points with both teams having won all their three matches played. Norfolk & London have now lost all their three matches with Norfolk on 37 points and London bottom on 29 points.  

 

Cambridgeshire 21 (172) v Norfolk “A” 19 (170)

Match played 31-10-10 at Manea, Cambs

 

Norfolk “A” put up a good performance in Cambs only going down by two points and two shots. The result leaves them in second place in a tight group which could go to the wire. This was Cambs third straight victory and they top the group but Norfolk, despite one win and two defeats, are in second place two points ahead of Essex “A” and nine points ahead of Suffolk. The fours were in great form for Norfolk with Les Chadwick’s rink winning 13-6 & 7-6 and Charlie Archer’s rink winning by 8-2 & 15-7 to take all ten points. The match also signaled a return to form for Peter & Jenny Walker in the pairs who scored three out of four points.  

                                                                                                               Posted 2-11-10

 

                                                Latest News
Leagues & Cups
East Tuddenham pulled off a last gasp victory at Anglian Windows in a terrific Norwich Cup first round tie. The home side made a solid start with Alan Williamson’s triple beating Russell Harris’ triple 5-2 and Pat Curchin, Maureen Dease & Ken Dease crushing a Denny Cross skipped triple by 10-0. The next two sessions were shared leaving Windows 8-4 up on points and 14 shots ahead at the interval. The break obviously did East Tuddenham a world of good as Robin Amos opened the second half with an 11-0 win and John Turner’s triple beat fellow county team player Mike Boswell by 8-4 to level the match. With the fifth session shared the teams were tied 10-10 on points with one session remaining but East Tuddenham were now one shot ahead. A riveting finish saw Mike Boswell’s triple beat Denny Cross 9-7 but Robin Amos defeated Ken Dease’s triple 8-5 to see East Tuddenham home by just two shots with the match level on points at 12-12. East Tuddenham now face another difficult tie at Thorpe Marriott in the second round. County Cup action saw Hevingham make home advantage count as they beat Kirby Bedon 6-2. Hevingham won both first half games with Pat Williamson’s triple winning 17-16 and Vic “Quiet Man” Woods winning 15-9. After the break George Clarke’s triple made sure of victory with a massive 29-2 win while Kirby captain Alistair Hunter skipped his triple to a consolation win of 22-6. In the Bure League Horsford BC won 8-2 at home to Anglian Windows with Terry Raisbury, Avril Grapes & Bob Burrage winning 21-5. The signing of Avril Grapes, a county team regular, is already paying dividends for Horsford. Tens League leaders Hempnall won 4-0 at home to Kirby Bedon with Roger Parker & Chris Mann leading the way with a 23-6 pairs win. Hempnall skips Jon Sparham & Bernie Cudden also won while Dot Dawson, Leonora Chilman & Selwyn Goldsmith beat Neil Davidson’s triple for Kirby’s only win. Horsford Heroes got their first Tens win of the campaign beating Connaught 2-0 with Vic Webster’s triple winning 23-10. Christine Musk & Sylvia Parsons won 22-7 for the visitors to keep the shots down. Hingham Yellow moved into second spot in the Breckland League with a stunning 10-0 home win against Banham. Jane Frary’s triple was in great form winning 21-10 and Hingham are just four points behind defending champions Wymondham. Carleton Rode ended their run of defeats with an 8-2 home win against Connaught “B” while Harling also scored their first win beating Hingham Green 8-2.  
                                                                                                           Posted 28-10-10                                                                                 

Latest News - Mann rink retain County 4's Title

Steve Phillips, Debbie Phillips, David Lamb & Chris Mann of Wymondham and Halvergate retained their Norfolk County Fours title at Lakeside after defeating Mike Harvey, Kerry Greenacre, Jenny Walker & Peter Walker of Haddiscoe & Bradwell by 6-2 in the final. A low scoring final saw Mann’s rink go into the last end 5-2 up but when Mann played his last bowl he was under pressure with Walker’s rink holding three shots. His attack shot clinched the title as his bowl finished up as shot wood leaving Walker’s rink disappointed. In the playoff for third place Sheila Redwood, Ted Redwood & Trevor Pinchin of Thorpe Marriott, playing with Sprowston’s Peter Smart, beat Andy Drummie of Horsford and Pat Saunders, Brian Saunders & Mark Linsdell of Wymondham by 4-3. Chris Mann’s rink had reached the final after a blistering 16-1 win against Peter Smart’s rink in the semi-finals.

                     Steve Phillips, Chris Mann, Debbie Phillips & David Lamb

                                               Latest News

South Norfolk League

After just four games it is already difficult to see anyone other than Hempnall winning the South Norfolk title. The defending champions destroyed visitors Mulbarton clocking up 95 shots against just 25 in a 10-0 win before winning 9-1 at Watton. Terry Crockett’s triple held Neil Davidson’s triple to a 16-16 draw to score Watton’s only point. After two defeats Framingham Earl got their first win of the season beating Saxlingham 10-0. The first half saw the home side dominate proceedings with Colin Emms’ triple winning 17-9 and Ray Lumley’s triple winning 22-12. After the break both games were tight but Framingham Earl edged both to clinch maximum points. Saxlingham took all ten points at bottom club Mulbarton where Geoff Briggs’ triple snatched a last end win to make it a clean sweep. 

                                                                                                                   Posted 21-10-10



                                                                                                                         Posted 20-10-10

                                        Latest News

Breckland League

Yaxham, one of the Breckland’s best sides in recent years, lost 6-4 at home to Forncett in a big upset. The scale of the defeat would have been worse if it was not for a strong performance by Russell Flint, B Mash & Russell Harris who beat Alan Aldridge’s triple 21-8 to snatch the bonus match points for Yaxham. The other three games all went Forncett’s way by virtue of narrow wins with Dennis Rumsby’s triple beating Owen Secker 17-14, Keith Humphreys’ triple beating Denny Cross 15-13 and Peter Lock’s triple winning by just one shot against John Turner. Connaught “A” have started the season with two wins. Their opening match at Hingham Yellow produced a good away win by 8-2 with Diane Adcock, Mike Parsons & Bill Adcock leading the way winning 18-6. Peter Hambling, Ty Musk & Sheila Bragg pitched in with a 25-14 win while Russell Hales, John Winup & Gordon Wilcox won by 19-9. The only successful Hingham were Sally Thorpe, Eric Frary & Jane Frary who won 19-13 against Ray Wells’ triple. Connaught “A” also won at home to Hingham Green but by a more modest 6-4. This time Chris Musk, Sylvia Parsons & Ray Wells did the business with a massive 36-4 win while Sheila Bragg’s triple won 23-13. The other two games saw Hingham triples grab tight wins with Keith Thomas winning 13-11 against Bill Adcock and Mike White beating Gordon Wilcox 18-17. Carleton Rode’s poor start to the campaign continued as they lost their third match in three outings. This time an 8-2 home defeat against Hingham Yellow left them wondering where their first win will come from. Neville Thorpe’s triple won 20-13 and Eileen Herbert’s triple won 19-12 to move Hingham Yellow to fourth place in the table.    

Bure League Championships

The Bure League Triple’s Championship heats have been completed with defending champions Ian MacLean, Maurice Kemp & Vic Woods of Hevingham qualifying from the Woodbastwick heat with Peggy Flatman, Diane Boswell & Mike Boswell of Anglian Windows. The East Tuddenham heat was keenly fought with Horsford’s Bob Burrage, Terry Raisbury & Dennis Seaton qualifying with Kirby Bedon’s Teresa Goldsmith, Alistair Hunter & Selwyn Goldsmith. At Hevingham Norma Jablonowski, Elaine Cole & Peter Jablonowski of Woodbastwick won through with Kirby Bedon’s Shirley Brown, Brian Saunders & Joe Brown. The remaining heat at Anglian Windows saw Gillian Amos, G Potter & Robin Amos of East Tuddenham and Gill Bunn, Marjorie Hall & George Clarke of Hevingham qualify.  

                                                                                       Posted 19-10-10

England & Ireland name teams for British Isles Championships

 

Both England and Ireland have named their teams for the British Isles Championships which will be played in the Isle of Mann on the 20^th & 21^st November. As previously reported no Norfolk players have made the England team. The England team has been announced on the ESMBA web-site but no details of how the rinks will be comprised have been shown.

England Team (no particular order)  Chris Hopkins (Northants), Simon Willies (West Mids), Chris Willies (West Mids), James Neil, Steve Proctor, Steve Burrows, Martin Walker, Grant Soller (all Cheshire), Alan Williams, Chris Shakeshaft, Chris Williams, Warwick France (all Shropshire), Trevor Brown (Oxfordshire), Tom Millerchip, John Pitcher, David Haywood (all Warwickshire), Andrew Beard (East Sussex), Craig Burgess (Essex), David Newsome (North Yorkshire), Edward Sawbridge (Northants), Jason McLean (Hampshire), Karen Watson (Cornwall), Lee Toleman, Michael Ivings (both Devon) & Leigh Hall (Northants)

 

Defending champions Ireland have also announced their team with full details of the rinks plus individual disciplines and their preparations which are as follows.

 

Irish Team

International Rinks

Rink 1. G Burke (Western), G McCabe (Oriel), P Reid (Lisburn) & G Lithgo (Mid Antrim)

Rink 2. C McHugh (Mid Ulster), U McKeeman (North East), R O’Neill (North West) & J McCaffrey (Western)

Rink 3. R Stubbs (Lisburn), G Conroy (Mid Tyrone), J Beattie (Armagh) & P Duff (Oriel)

Rink 4. J Quinn (Donegal), A Paul (Mid Ulster), L Harrison (North West) & D J Wilson (West Down)

Singles A Paul (Mid Ulster)

Pairs C Hill & W Wilson (Mid Ulster)

Triples K O’Neill, L Harrison & R O’Neill (North West)

Fours M Conroy, P Conroy, M Savage & G Conroy (Mid Tyrone)

The Irish team will play a practice match in preparation for the British Isles at St Matthews Hall, Richill on Monday 8^th November when they will play the Armagh Zone at 8pm after a 7.15pm team briefing.

                                                                                                                   Posted 17-10-10

Breckland

Defending champions Wymondham celebrated a 10-0 home win against title rivals Yaxham. Sylvia Archer, Shirley Foster & Debbie Phillips crushed a triple skipped by former England player Madge Meachen by 29-3 while Chris Mann won 22-7 & Steve Phillips won 21-12. Maximum points were earned with a dramatic last wood winner bowled by Peter King as he defeated John Turner’s triple by one shot. Yaxham fared better at Carleton Rode where they won 8-2 with Rita Secker, Pauline Wilson & Owen Secker starring with a 27-12 win. Carleton Rode also slipped to a 6-4 defeat at Watton. Sylvia Briggs & G Coleman gave Carleton a good start with one shot wins but Watton hit back with Roger Braham’s triple winning 17-12 and Daphne Braham winning 22-6 to earn the bonus points.

 

Tens

All four games went Kirby Bedon’s way as they won 4-0 at home to Horsford Heroes. Dot Dawson, Shirley Brown & Phil Watson won 23-9 while Jimmy Dye & Gerald Chilvers won 26-3. The other games were tighter as Jan Hewitt & Teresa Goldsmith won 15-12 and Joe Brown’s triple won 16-11.

 

City League

“High Fives” all around for Sprowston as they made it five wins on the trot this week. An excellent 10-4 win at Jarrolds was followed by a 14-0 battering of visitors Horsford BC to take them 29 points clear at the top. Framingham Earl’s miserable form continued as they slumped to a 14-0 home defeat against Thorpe Marriott, Framingham’s fourth defeat in a row. Old Bonds opened their league campaign with a disappointing 12-2 defeat at Costessey while Felthorpe won for the first time beating Framingham Earl 10-4. John Green’s triple beat Colin Emms 18-6 and Marjorie Hall’s triple beat Karl Bunn 18-4 to give Felthorpe a boost while Mervyn Blaza and Ray Lumley hit back for the visitors. The Felthorpe side took match points courtesy of a 12 shots advantage.

 

Norwich Cup

Cup action saw holders Woodbastwick make easy work of reaching the second round beating Felthorpe 18-6. It was practically one way traffic as the home side won nine of the first ten games. Arthur Foster, Derek Oakes & Peter Jablonowski won 10-2, 13-1 & 12-0 while Elsie Couling, Brian Frost & Derek Sheldrake won 9-2, 7-3 & 7-3. An all City League clash saw Thorpe Marriott grab a 5 shot win at Costessey after the teams finished level on points at 12-12. The visitors enjoyed a great start winning the first four games to move 8-0 up but Costessey then did the same winning four games in a row to level things up at. The fifth session was shared and with one session remaining the incredible score-line read 10-10 on points and 52-52 on shots. Cliffe Mann’s Costessey triple did their bit winning 7-2 but Joan Temple, Trevor Hart & Tony Turner claimed a second round place for Thorpe Marriott with a 10-0 win to break Costessey hearts.   

                                                                                                        Posted 16-10-10

                               International Open Dates Announced
              Essex & England International Craig Burgess - International Open Organizer

                                                Latest News
                                                                                   Posted 12-10-10
                Chris Mann                               Melvin Woods                                  David Lamb

                                                 Latest News
South Norfolk League
South Norfolk new-boys Framingham Earl did not achieve the start they hoped for as they went down 10-0 at home to Horsford. Peter Adcock's triple came close to earning a point but slipped to an 11-10 defeat against Roger Frank. Ray Lumley's triple got Framingham's first two points on the board in their second match against defending champions Hempnall when he beat Jon Sparham's triple 17-4 but they still lost by 8-2 overall. Hempnall also won 8-2 at Horsford where Paul Baker won 20-8, Jon Sparham won 17-9 & Neil Davidson won 19-8. Watton edged a close match at Connaught by 6-4 where Brenda Draper, Bryan Dibble & John Hunter won 24-9 to earn the visitors the match points.
                                                                                         Posted 12-10-10
                                                   Latest News
Norwich Cup 1st round
Last year's beaten finalists Sprowston are out at the first hurdle despite a fighting display at Hempnall. Colin Stevenson, Syd Harman & Jon Sparham produced three wins as Hempnall won 14-10 on points. Charlie Archer's triple had a bad night for Hempnall failing to score while Margaret Poynter, Joan Costello & David Ramsey led Sprowston's efforts winning two games against Charlie Archer & Neil Davidson. Wymondham were on unfamiliar ground but held out to win 14-10 at Horsford BC. The opening two sessions were shared before the visitors opened up winning four straight games to lead 12-4. Horsford fought back to trail by just 12-8 with a session remaining and needed to win both games left but Billy Barker, Shirley Foster & Debbie Phillips saw Wymondham over the finishing line with an 8-3 win. City League giants First Bus visited Bob Carter but found one-way traffic conditions in force as they slumped to a 16-0 points defeat before conceding with four games left unplayed. Nigel Willard's triple won 10-2 & 7-2, Melly Woods' triple won 6-5 & 7-2, Robert Howlett's triple won 11-3 & 7-4 and Malcolm Reynold's triple won 11-3 & 7-4 for Carter. Kirby Bedon won 13-7 at Coltishall where Carol Johnson, Peter Johnson & Gerald Chilvers won both their games as did Leonora Chilman, Janice Hewitt & Phil Watson. Coltishall conceded after session five when a great attacking wood by Kirby Bedon captain and former Scottish international Alistair Hunter swept the jack into the ditch to score four shots and a 9-5 win against Margaret Harman's triple. Kirby had made a solid start with Dot Dawson, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith  beating Margaret Harman's triple 7-0 and Phil Watson's triple beating Willie Jefferies' triple 7-6 and Kirby held on to the lead throughout. Saxlingham Nethergate proved too strong for visitors St Faiths winning 21-3. Pat Meale, Peter Cook & Geoff Briggs won all three games for the home side as did Ken Hobbs, Alice Payne & Geoff Payne and Jean King, Margaret McCluskey & Sheila Hook. Forncett won 15-5 at Connaught "B" after a tight start saw the points shared at 4-4 after  two sessions. The visitors then moved into top gear winning five games and drawing one before Connaught "B" conceded. Rebecca Humphreys, Ethel Coleman & Keith Humphreys won 7-5, 6-2 & 6-2 while David Girling, Joan Rumsby & Dennis Rumsby won 6-4, 8-1 & 4-3. Hingham finished with a flourish at Mulbarton winning three and drawing one of the last four games to win 15-9. Graham Tweed, Ken Buller & Keith Thomas starred for the visitors winning 6-1, 6-3 & 5-3. Old Bonds suffered a huge 22-2 defeat at Watton as the Breckland League side blasted their way into the next round.
League News
Defending Coastal League champions Woodbastwick Eagles have kicked off their league campaign with three straight wins beating Bradwell Blue 12-6 home and away and winning 14-4 at home to South Walsham. Defending Breckland League champs Wymondham also got off to a great start winning 10-0 at Harling. Top triple for the visitors were Pat saunders, Mark Linsdell & Steve Phillips who won by 32-9. Debbie Phillips' triple won 22-8 against R Buffery's triple with the Harling skip suffering a hand injury during the game. Tens League action saw Kirby Bedon beat Coltishall 3-0 with a great performance by Leonora Chilman, Bob Pattison & Joe Brown the deciding factor. Bob & Joe were in awesome form as their triple thumped Martin Edridge, Eddie Edridge & Mally Catchpole 25-4 with the away triple wilting under the onslaught. A 10-4 home win for Sprowston against Deaf Sports puts them 11 points clear in the City League. Horsford Heroes had started well with two wins but an 11-3 home defeat this week against Jarrolds has slowed their progress. After two defeats County Council got a win on the board beating Jarrolds 10-4. Its four defeats from four games for Taverham who went down 14-0 at RG Carter.
                                                                                                       Posted 10-10-10

                                            I.C.C Season Begins!

 Results - Essex Premier 28 (215) v Norfolk Premier 12 (131)
               Essex "A"         13 (159) v Norfolk "A"        27 (206)

Norfolk began their Inter-County Championship campaign at Stonyhills I.B.C with a tough double header away to Essex. After the excellent result in their final pre-season friendly at home to North Yorkshire last Sunday hopes were high of a good start under the new management team. Both Norfolk teams looked well balanced with the Premier team fielding six Wymondham players including new county team captain Steve Phillips. The match also saw the return to I.C.C competition for ex England players John Turner & George Clarke after their period out of the squad under the previous management team.
Norfolk Premier found Essex Premier in uncompromising mood and at one point it looked like a massive defeat was on the cards. A few points gained later on in the match at least put twelve points on the score-sheet, one consolation is that this is probably Norfolk Premier's hardest group match on paper and points should be easier to gain with this one out of the way. The top performers for Norfolk Premier were Jean Barnett of Coltishall, Avril Grapes of Horsford BC & Wymondham's Debbie Phillips & Brian Saunders. They won both their games beating Sam Lambert's rink 10-2 and Tony Ealham's rink 11-7. Jean Woods of Bob Carter, Diane Adcock of Connaught, Jon Sparham of Hempnall & David Lamb of Halvergate picked up a 7-6 win and with the bonus rink points in the bag it meant that Norfolk scored 8 of their 12 points in the fours. Two of the other four points Norfolk got  were gained by the new pairing of Wymondham's Andrew Stratton & Steve Phillips. They won 12-10 with a last bowl by Steve Phillips securing the win. Norfolk's only other win came from Mark Linsdell of Wymondham, Paul Baker of Hempnall & Chris "Blazerman" Mann of Wymondham who won a close triples game 9-7. Essex fielded Craig Burgess & Adam Sultana in the singles and took all ten points as Sprowston's Peter Smart went down 25-4 & 19-4 and East Tuddenham's John Turner lost 13-9 & 17-8. Carter's Nigel Willard & Melvin Woods, skipped by Thorpe Marriott's George Clarke, also lost both their games as did Hempnall's Colin Stevenson & Anglian Windows' Mike Boswell in the pairs.
Norfolk "A" will be delighted with their start to the season after defeating Essex "A" by 27-13. The pairs & rinks inflicted serious damage on Essex winning three games out of four in both disciplines. Connaught's Christine Musk & Woodbastwick's Elaine Cole produced wins of 18-16 & 12-10 while the established pairing of Haddiscoe's Jenny & Peter Walker added a terrific 25-5 win to help the shot difference along. Costessey's Shirley Brown, Thorpe Marriott's Sheila Redwood, Connaught's Ty Musk and Broome's Charlie Archer combined to win their rinks games by 15-4 & 9-3. After losing a tight game 7-9 Peter Adcock of Framingham Earl, Russell Hales of Connaught, Dave Dewing of Sprowston & Les Chadwick of Sprowston won their second game by 10-4. The singles finished all square as Sheila Bragg of Connaught won a game 16-6 and Colin Coman won a game 24-9 and the bonus points in the singles were shared as aggregate shots were level. Both triples won a game apiece with Steven Lamb of Halvergate, Gerald Chilvers of Kirby Bedon & Ray Lamb of Halvergate winning their last game 14-3 and Robert Lamb of Halvergate, Alison Rush of Connaught & Joe Brown of Costessey earning a 16-13 win. This result shows that Norfolk "A" are capable of producing the goods when required and could be serious contenders in the I.C.C "A" section.          
                                                                                                            Posted 4-10-10
                                                            Wymondham's Steve Phillips & Andrew Stratton produced a last bowl winner against Essex
                              Lee Fallows introduces Evelyn Grace




            Norfolk  Manager Lianne Mills                                England Manager Keith Smith

                                                                                                       Posted 15-9-10

Left to right Mark Brewer (Potters Entertainment) Pat Williamson, David Bunn, Gill Bunn (Hevingham, Norfolk) and Nathan Moore (Potters Group Sales)

Left to right Mark Brewer (Potters Entertainment) Bob Catling, Carol Vinter, Roy Vinter (Chilham, East Kent) and Nathan Moore (Potters Group Sales)

Ken Dease, Joan Costello & Maureen Dease of Anglian Windows, Norfolk with Mark Brewer of Potters Entertainment

Norfolk players Neil Davidson (Hempnall) & Peter Smart (Sprowston) collect their £100 cash prize from Potter's Mark Brewer


                            England Call-up for Mann, Lamb & Woods
The first news is filtering through on the England Team trials held at the weekend in Northants and its great news for at least three Norfolk bowlers. Wymondham's Chris Mann was in great form and earned his first ever call-up to the England team. Halvergate's David Lamb, who has played in the squad for the last two years, also learned today that he is back for a third year while Bob Carter's Melvin Woods also received the news that he is back in for a second year. Both David Lamb & Chris Mann will be in action in Potter's International Arena at the weekend in the 10th Annual Potter's Cup.
                                                                                                                     Posted 1-9-10 

Sport England have conducted a satisfaction survey measuring the quality of sporting experience enjoyed by participants. This unique profile, covering 46 categories of sport, saw Bowls rated in second place only marginally behind South Korea's national sport Taekwondo. Shooting, Angling, Mountaineering & Orienteering came in just behind Bowls while Football surprisingly finished in 43rd place just behind Rounders & Wheelchair Rugby! Participation in bowls was shown to be the highest in the East of England while the area with the lowest participants in bowls was London. 


     1st Taekwondo                   2nd Bowls                      3rd Shooting
Hevingham drew 4-4 at Watton Yellow to clinch the Div Two Championship title and earn a return to the top flight. The vital wins were returned by Pat Bunn, Marjorie Hall & David Sharpe who beat Margaret Hunter's triple 13-12 and Ian MacLean, Alan Bunn & Vic Woods who beat Margaret Hunter's triple by 19-11. Anglian Windows needed seven points at home to already relegated Horsford "A" if they were to grab the other promotion spot but a disappointing 6-2 defeat left Sprowston SSC celebrating promotion instead.

Horsford "B" are Div Three champions after a 7-1 away win at Hingham Yellow. Mally Kemp, Peter Fox & Keith Chapman led the way with wins of 20-11 & 15-9 while Roger Frank's triple earned three out of four points. Thurton finish seven points behind Horsford "B" in second place and will join them in Division Two next summer. 
                                                                                                                Posted 30-8-10

Bob Carter completed a league & cup double triumph after ex England player Steve Bridge ditched the jack on a dramatic last end at Sprowston to break Hevingham hearts. The first half went Bob Carter's way as Jason Woods, David "Minty" Lamb & Melvin Woods put Hevingham's Pat Bunn, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe to the sword crushing them 28-5. On the other mat Jon Sparham, Steve Bridge & George Clarke fought out a 13-13 draw against Ian MacLean, Pat Williamson and Vic "Quiet Man" Woods to leave Carter 3-1 up on points at the interval. The second half saw Hevingham launch a stirring comeback and after twelve ends they led on both mats and had victory in their sights. After their massive first half win Melly Woods' Carter triple lost their form against Vic Woods' triple and were soundly beaten by 18-5. The match though was to be decided on the other mat as George Clarke's triple went into the last end 12-11 down against David Sharpe's triple in which Marjorie Hall had come in as substitute for Pat Bunn. Steve Bridge ditched the jack to earn Bob Carter two shots, a 13-12 shots win and a 5-3 points victory. It is the third time that Bob Carter have won the Norfolk Summer Cup having won it previously in 2005 & 2006.


                                           Latest News Updated 22-8-10
Hevingham clinched promotion back to the top flight after a 6-2 home win against Anglian Windows. Ian MacLean, Pat Williamson & Vic Woods led the way beating Mike Boswell's triple 19-5 and Alan Williamson's triple 23-6 while David Sharpe's triple weighed in with an 18-10 win. Mike Boswell beat David Sharpe 20-8 after the break to keep Anglian Windows slim promotion chances alive but seven points from their last game is the minimum requirement if they are to leapfrog Sprowston. In their final match six points at already relegated Horsford "A" would have given Sprowston the Div Two title but a 5-3 defeat has left them clinging precariously on to second place. David Woodrow's triple finished a disappointing season for Horsford "A" on a winning note beating Terry Fletcher's triple 17-12 and John Poynter's triple 18-14. Thorpe Marriott "B" suffered their eighth defeat of the campaign losing 6-2 at Diss Green and will join Horsford "A" in Division Three. Horsford "B" will replace their "A" team in Division Two after a 6-2 win at Forncett made promotion a certainty. Mally Kemp, Sue Fox & Keith Chapman pulled off wins of 14-10 & 16-9 to seal victory for Horsford while Lynn Frank, Carol Kemp & Roger Frank finished in style with a 21-4 win. Horsford "B" need just one point in their last match to take the Div Three title. Watton Green won their final match 6-2 at home to bottom club Hingham Green with Roger Braham's triple winning both their games.   

                                           Latest News Updated 17-8-10
Wymondham saw their dreams of Summer Cup glory shattered as a last gasp win for Ian MacLean, Pat Williamson & Vic Woods against Sylvia Archer, Brian Saunders & Peter King clinched a place in the final for Hevingham. Home advantage proved vital in the first half as Vic Woods' triple held on to win 12-10 against Pat Saunders, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann. It looked all too easy as they built up an 8-0 lead after five ends but Mann's triple won six consecutive ends to claw their way back. It was all in vain though as the Hevingham triple held on to win. Marjorie Hall, Alan Bunn & David Sharpe completed a perfect start for Hevingham beating Peter King's triple 13-9 with a seven shot haul over ends three and four the killer blow. Chris Mann's Wymondham triple exploded into action after the break as they hammered Alan Bunn's triple 21-5. After eleven ends the young Norfolk star was already 18-1 up and although the home triple repeatedly swapped playing positions it was to no avail. With Wymondham now holding a good shots advantage a win for Peter King's triple would see them reach the final for the second year running but Vic "Quiet Man" Woods had other ideas. After nine ends the game was tied at 9-9 but Wymondham held four shots with just Vic Woods left to bowl the last wood of the end. His bowl appeared to be wide of the mark but a wick off a side wood resulted in Hevingham taking a single much to Wymondham's exasperation. Their irritation turned to horror on the next end as Vic Woods' triple scored a five to lead 15-9 with the Wymondham triple asking themselves why they had failed to draw a bowl into a wide open head. King's triple demonstrated their sheer tenacity as they dug deep to cut the deficit to just 16-15 with an end to play. It was Hevingham though who clinched victory in this classic semi-final as Pat Williamson ditched the jack while Wymondham failed to take advantage of Sylvia Archer's toucher. In the other semi-final Division Three side Horsford "B" were outplayed at the home of Division One giants Bob Carter. The match was effectively over by half-time as Jon Sparham, Steve Bridge & George Clarke romped to a massive 36-3 win against former Sprowston ace Keith Chapman while Frank Edy, Jason Woods & Melvin Woods strolled to a 24-11 win against ex Carter star Roger Frank. Both Carter triples won by an identical 18-6 margin after the break but by then Carter had already started to dream of a league & cup double. Both Bob Carter & Hevingham have enjoyed good fortune in being drawn at home in all three rounds played. Carter have entertained lower league opposition in the form of Anglian Windows, Diss Green & Horsford "B" with all three teams soundly beaten 8-0. Hevingham have reached the final with a 7-1 win against Kirby Bedon "B", an 8-0 win against Sprowston and a 6-2 win against Wymondham. Bob Carter and Hevingham meet in the final at Sprowston SSC on Monday 23rd August with both clubs hoping to capture the Summer Cup for the third time. In Div One Thorpe Marriott "A" kept their survival hopes alive with a 6-2 win against Kirby Bedon "A". Marriott's survival rests on gaining seven points in their last game at Wymondham that, although possible, is extremely unlikely. Division Two action saw Horsford "A" win 6-2 at home to promotion hopefuls Watton Yellow. Thurton clinched promotion from Div Three with a solid 6-2 away win at Hingham Yellow as Jan McClintock, Pam Grint & Trevor Howard celebrated with wins of 14-13 & 18-8. The previous night they had earned a valuable 4-4 draw at Watton Green where Peter Walker's triple won by 20-4 & 13-12.  

                                            Latest News Updated 8-8-10
With Bob Carter having clinched the Summer League title Wymondham & Kirby Bedon "A" are left to fight it out for the runners-up spot. Both sides though had to settle for a 4-4 draw against relegation threatened sides which leaves Kirby still three points ahead of Wymondham with one match each to play. Wymondham visited Thorpe Marriott "A" and had a poor first half losing on both mats. Brian Saunders, Steve Phillips & Chris "The Blazerman" Blazer lost 13-10 to Janet Pinchin, Sheila Redwood & Ted Redwood while Pat Saunders, Shirley Foster & Debbie Phillips lost 11-10 to Tony Frost, Trevor Pinchin & Kath Frost. They avoided a complete disaster with a good second half with Chris Mann's triple winning 19-8 and Debbie Phillips' triple winning 14-13 despite a strong comeback by Ted Redwood's triple. Kirby Bedon "A" went to First Bus where the first half was drawn as Kirby's Leonora Chilman, Phil Watson & John Aggas won 17-8 and the First Bus triple of Colin Coman, Tony Gray & Bob Oatway won 12-11 with the last bowl of the game by First Bus skip Bob Oatway grabbing a win against Selwyn Goldsmith's triple. In the second half Kirby's Alistair Hunter, Phil Watson & John Aggas won 17-16 as they survived a late surge by the home team. Julia Cummins, Maurice Kemp & Lesley Crowe earned the draw for First Bus with an 18-9 win.
 
                                   Latest News Updated 2-8-10
Cambridgeshire's Doddington are the new National Club Champions after beating Templecombe of Somerset in the final at Rugby Thornfield. The only success Templecombe had was in the pairs as Doddington clinched the trophy previously held by Kirby Bedon. Bob Carter were close to making the final but just missed out while First Bus, despite playing well, did not make it through either.

                                   Short Mat Players Tour Axed


                                     Latest News Updated 29-07-10
Summer League - Bob Carter Champions
Bob Carter are the new Summer League champions after they clinched the title with an 8-0 home win against Kirby Bedon "B". Jon Sparham, Steve Bridge & George Clarke were in brilliant form winning their games by 24-4 & 31-9 while Frank Edy, Jason Woods & Melvin Woods won their games by 17-8 & 20-12. Bob Carter last won the Summer League back in 1998 but the comeback of former England player Steve Bridge and the addition of Hempnall star Jon Sparham to their line-up has significantly strengthened their side. The form of veteran George Clarke has also been a major factor in their Summer League title triumph, the fourth time they have won it. Kirby Bedon "B" will be disappointed to have lost the final match of their season but will be happy that they have done enough to secure their Div One status after promotion last season. Hevingham moved top of Div Two with an 8-0 home win against relegation threatened Thorpe Marriott "B" despite the absence of top skip Vic Woods. Ian MacLean, Marjorie Hall & Pat Williamson beat Richard Kightley's triple 28-6 and Malcolm Roe's triple 20-10 while David Sharpe's triple backed them up with wins of 15-13 & 15-11. Marriott "B" also slumped to an 8-0 home defeat against Anglian Windows and saw an ominous gap open up between the bottom two teams and the rest. Watton Yellow did themselves a big favour winning 6-2 at home to Anglian Windows with June Todd, Bryan Dibble & Bill Davies winning both their games. Div Three leaders Thurton are flying high after an 8-0 home win against Watton Green. Trevor Howard's triple enjoyed two big wins of 29-10 & 25-6 while Peter Walker's triple won by 26-8 & 19-9. Watton Green bounced back from this defeat with two good wins to keep their promotion hopes alive. They won 8-0 at home to Forncett with Roger Braham's triple winning 24-7 & 15-6 and then won 6-2 at Hingham Yellow where Alan Baldry's triple won 12-10 & 17-14.
Summer Cup
Hevingham moved easily into the semi-finals of the Summer Cup with an 8-0 home win against Sprowston as Vic Woods and David Sharpe skipped their triples to two wins apiece.  

Summer League - Framingham Earl are relegated
As the  season reaches its climax Framingham Earl became the first Div One side to be relegated as their poor run of results culminated in a 7-1 defeat at Wymondham. A tight first half saw visiting triple Glenda Kidd, T Shelley & Ray Lumley hold Mary Fisher, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann to a 13-13 draw but Peter King's triple beat Karl Bunn 12-10 to give the home side a 3-1 points lead at the break. In the second half Bunn's triple again fought hard but slipped to a 14-12 defeat against Chris Mann. The twelfth end summed up Framingham Earl's season as an attacking shot by Karl Bunn only succeeded in taking all his own bowls out of the head handing Mann's triple five shots. The other second half game produced a big 21-2 win for Wymondham's Sylvia Archer, Shirley Foster & Peter King as Framingham Earl found themselves heading back to Div Two after just one season in the top flight. Two days earlier Framingham Earl went down 6-2 at Kirby Bedon but they were able to capitalize on Kirby taking to the mats with a player short in the first half to at least take a couple of points. With Teresa Goldsmith taken ill just 25 minutes before the start Leonora Chilman & Selwyn Goldsmith played without a number two and were beaten 17-12 by Karl Bunn's triple. Kirby's Carol Aggas, John Aggas & Phil Watson won 15-11 though to keep the match level at halftime. After the break Kirby were back to full strength as Alistair Hunter arrived posthaste to fill the gap in Selwyn Goldsmith's triple and normal service was resumed as they beat Colin Emms' triple 19-7 while Phil Watson's triple won 16-8. The remaining relegation spot looks set to be filled by either First Bus or Thorpe Marriott "A" and First Bus traveled to Kirby Bedon "A" hoping to put clear blue water between themselves and Marriott "A". It was not to be though as Kirby "A" proved too strong on the night, Leonora Chilman, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith only lost three ends as they beat John Cummins, Lesley Crowe & Maurice Kemp by 22-5 while Carol Aggas, John Aggas & Phil Watson won 18-9 against Bob Oatway's triple. The second half saw Selwyn Goldsmith's triple, with Alistair Hunter subbing for Leonora Chilman, win by 21-8 and Phil Watson's triple win 15-11 as Kirby completed an 8-0 maximum home win. The result leaves First Bus still searching for points in their remaining match to aid their quest for survival.  


                 Bob Oatway of First Bus                                 Selwyn Goldsmith of Kirby Bedon           

                                 Latest News Updated 25-07-10
Summer Cup
Just one shot has earned Div 3 side Horsford "B" a place in the semi-finals after they drew 4-4 at fellow Div 3 side Hingham Green but won 52-51 on shots. A good first half for the home side saw K Thomas' triple beat K Chapman 21-11 and M White beat R Frank 12-10. All they needed was a point to see them through to the semi-finals but Horsford hit back with Roger Frank winning 14-9 and Keith Chapman winning 17-9 to tie the match 4-4 on points but give Horsford B a 52-51 win on shots. Horsford face a trip to Bob Carter in the semi-finals where they face a massive task against the form team of the season while Hevingham entertain Wymondham in the other semi-final.
Summer League
Bob Carter won 6-2 at home to Wymondham and are close to clinching the Div One title. Jon Sparham, Steve Bridge & George Clarke swept Brian Saunders, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann aside by 31-10 while Melvin Woods won 15-13 against Steve Phillips. Clarke's triple won 22-14 against Steve Phillips after the break while Peter King, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann earned Wymondham's only win beating Melvin Woods 15-10. Kirby Bedon A won 6-2 at home to Framingham Earl but will be annoyed they failed to take maximum points after Teresa Goldsmith was taken ill less than half an hour before the start of the match. This left Leonora Chilman & Selwyn Goldsmith bowling with a player short against Peter Adcock, Debbie Bunn & Karl Bunn and despite holding on at 7-7 after 8 ends they slipped to a 17-12 defeat. Carol Aggas, John Aggas & Phil Watson won their games by 15-11 & 16-8 and with Alistair Hunter arriving to join Chilman & Goldsmith in the second half they beat Colin Emms 19-7. First Bus drew for the third time this season at home to Kirby Bedon "B". Bob Pattison, Lesley Crowe & Maurice Kemp of First Bus beat Joe Brown 14-7 in the first half and with John Cummins subbing for Pattison after the break they beat Gerald Chilvers 17-13. Chilvers & Brown both won for Kirby "B" to earn the draw. Sprowston top Div Two on shots alone after losing 6-2 at Hevingham where Ian MacLean, Pat Williamson & Vic Woods won twice by 17-11 and 22-12. Second placed Diss Green inflicted the first defeat of the season on Hevingham. Terry Newby's triple won 20-16 while Graham Mobbs' triple won 14-11 and drew 11-11 for a 5-3 home win. Vic Woods' won his first game 17-9 for Hevingham and drew his second to keep them well positioned in the promotion race. Horsford B drew 4-4 at Thurton and remain the only unbeaten side in Div Three due to wins of 14-13 & 14-12 for Lynn Frank, Carol Kemp & Roger Frank. Hingham Yellow lost ground on the top two after a painful 7-1 defeat at Watton Green where D Braham's home triple won 16-9 & 17-14 and D Oliver weighed in with a 27-5 win. Forncett finally won a game at the eighth attempt after four defeats and three draws. They beat Hingham Green 6-2 with P Lock winning 15-8 and 22-12 and T Ottewell winning 18-4. M Frost won 13-10 to earn Hingham Green their only win of the night.   

                                                       Jon Sparham of Bob Carter

                                   Latest News Updated 20-07-10
Summer Cup
Wymondham gained revenge for their defeat at the hands of Kirby Bedon "A" in last seasons final as they made home advantage count in a 8-0 quarter-final whitewash. The writing was on the wall by half time as Wymondham won both opening games. A huge shot advantage was built up as Peter King, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann beat Leonora Chilman, John Aggas & Phil Watson 25-5. With the visiting lead player struggling with the long jack set by Chris Mann neither Aggas or Watson could  stem the tide in a match where they trailed by 17-0 after eight ends. On mat two Sylvia Archer, Shirley Foster & Steve Phillips put Carol Aggas, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith under pressure from the start drawing consistently to the jack and led 8-2 after six ends. The visiting triple narrowed the gap to just one shot by the ninth end but could not turn the match round losing 15-13. In the second half Wymondham just had to keep the games tight and they did just that. Former Scotland international Alistair Hunter substituted for Leonora Chilman to lead for John Aggas & Phil Watson and this certainly made a difference to their performance as they lost by just 11-10 to Steve Phillips' triple. Chris Mann's triple found themselves with a harder game on their hands in the second half but still beat Selwyn Goldsmith's triple by 13-12.
Summer League
In the Summer League championship race Bob Carter opened up a 26 point lead after a 6-2 away win against Kirby Bedon "B". Steve Bridge, David Lamb & Melvin Woods won by 15-10 & 15-13 while Jason Woods, Nigel Willard & George Clarke won their second game by 12-8 after losing their opening game 16-13 to Carol Johnson, Peter Johnson & Joe Brown. Thorpe Marriott "A" are finding points hard to come by in the top flight and a 6-2 defeat at Kirby Bedon "B" does little to ease their relegation fears. Gerald Chilver's triple picked up maximum points for Kirby winning by 14-10 against Tony Turner and 11-10 against Will Hoggan. There is little to choose between the other two sides caught up in the relegation dogfight as was proved with a 4-4 draw when Framingham Earl visited First Bus. Karl Bunn's Framingham triple won their games by 15-11 & 19-17 for the visitors but wins for Maurice Kemp & Tony Gray earned a draw for First Bus. Wymondham won 6-2 at Framingham Earl with Chris Mann's triple winning by 18-7 & 23-9 to move into third place. In a top of the table clash in Div Two Sprowston beat Anglian Windows 7-1 but it was closer than the score suggests. Terry Fletcher's Sprowston triple won by one shot against Alan Williamson's triple and after the interval beat Mike Boswell 17-14. John Poynter's Sprowston triple drew 11-11 with Mike Boswell while Poynter's triple scored the only sizable win of the night beating Williamson 19-10. Diss Green's title hopes took a knock at Horsford "A" where they were beaten 6-2 with Chris Woodhouse winning his games by 20-3 & 21-8. Diss fared better at Thorpe Marriott "B" where they drew 4-4 to move second but the rest have games in hand on them. Watton Yellow entertained struggling Marriott "B" hopeful of putting pressure on the leaders but instead suffered a shock 6-2 defeat. Malcolm Roe's triple scored a 14-6 win and an 11-11 draw while Richard Kightley's triple won 17-15 and drew their other game 10-10. Div Three leaders Thurton slipped to a 6-2 home defeat against Hingham Yellow despite a big 25-4 win for county regular Jenny Walker. Tony Fennell, Eric Frary & Jane Frary starred for the visitors winning by 15-13 & 16-10 as they move into second place. Hingham Green went down 8-0 at Horsford "B" where Keith Chapman's triple won 22-8 & 18-14 and Roger Frank's triple won 17-10 & 23-9.
 
                               Latest News Updated 16-07-10
Summer Cup
Another home draw for Bob Carter in the Summer Cup saw them entertain Division Two side Diss Green in the quarter-finals. The visitors would not have traveled to Drayton with much optimism so the 8-0 home win for Carter will have come as little surprise all round. In the first half Carter's Frank Edy, Steve Bridge & Melvin Woods romped to a 28-4 win against the Bill Francis triple while Jason Woods, Nigel Willard & George Clarke beat T Newby's triple 27-5. Melvin Woods' triple continued the onslaught after the break beating Newby's triple 28-3 but Colin Smith, Trish Taylor & Bill Francis put up a hard fight before losing by just 15-12 to Clarke's triple.
                                       Wins of 28-4 & 28-3 for Bob Carter skip Melly Woods
                             ESMBA Summer Club Championships
                                                                                       Posted 14-7-10
                                    
                                   Latest News Updated 11-07-10
Millennium Fours
Brian Saunders, Steve Phillips, Debbie Phillips & Chris "Blazerman" Mann were Norfolk's only entry to this annual ESMBA event in Northants but represented the county well finishing third in a strong field. After opening with a 14-1 win against Steve Bailey's West Mids rink the Wymondham block slipped to what turned out to be their only defeat of the day when they went down 10-5 to Keith Alders West Mids rink. In their third game they claimed the scalp of Oxfordshire and England star Trevor Brown when they won 8-6 after making a superb start leading 6-0 before conceding a six on the penultimate end. In their next two games they recorded wins of 5-3 & 6-3 before beating Herbie Bowden's block 10-7 in their last game.



Summer League
Div One action saw Kirby Bedon "B" beat Framingham Earl 6-2 with Joe Brown's triple winning by 12-7 & 21-6 while Bernie Cudden's triple weighed in with a 23-5 win. Karl Bunn earned the visitors only points. Thorpe Marriott "A" lost 6-2 at First Bus where Bob Oatway won 19-12 against Kath Frost, Maurice Kemp beat Kath Frost 22-9 and Tony Gray won 15-12 against Tony Turner. In Div Two Hevingham beat Diss Green 6-2 with Vic Woods winning by 22-5 & 15-5. Diss Green won 6-2 at home to promotion chasing Sprowston with Bill Francis winning by 16-14 & 18-11. Horsford "A" were well beaten at Sprowston going down 8-0 as John Poynter's triple won by 21-13 & 27-5. Anglian Windows beat Watton Yellow 6-2 with Alan Williamson's triple leading the way winning by 18-8 & 15-13 while Mike Boswell recorded a 29-2 win. Forncett continue to struggle in Div Three, this time losing 6-2 at Hingham Yellow where K Buller's triple won two tight games by 14-13 & 14-12.

                                                                                        Posted 11-07-10

                                             ESMBA AGM NEWS
             40% Increase in subscription passed by narrow majority

                                 Latest News Updated 04-07-10
Summer Cup
Hevingham made home advantage count as they beat Kirby Bedon "B" 7-1. In the first half Hevingham picked up all four points as Ian MacLean, Pat Williamson & Vic Woods won 15-6 and Pat Bunn, Marjorie Hall & David Sharpe won 16-11. Despite a tight second half Hevingham secured the win as Sharpe's triple won 13-12 against Joe Brown's triple and Vic Woods' triple were held to a 15-15 draw by Chris East, Gerald Chilvers & Bernie Cudden.     

Summer League
Bob Carter continue to show impressive home form in Div One with First Bus their latest victims. Frank Edy, Nigel Willard & George Clarke romped home to wins of 22-8 & 26-7 while Melvin Woods' triple won 18-9 & 24-7. Bob Carter suffered their first defeat of the season at Wymondham where Pat Saunders, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann won by 19-10 & 20-5 and Steve Phillips' triple contributed an 11-9 win as Wymondham kept themselves firmly in the race for the runners-up spot behind Carter. A close match at Thorpe Marriott "A" saw the home side beat Framingham Earl 5-3 with Tony Frost, Ted Redwood & Kath Frost's 16-11 win against Colin Emms the biggest victory of the night. In Div Two the two bottom clubs met in a relegation battle with Horsford "A" coming out on top winning 6-2 at Thorpe Marriott "B". Richard Dix, Jim Bird & Chris Woodhouse won 30-2 and 11-10 as the visitors won their first league match of the season so far. Horsford fared less well at Diss where they were beaten 6-2 as Colin Smith, Trish Taylor & Alan Rush won their games by 18-6 & 17-8. Anglian Windows kept in the hunt for promotion with a 6-2 home win against Sprowston with Alan Williamson's triple winning both their games. Hevingham visited Anglian Windows and drew 4-4 with David Sharpe and Vic Woods winning one game each for the visitors. In Div Three Hingham Green were held to a 4-4 draw at home by Forncett.


                                     Latest News Updated 02-07-10

Summer Cup
In a thrilling cup tie Sprowston beat Framingham Earl by just one shot to reach the second round. Terry Fletcher's triple beat Colin Emms 14-13 and John Poynter's triple beat Mervyn Blaza by 13-8 to give Sprowston a 4-0 points lead. After the break the visitors hit back as Blaza beat Fletcher 15-11 and Emms beat Poynter 9-8 to level the match on points but it was not enough as Sprowston won 46-45 on shots.

Summer League
Division Two leaders Watton Yellow were held to a 4-4 draw at Diss where home skip Bill Francis won by 20-3 & 12-10. The other Diss skip, Graham Mobbs, fared less well losing by 17-14 & 10-9. Sprowston moved second after an 8-0 win at Thorpe Marriott "B" where Peter Smart won by 25-6 & 19-6 and Terry Fletcher won by 15-4 & 14-8. Division Three leaders Thurton had their unbeaten league run ended at Horsford "B" where they lost 6-2. Ex Sprowston star Keith Chapman won by 20-7 & 14-11 and Roger Frank added a 13-12 win for Horsford. Trevor Howard's triple scored a 15- 8 consolation win for Thurton to earn their two points.

                                                   Roy Grapes

                                 Latest News Updated 23-06-10

Summer Cup
Bob Carter are through to the second round after an 8-0 home win against Anglian Windows. There was never a real chance of an upset in this match as Steve Bridge, David Lamb & Melvin Woods won by 17-9 & 21-5 while George Clarke's triple won by 19-6 & 18-8. A tremendous tie at Watton Green saw Div Three visitors Hingham Green pull off a one shot victory against their Div Two opponents. Hingham won both opening games to pile the pressure on Watton. D Frost, J Potton & K Thomas beat Roger Braham's triple 17-8 and R Lister, M White & M Frost beat D Oliver's triple by 15-14. The home side hit back after the break with D Braham, A Baldry & Roger Braham winning 12-10 and J Capell, B Draper & D Oliver winning 16-9 to force a 4-4 draw on points but the total shots were in favour of Hingham Green by the slender margin of 51-50. Last year's beaten finalists Wymondham found it all too easy at home to Hingham Yellow winning 8-0. Chris Mann's triple won by 21-6 & 22-8 while Steve Phillips won 22-7 and Debbie Phillips won 29-5.

Summer League
Bob Carter made it six wins in a row in Div One with an 8-0 win at First Bus. All four games were quite close but the home team failed to collect a point as Melvin Woods' triple won 15-10 & 15-11 while George Clarke's triple won 16-13 & 14-13. Defending champions Kirby Bedon "A" entertained Wymondham in a keenly anticipated match which Kirby won by 7-1. Kirby's Carol Aggas, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith lost three of the first four ends against Brian Saunders, Peter King & Chris Mann and trailed 6-5 after seven ends. After that it was one way traffic as the Kirby triple won seven of the remaining eight ends to win 22-8 and inflict a rare heavy defeat on Mann. On mat one Wymondham's Sylvia Archer, Shirley Foster & Debbie Phillips stormed to a 7-0 lead after two ends against Leonora Chilman, John Aggas & Phil Watson. The Kirby triple fought back but trailed 12-9 with one end to go. The Wymondham triple looked to be on their way to a win until Phil Watson produced a wonderful backhand shot with the last wood of the game to take out a Wymondham bowl and score three shots to level the game at 12-12. After the break Debbie Phillips' triple continued to play some great bowls with Sylvia Archer in superb form at lead against Goldsmith's triple. With two ends to play the Wymondham triple led 12-11 but three shots on the penultimate end and a single shot on the last end earned the Kirby triple a 15-12 win. The remaining game saw Pat Saunders brought in at lead and Steve Phillips substituting at two with Chris Mann still at skip against Phil Watson's triple. Watson's triple led by just 14-13 with one end remaining and again Phil Watson pulled off a great shot on the final end to seal a 16-13 win. In Div Two Hevingham moved into second place and have a game in hand over leaders Watton Yellow. Their top triple at Horsford "A" were Ian MacLean, Alan Bunn & Vic Woods who won 16-6 & 12-9 as they collected a 6-2 away win. In the return match Hevingham won 8-0 with Pat Williamson's triple winning 13-8, Ian MacLean's triple winning 18-11 and David Sharpe scoring wins of 16-9 & 18-15. Diss Green earned a 4-4 draw at Sprowston with Bill Francis & T Newby winning a game each for the visitors while Linda Chadwick, Les Chadwick & John Poynter won both their games for Sprowston. Diss also visited Anglian Windows where they slipped to a 5-3 defeat with Mike Boswell starring for Windows with wins of 22-12 & 18-6. Thurton moved 18 points clear in Div Three and have now won all their four games dropping just two points so far. Forncett could not handle the visitors as Peter Walker's triple won 18-10 & 18-9 and Trevor Howard's triple won 21-4 & 19-9 as Thurton collected an 8-0 win. They also won 8-0 at home to Hingham Green scoring a total of 71 shots against 38. Horsford "B" beat Watton Green 8-0 but another incomplete scorecard submitted by Horsford "B" makes it impossible to report the scores for the second week running.        
 


                               Latest News Updated 15-06-10

National Club Championships
Another preliminary heat held at Felixstowe saw Cambridgeshire emerge winners on 23 points with Wymondham second on 15 points. Essex side Stoneyhills 2 finished one point behind on 14 while Sprowston had a bad day scoring just 4 points. The day was another disaster for the ESMBA with players bitterly complaining of no format, no score-sheets and a complete lack of organisation. The inability of the ESMBA to get their act together continues to undermine their credibility and threatens to destroy a competition launched just last year which Norfolk clubs have supported more than any other county.

Summer Cup
Division 3 side Thurton visited Division 2 side Diss Green but found the gulf between them too big as they went down 8-0. Terry Newby's triple won their games by 20-8 & 18-10 while Bill Francis skipped his triple to wins of 20-9 & 16-9.

Summer League
Wymondham's high hopes of Div One glory have taken two hard knocks. Visitors Kirby Bedon "B" pulled off a creditable 4-4 draw at Wymondham while outscoring the home team 55-50 on shots. Shirley Brown, Barry Herman & Joe Brown beat Debbie Phillips' triple 18-11 while Peter Johnson, Chris East & Gerald Chilvers beat the same triple 17-11. Wymondham then found themselves on the wrong end of a 6-2 defeat at First Bus where Maurice Kemp's triple won their games by 17-7 & 13-10. Remarkably the second half saw an amazing result as Wymondham's Brian Saunders, Steve Phillips & Chris Mann beat Bob Oatway's triple 33-1 to earn two consolation points for the visitors. In Div Two a strong Hevingham side won 6-2 at home to Watton Yellow with Vic Woods' triple winning 18-5 & 20-3. Watton Yellow fared better at home to Horsford "A" winning 6-2 as June Todd, Joan Bebee & Margaret Hunter won 18-9 & 16-6. Div Three action saw Thurton showing promotion form at Hingham Green where they won 6-2. Trevor Howard was the top Thurton skip winning by 15-10 & 18-8. Horsford "B" drew 4-4 at home to Forncett but with a half filled in scorecard being returned by the home side it is not possible to report the details!

National Club Championships
The preliminary heat at Manea in Cambs saw Bob Carter & First Bus qualify for the finals day at the expense of London side Cucao and Essex team Stoneyhills 1. Defending champions Kirby Bedon had withdrawn from the competition leaving Carter & First Bus carrying Norfolk hopes and they did not disappoint. Carter finished in first place with 21 points and First Bus grabbed the second qualifying place with 16 points. In the clash between the Norfolk sides Carter emerged winners by 5-4 as they won two games apiece but Carter earned the bonus point for shots.

                                       Latest News Updated 07-06-10
Summer Cup  
Summer Cup holders Kirby Bedon "A" are safely through to the second round after a 7-1 win away to fellow Div One side Thorpe Marriott "A". In the first half Kirby Bedon's Carol Aggas, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith withstood a late rally by Tony Frost, Will Hoggan & Kath Frost to win 13-8. A tight game on mat two saw Kirby's Leonora Chilman, John Aggas & Phil Watson draw 12-12 with Marriott's Sheila Redwood, Ted Redwood & Tony Turner. Watson's triple were involved in another close game after the break but a single on the final end helped them to an 11-9 win against Kath Frost's triple to clinch victory for Kirby "A". On the other mat Selwyn Goldsmith's triple beat Tony Turner's triple 18-9.

Summer League
A stunning 8-0 away win for Bob Carter at title holders Kirby Bedon "A" makes them firm favourites for the title after just four games. Jason Woods, Nigel Willard & George Clarke were in superb form for the visitors and in the first half dominated the game against Leonora Chilman, John Aggas & Phil Watson and winning by 17-8. On mat one a great start by Steve Bridge, David Lamb & Melly Woods saw them lead Carol Aggas, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith by 7-1 after four ends. The Kirby triple fought back and the game was level at 10-10 on the eleventh end and the match was decided on the last end with Woods' triple winning 13-11. The second half followed the same pattern with Melly Woods' triple beating Phil Watson's triple by 16-4 while the game between Goldsmith's triple and Clarke's triple was close throughout. Again the last end decided it with Clarke's triple winning 11-9. At Thorpe Marriott "A" George Clarke's triple were again in top form winning their games by 23-9 & 24-7 while Nigel Willard's triple weighed in with wins of 14-12 & 16-8 to leave Marriott "A" without a win after five games. First Bus earned their first win of the season winning 5-3 at Framingham Earl. Bob Pattison, Lesley Crowe & Maurice Kemp opened with a 19-13 win against Karl Bunn's triple before drawing 13-13 with Ray Lumley. Colin Coman, Tony Gray & Bob Oatway's 14-13 win against Lumley sealed the win that moved them off the foot of the table. In Div Two Anglian Windows took maximum points at home to Thorpe Marriott "B". Ken Dease, Maureen Dease & Alan Williamson started strongly beating Malcolm Roe's triple 21-10 and Tony Johnson, Ann Johnson & Mike Boswell was equally impressive beating Richard Kightley 18-8. Boswell's triple were put under more pressure after the break before beating Roe's triple 13-12. Williamson's triple again played well winning 15-8. Three nights later Thorpe Marriott "B" scored their first win after three defeats when they achieved a 6-2 victory at Horsford "A". Margaret McPherson, Sylvia Roe & Malcolm Roe won their games by 13-12 & 17-10 and Dorothy Muttitt, Trevor Hart & Richard Kightley won 18-11 in their first game. David Woodrow's triple scored Horsford's only win beating Kightley's triple 12-10 after the interval.       
                                Latest News Updated 28-05-10
Summer  Cup
Div One side First Bus crashed out of the Summer Cup at the hands of Div 3 side Thurton as the preliminary round produced the first giant killing of the season. Ken McClintock, Jan McClintock & John Ford got Thurton off to a good start beating Maurice Kemp's triple 13-10 but Bob Oatway kept First Bus in the game with a 17-13 win. After the break Tony Gray skipped his First Bus triple to a 16-13 win but Trevor Howard, Pam Grint & Kerry Greenacre put Thurton through on shots as they beat Kemp's triple 22-11. Horsford "B" also progressed safely through after a 6-2 home win against Forncett. Mally Kemp, Sue Fox & Keith Chapman were Horsford's heroes winning their games by 14-10 & 18-15 while Mark "The Marvel" Tuttle added a 22-6 win in his second game.
Summer League
Div One action saw Thorpe Marriott "A" go down 8-0 at Kirby Bedon "A" where Carol Aggas, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith won by 21-10 & 23-6 while Leonora Chilman, John Aggas & Phil Watson won by 16-10 & 20-5. Two days later an unchanged Kirby Bedon "A" team also inflicted a 7-1 home defeat on Framingham Earl in a high scoring match. Selwyn Goldsmith's triple beat Colin Emms' triple 20-5 and then beat Mervyn Blaza's triple 23-8. The Chilman-Watson-Aggas triple stormed to a 29-9 win against Peter Adcock's triple after drawing their opening game 12-12 with Blaza. An understrength Wymondham side still proved too strong for visitors First Bus. Pat Saunders, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann won 17-9 & 15-4 while Sylvia Archer, Peter King & Brian Saunders won by 19-10 & 10-9. First Bus also went down 6-2 at Kirby Bedon "B" where Chris East, Gerald Chilvers & Bernie Cudden won by 13-12 & 16-7 while Shirley Brown, Jimmy Dye & Joe Brown added a 25-8 win. Kirby Bedon "B" also pulled off a 6-2 win at Thorpe Marriott "A" where Carol Johnson, Gerald Chilvers & Bernie Cudden won by 13-10 & 12-11.
Watton Yellow made it three wins in a row in Div Two as they won 5-3 at Thorpe Marriott "B". Dianne Quadling, David Quadling & Bill Davies beat Malcolm Roe's triple 13-11 and drew 12-12 with Richard Perkins while Margaret Hunter's triple beat Roe 17-8. A strong looking Hevingham team drew 4-4 at Sprowston with Ian McLean, Pat Williamson & Vic "Quiet Man" Woods winning 18-15 & 12-11. Sprowston's points came courtesy of a 24-11 win for Colin Thornton, L Chadwick & Terry Fletcher who beat David Sharpe 24-11 and Margaret Poynter, L Chadwick & Joan Costello who beat Marjorie Hall 14-13.
Div Three results included a 6-2 local derby win for Hingham Yellow against Hingham Green. The biggest win of the night was a 16-9 result for Tony Fennel, Eric Frary & Jane Frary against R Lister's triple. Forncett drew 4-4 at home to Watton Green with Mary Boulter, Merv Boulter & Tony Ottewell beating Don Paffey's triple 26-7 and with Keith Humphreys subbing for Ottewell they beat Alan Baldry's triple 16-9. Thurton brushed aside Forncett 8-0 with Margaret Howlett winning 19-11, Margaret Newcome winning 28-4, John Ford winning 19-10 & Jenny Walker winning 12-9. It is quite unusual to see a side substituting both winning skips for the second half of a game and still winning all four games!


Summer League
Bob Carter maintained their strong start to the Summer League Div One season with a 6-2 away win at Framingham Earl. George Clarke, with Nigel Willard at lead and Steve Bridge at two, beat former Langley star Mervyn Blaza 18-9 and after the break beat Colin Emms 13-10 with Jon Sparham subbing for Bridge at lead. Framingham Earl also suffered a 5-3 home defeat against Kirby Bedon "B" where Shirley Brown, Barry Herman & Joe Brown beat Blaza 15-12 and drew 14-14 with Karl Bunn's triple. Thorpe Marriott "A" were held to a 4-4 home draw at home to First Bus where Ralph Wilson, Colin Coman & Maurice Kemp starred for the visitors with a 24-8 win against Kath Frost and a 20-16 win against Trevor Pinchin. In Div Two Watton Yellow look in good form. They won 8-0 at home to Diss Green with Bryan Dibble's triple winning 18-7 & 17-14 while the Bebee-Quadling-Quadling triple won 17-9 & 10-8. Watton Yellow also claimed the notable scalp of Sprowston when the side relegated from Div One last summer lost 6-2 at Watton. June Todd, Bryan Dibble & Bill Davies did the damage beating John Poynter 19-12 and Peter Smart's triple 16-15. Sprowston fared better the next night winning 6-2 at home to Thorpe Marriott "B". Colin Thornton, David Fuller & Terry Fletcher were Sprowston's stars beating Malcolm Roe 15-11 and Richard Kightley 16-10. Anglian Windows look on paper one of the title favourites in this division but went down 8-0 at Diss Green. Colin Smith, Trish Taylor & Terry Newby won 17-10 against Mike Boswell's triple and 19-10 against David Walker while Keith Buck, Jean Skeat & Graham Mobbs beat David Walker 19-8 and Mike Boswell 12-6. Div Three saw a local derby in which Hingham Green beat Hingham Yellow 6-2. Keith Thomas skipped his triple to wins of 19-14 & 11-10 while Neville Thorpe was the only Hingham Yellow skip to win beating Mike White 24-9.
                                                                              
Summer League & Cup
Summer Cup action saw holders Kirby Bedon "A" win at Horsford "A" in a classic cup tie decided by the final bowl. Kirby looked to be on their way to winning both opening games until Horsford's Richard Dix, Jim Bird & Chris Woodhouse scored seven shots on the last three ends to win 13-12 but Carol Aggas, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith gave the visitors a nine shot interval lead with a 17-7 win. Horsford started strongly after the break and with nine ends played on both mats David Woodrow's triple led John Aggas's triple 12-3 and Chris Woodhouse led Goldsmith 7-6. Despite losing his game John Aggas reduced the margin of his triples defeat to just 15-10 keeping the visitors in front on shots but for Kirby to avoid a cup exit Goldsmith's triple had to win. Trailing 12-11 at the start of the last end the Kirby triple found themselves in deep trouble after two great woods from Horsford's Richard Dix. An attacking bowl from Teresa Goldsmith opened up a tight head but Horsford still held as the skips prepared to plsy their last woods. The Kirby skips first bowl forced the jack over to the left of the jack line leaving Kirby holding one shot on an end where two shots were needed or Horsford were through. Horsford skip Woodhouse failed to reach the head with his last bowl leaving the Kirby skips last wood destined to decide the cup-tie. To the relief of the cup holders Goldsmith drew in to earn them two shots and a 13-12 win to level the match 4-4 on points and to send Kirby Bedon "A" into the next round courtesy of a winning 52-47 shots margin.
Bure/Wensum/Tens Leagues Presentation Night
Blofield Heathlands was the venue for the joint presentation evening and an excellent time was had by all as County Team Assistant Manager Bob Oatway conducted a Fish & Quiz Evening to round off the winter season.

Summer League & Cup
The Norfolk Summer League Div One season began with defending champions Kirby Bedon "A" displaying indifferent form in their early season games. Newly promoted Kirby Bedon "B" beat Kirby "A" 5-3 in their opening local derby with Joe Brown's triple winning 19-8 and drawing their other game 13-13. In the return fixture Kirby Bedon "A" got revenge winning 8-0 with Phil Watson's triple winning 12-9 and 17-7 and Selwyn Goldsmith's triple winning 19-3 and 13-8. Bob Carter, resplendent in their new yellow & green colours, defeated Kirby Bedon "A" 8-0 with Melvin Woods' triple winning 12-11 & 14-11 and George Clarke's triple winning 16-9 and 18-4. It was a pleasure to see Steve Bridge back in action for Carter and with their line-up this year they must fancy their chances to end the ten year stranglehold Kirby Bedon "A" have had on the league title. Wymondham's second season in Div One started brightly as they inflicted a heavy home defeat on Kirby Bedon "B". Sylvia Archer, Shirley Foster & Debbie Phillips stormed to a 21-7 win against Joe Brown's triple while Peter King, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann won 16-8 against Gerald Chilver's triple. There was to be no fairy tale comeback for Kirby Bedon "B" in the second half as Debbie Phillips beat Gerald Chilvers 15-4 and Chris Mann beat Joe Brown 15-7 for an 8-0 win. Wymondham also negotiated the preliminary round of the Summer Cup with last years beaten finalists winning 6-2 at Watton Yellow. A great first half set them on their way as Pat Saunders, Mark Linsdell & Chris Mann won 24-9 and Sylvia Archer, Steve Phillips & Debbie Phillips won 17-8. After the break Chris Mann's triple made the tie safe winning 21-12 while Watton recorded a consolation win as Margaret Hunter beat Debbie Phillips 19-4. 
ESMBA National Club Championships
The ESMBA further enhanced their reputation for scoring own goals by only informing clubs in the second week of May the dates for the group stages of the National Club Championships starting on June 6th. After the success of the new competition last summer, which was won by Norfolk side Kirby Bedon, clubs were told that information would be sent out early for 2010, but the lateness in informing clubs of dates & venues is bound to cause difficulties for competing teams. Summer League Div One side First Bus had already contacted the ESMBA voicing their concerns regarding the failure to get details out in good time and title holders Kirby Bedon have also indicated that the delay is likely to cause them difficulties in fielding a side. The full draw is;
Group 1 (venue Itchen, date June 27th) Burham (Kent), Chanctonbury Foxes (West Sussex), Cuaco (London) & Portsdown (Hampshire)
Group 2 (venue Manea, date June 6th) Kirby Bedon (Norfolk), Stoneyhills (Essex), First Bus (Norfolk) & Bob Carter (Norfolk)
Group 3 (venue Avon, date June 6th) Crudwell (Wiltshire), Middlezoy (Somerset), Hazelbury Bryan (Dorset) & Hollylane (West Midlands)
Group 4 (venue Itchen, date June 27th) Flight Refuelling (Dorset), Seend (Wiltshire), Westbury Blue Circle (Wiltshire) & Templecoombe (Somerset0
Group 5 (venue Felixstowe, date June 13th) Doddington (Cambs), Sprowston SSC (Norfolk), Wymondham (Norfolk) & Stoneyhills 2 (Essex)
              ( Sources within the ESMBA now suggest these details may be subject to change )
                                                                                                                               Posted 12-5-10
                                                Bure Singles Finals
                                                 Hosted by Kirby Bedon on 19th April 2010


                                                 Philip Clarke
                                                                                                          Posted 16-4-10

The ESMBA are advertising the position of England Team Manager on their web-site and all counties have now been informed of the vacancy. It is believed that two well known figures in the sport have already put themselves forward for the post. Keith Smith, the present Assistant Manager, is thought to be one while the other is well known Essex & England bowler Craig Burgess.  


                                Kempston I.B.C                        Lee Toleman - Singles & Pairs Champion

The National Championships have been played at Kettering for several years but in a move that has generated much discussion among bowlers this season's Championships were staged at Kempston I.B.C. This decision  resulted in players having to adjust to a slower "mat on mat" surface than the much faster leisure centre surface used at Kettering. Any expectation that this would benefit Norfolk players who bowl on this surface at Lakeside were dispelled as the "usual suspects" showed their class. The Championships began on Thursday with the National Singles event. Wymondham's Chris Mann & Connaught's Lee Fallows both made it through to the last 16. Lee Fallows lost 12-6 to Hampshire's highly rated Jason McLean while Ollie Allen was beaten by Devon's Lee Toleman who went on to lift the National Singles crown in dramatic fashion. Toleman was six shots down with only two ends remaining against Andrew Beard of East Sussex before coming back to win 11-10 after an extra end. Friday's National Pairs saw Ollie Allen & Hempnall's Neil Davidson reach the last 32 as did Melvin Woods of Bob Carter & John Turner of East Tuddenham but that proved to be as good as it would get. Allen & Davidson lost 15-7 to Warwickshire's David Hayward & Jon Pitcher while Woods & Turner went down 12-3 to Cheshire's Keith Smith & Ste Tinsley. The Pairs Final again saw Lee Toleman & Andrew Beard face each other and Devon's Toleman, playing with Simon Pridham, again came out on top beating Andrew Beard & Paul Seaman of East Sussex 8-7. The National Fours on Friday proved to be a disaster area for Norfolk as all four Norfolk rinks failed to make it through the group stage. The brilliant Shropshire rink of Warwick France, Alan Williams, Chris Shakeshaft & Chris Williams beat M Young, Babs Morokutti, Craig Burgess & Barry Hedges of Essex 8-6 in the final to retain the trophy they won at Kettering last year. The National Triples on Sunday saw two Norfolk entries reach the last 16 before suffering defeat. Hempnall's Jon Sparham, Halvergate's David Lamb & Bob Carter's Robert Howlett lost to Leigh Hall's Northants triple while Shirley & Joe Brown of Costessey, playing with Kirby Bedon's Gerald Chilvers, lost to J Neal, G Soller & M Walker of Cheshire. In the final Dave Hayward, Tom Millership & Jon Pitcher of Warwickshire became England Triples Champions when they beat M Walker's Cheshire triple.
                                                                                                             Posted 12-4-10


                                                                                                                   Posted 7-4-10
                                                                                                                  
Norfolk County Cup Final
Coltishall are County Cup winners for the third time after defeating Hevingham 6-2 at Connaught. Coltishall adapted better to the Connaught mats with Carol Aggas, Brian Bunting & John Aggas beating George Clarke's triple 22-7, Vernon Bunn, Eddie Edridge & Willie Jefferies beating Alan Bunn 19-6 and Mally Catchpole, Jean Barnett & Margaret Harman winning 17-11 against David Sharpe. Vic Woods' Hevingham triple avoided a complete whitewash by beating Peter Barnett 15-7 but this was Coltishall's night as they lifted the coveted trophy.


Bure League
Coltishall entertained Hevingham in a vital Bure League clash with the visitors needing a minimum of 5 points to keep their hopes alive of catching defending champions Kirby Bedon. It was not to be though as Vernon Bunn, Martin Edridge & Peter Barnett stormed to a 26-5 win against David Sharpe & Ann Ducker, Eddie Edridge & Willie Jefferies beat Vic Woods 21-11. Margaret Harman's triple weighed in with a 17-14 win and it was all over for Hevingham despite George Clarke's triple winning 17-3. The result leaves Kirby Bedon champions for the seventh time since they quit the City of Norwich League to join the Bure League for the 1998/99 season.
Tens League
Hempnall have won the Tens League for the second time. They have looked likely winners for much of the season with a brilliant home record a great basis for success. Last years winners Bob Carter made sure of the runner-up spot with a 4-0 home win against  Coltishall in which Nigel Willard's triple won 21-4 & Melvin Woods' triple won 21-8.
Breckland League
With Wymondham already confirmed as champions the only issue to be settled was the runners-up position. Connaught "A" were at home to Hingham "A" in their last match and made sure of second spot with a convincing 10-0 win. Bill Adcock's triple won 24-10 & Ray Wells' triple won 25-11 as the home side finished the season in style! Yaxham finished third after an 8-2 home win against Banham.
Thurne League
Halvergate are Thurne League champs for the second time. Their narrow 6-4 defeat at Woodbastwick leaves Halvergate untouchable at the top with Bradwell & last years winners Woodbastwick left to fight over second place.
Wensum League
After winning the Wensum Cup Bob Carter still head the Wensum and look favourites to complete the double.
South Norfolk League
Hempnall retained the South Norfolk League title with ease proving far too strong and talented for any other side in this league. Connaught will be delighted to have finished second ahead of three good teamsSaxlingham, Horsford & Thurton.
 
                                                                                                      Posted 29-3-10

                                                                      Chris Kettley 


                              Norfolk Appoint New County Team Manager
Following Brian Saunders decision not to seek re-election after his four year stint as Norfolk Manager the  N.C.S.M.B.A Management Committee voted to appoint Lianne Mills to the position with Bob Oatway as Assistant Manager. Lianne will be the first female Norfolk County Team manager as well as the youngest. Lianne impressed the Committee as she spoke of her pride in wearing the green jacket and outlined her plans to take the Norfolk teams forward. The Chairman thanked Brian Saunders for his work and commitment to the Norfolk team over the last four years on behalf of the Committee.  
        Lianne Mills - takes up the post of Norfolk County Team Manager on 1st April  

                                            Latest News Updated 20-03-10
South-East Championships
It was a successful South-East Championship weekend for Norfolk who were celebrating after winning both the pairs & fours titles at Wymondham. On Saturday Kirby Bedon's Phil Watson & Selwyn Goldsmith were unstoppable winning all their games to lift the South East Pairs title with Tony Ealham & Rita Blackhall of Essex second. It was Goldsmith's third South-East Pairs title but the first one for Watson. On Sunday Norfolk lifted the South-East Fours title with Nigel Willard of Bob Carter, Jon Sparham of Hempnall, David Lamb of Halvergate & Melvin Woods of Bob Carter dominating proceedings with Lonnie Fyson's Cambs rink in the runners-up spot. The triples were won by Ann Rawlings, Michael Franks and Lawrie Rawlings of Suffolk with Tony Ealham's Essex triple in second place. Suffolk bowlers came first and second in the South-East Singles with John Warne winning and Michael Rice finishing runner-up. 
                  South-East Pairs Champions Phil Watson & Selwyn Goldsmith

                                                    South-East Fours Champions
                           David Lamb, Melvin Woods, Nigel Willard & Jon Sparham

Breckland League
Another 10-0 home win for Wymondham against Watton clinched their first ever Breckland league title. In the first half the visitors put up stubborn resistance with Terry Crockett's triple losing to Chris Mann by just 17-16 while John Hunter's triple also lost by just one shot to Brian Saunders. The second half was dominated by Wymondham as Debbie Phillips' triple beat Maggie Dibble 27-6 and Steve Phillips' triple beat Margaret Hunter 26-8.
Tens League
Connaught won 4-0 at home to Hevingham with their pairs inflicting serious damage on the visitors. Gordon Wilcox & Bob Oatway beat Lesley Crowe & George Clarke 17-6 while Chris Musk & Ollie Allen won by 16-6 against Ian McLean & Gordon Crowe. Bottom side Horsford Heroes pulled off a shock 2-0 win at Coltishall with Roger Franks' triple beating Margaret Harman.
Thurne League
Woodbastwick moved up to within four points of leaders Halvergate after a 10-0 home win against South Walsham.
Norwich Cup
                      David Dewing collected three vital points for Sprowston at Carter

                                                 Latest News Updated 16-03-10
Norfolk County Cup
Coltishall were held to a 4-4 draw on points at home to Thurton in their County Cup semi-final clash but the home side are through to the final on shots. Coltishall captain Willie Jefferies went down 14-11 to Kerry Greenacre and Peter Barnett lost 13-12 to Trevor Howard as Thurton threatened to produce a shock result. Coltishall won through after Margaret Harman's triple beat Anne Rix 20-12 and Andy Wooden beat Albert Reynolds 16-10.
South Norfolk League
Hempnall clinched the South Norfolk League title with three games to spare as they beat Mulbarton 10-0. It was all too easy for them as Jon Sparham's triple won 23-4 and Charlie Archer's triple won 26-4 for their eleventh win from eleven games. The only question now is if they can win their last three games to complete a perfect record of fourteen wins. Connaught have finished their fixtures but are assured of the runners-up spot. Despite beating Wreningham 9-1 Saxlingham have just missed out on the honours this season. M Razzell, M McCluskey & J Torbitt were their biggest scorers winning 24-5. Three teams, Mulbarton, Wreningham & Watton have been cast adrift at the foot of the table and they all met each other this week as they fight to avoid finishing bottom. Mulbarton's 8-2 defeat at Wreningham leaves them four points behind next to bottom Watton and leaves them favourites to fill that unwanted spot. Ken Clarke, Linda Packer & Glenda Adcock scored a big 34-4 win for Wreningham.
Thurne League
Halvergate are now 17 points clear at the top after an 8-2 win at bottom club South Walsham. Second placed Bradwell took a maximum 10-0 win at home to Stalham while third placed Woodbastwick did the same at home to Hemsby.
Tens League
Hempnall took a massive step towards clinching the Tens League title with two vital away wins. They won 4-0 at Horsford Heroes winning on all four mats. The triples inflicted most damage shots wise as Joan Cann, Richard Harrowing & Jon Sparham won 20-8 and Syd Harman, Roger Parker & Neil Davidson won 19-9. At Hevingham Bernie Cudden & Chris Mann clinched a 2-0 win by beating Lesley Crowe & George Clarke 21-12. Chris East, Richard Harrowing & Jon Sparham weighed in with a 13-10 win against David Sharpe's triple while wins for Hevingham's Gordon Crowe & Maurice Kemp reduced the overall arrears to just two shots. Coltishall won 3-0 at Kirby Bedon as the home sides nightmare season in the Tens League continues. Coltishall's Les & Margaret Harman played a very effective attacking game against Jill & Phil Watson and were 11-3 up after eight ends. A brief recovery saw the Watsons reduce the lead to 11-7 after eleven ends but the Harmans won the last four ends for a 17-7 win. On the other mat Bob Pattison's Kirby triple won by a narrow 13-12 against Peter Barnett's triple. After the break Coltishall won on both mats with Ann Ducker, Eddie Edridge & Willie Jefferies beating Gerald Chilver's triple 13-12 while Carol & John Aggas scored a fantastic five on the last end to beat Jimmy Dye & Alistair Hunter 16-11.
Breckland League
The top of the table clash saw Wymondham win at Connaught "A" for the first time ever. The 6-4 win ensures that Wymondham remain hot favourites to take the title for the first time. The opening session was shared with Diane Adcock, Sylvia Parsons & Ray Wells beating Debbie Phillips' triple 18-14 while Wymondham gained a shots advantage as Pat Saunders, M Fisher & Steve Phillips beat Bill Adcock's triple 21-10. After the break Ollie Allen's Connaught triple won 17-12 against Brian Saunders but a solid 22-13 win for Chris Mann against Sheila Bragg sealed a notable Wymondham win.
Breckland 5 Pairs Final
Wymondham's season of success continued as they defeated Connaught "A" by two shots in an exciting 5 Pairs Final at Watton. It was a completely different story from last year when Connaught had outplayed Wymondham in the final but this years Wymondham team has reached a new level as a glance at the league table will tell you. Sylvia Archer & Brian Saunders gave Wymondham a five shot lead beating Bill & Diane Adcock 9-4 in the opening game. The next three games all went Connaught's way with Chris Musk & Sylvia Parsons beating Shirlay Foster & Debbie Phillips 8-7, Ollie Allen & Lee Fallows beating Pat Saunders & Steve Phillips 8-7 and Derek Lyles & Sheila Bragg's 10-6 win against Mark Linsdell & Peter King giving Connaught a 30-29 lead with one game remaining. In the final game Wymondham's Melvyn Barker & Chris Mann faced Connaught's Mike Parsons & Ray Wells with the outcome resting on their shoulders and the Wymondham pair skipped by Mann immediately put the pressure on leading 4-0 after two ends. The Connaught pair tried but could not pull back the deficit trailing 8-3 with three ends to go. Parsons & Wells reduced Wymondham's lead to 9-6 by the end but this was not enough to stop Wymondham lifting the Breckland 5 Pairs title by 38-36 on shots.

                                Wymondham SMBC have won the Breckland 5 Pairs
L to R - Peter King, Mel Baker, Pat Saunders, Mark Linsdell, Mary Fisher, Debbie Phillips, Steve Phillips, Sylvia Archer, Shirley Foster, Brian Saunders, Chris Mann

Bure Cup Final
Hevingham put an early end to the Bure Cup Final with an incredible 21-3 win against Woodbastwick. The extent of the win prompted Woodbastwick to concede the match without the second leg being played. Gill Bunn, John Richardson & Vic Woods won by 4-1, 6-3 & 8-2 for maximum points. Ian MacLean, Lesley Crowe & George Clarke followed suit winning by 4-3, 8-4 & 5-4 as did Alan Bunn, Gordon Crowe & David Sharpe who won their games 8-0, 5-4 & 7-2.
Bure League
Title rivals Coltishall & Kirby Bedon met with Coltishall's strong second half display sweeping the visitors aside. In the first half Ann Ducker, Eddie Edridge & Willie Jefferies beat Kirby's Phil Watson 18-9 but Kirby's Leonora Chilman, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith hit back beating Peter Barnett's triple 13-11. Home mat knowledge showed after the break with Mally Catchpole, Jean Barnett & Margaret Harman beating Alistair Hunter's triple 20-9 and Carol Aggas, Brian Bunting & John Aggas beating Joe Brown's triple 18-9 for a vital 8-2 home win. Anglian Windows won 8-2 at home to St Faiths with Pat Curchin, Avril Walker & David Walker winning by a huge 34-2 margin against R Hannant's triple. Mike Boswell & Alan Williamson also skipped their triples to wins for Windows while M Mack's St Faith's triple beat Ken Dease 11-8.
    
                                      ESMBA CRISIS RESOLVED
                                                                                                          Posted 16-03-10

Cup holders Kirby Bedon are out after losing at Hevingham on shots after the game finished at 4-4 on points. The match was level at the break after Shirley Brown, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith won 15-12 for the cup holders against Pat Williamson's triple and Hevingham's Gill Bunn, John Richardson & Vic Woods had beaten Phil Watson's triple 24-3. After the break Alistair Hunter's Kirby triple beat David Sharpe's triple 17-10 but Hevingham continued to increase their shots lead as George Clarke's triple beat Gerald Chilvers 21-4.
Norwich Cup
Woodbastwick overcame Cromer to reach the final for the seventh time after a great semi-final battle played out over two legs. Cromer enjoyed home advantage in the first leg but were stunned to find themselves 10-2 down on points at the interval. A great comeback saw Cromer level the score at 12-12 on points with Woodbastwick taking just a two shot lead into the second leg. Yet again Woodbastwick produced a 10-2 first half lead to leave them 22-14 up on aggregate but any thoughts of a comfortable victory evaporated as Cromer won three of the next four games. Cromer's dreams of cup glory finally ended as the final session was shared leaving Woodbastwick with a 26-22 aggregate win. Sprowston sprang a massive shock in their semi-final first leg match at home to Bob Carter by handing out a 19-5 beating to the six time cup winners. In fact the scale of the defeat could have been even greater as Sprowston went into the last session 19-1 up but Nigel Willard & Melvin Woods both skipped their triples to late wins against Peter Smart & David Dewing. Margaret Poynter, Tony Mayhew & John Poynter were Sprowston's top triple winning their three games by 7-2, 8-5 & 9-0 while Colin Thornton, David Fuller & Terry Fletcher won two games and drew the other. Bob Carter will now hope that their fast Verde mats will enable them to hit back in the second leg but they have a mountain to climb if they are to reach another final.
South Norfolk League
The top of the table clash saw Hempnall record their tenth straight win with a 6-4 victory at Connaught. Hempnall's county stars led the way with Jon Sparham winning 14-4 and Chris Mann winning 19-6. Connaught also lost at Horsford by 8-2 where Roger Frank's triple won 21-10. Chris Musk, Ty Musk & Sheila Bragg did their best to snatch the match points for Connaught with a 24-9 win but the home side scored 59 shots against 57. Thurton showed some of the form they had last season beating Mulbarton 10-0 with Jenny Walker, Jan McClintock & A Reynolds winning 32-4. Horsford won a close match 6-4 at Mulbarton. Connaught brushed aside Saxlingham 10-0 with Alan Marshall, Philomena King & Ollie Allen winning 21-9.
Thurne League
Halvergate's 10-0 home win against Stalham takes them 19 points clear of second placed Bradwell. A close match at Woodbastwick saw visitors Bradwell finish four shots ahead for a 6-4 win. Bottom of the table South Walsham went down 8-2 at Hemsby.
Tens League
Horsford Heroes came close to their first away win of the season but lost by just one shot at Woodbastwick. In the pairs Norma & Peter Jablonowski produced an 18-13 win for the home side but Sue Fox & Mick Dale replied with a 15-9 win for the visitors. Horsford's Peter Fox, David Crosby & Vic Webster won 15-7 in the triples but Woodbastwick's Damian Lamb, Brian Frost & Jim Couling won 18-8 against Roger Frank to give their side a 2-0 win on points, 52-51 on shots.  
Bure League
It was a massive week with all four title chasing sides in action and Hevingham without a doubt emerging with the widest smiles! At home to East Tuddenham they amassed 72 shots against just 33 for a maximum 10-0 win. Gill Bunn, John Richardson & Vic Woods stormed to a 21-4 win against Russell Harris while Maurice Kemp's triple beat Owen Secker 17-6. At home to league leaders Kirby Bedon a close first half saw Hevingham's Pat Bunn, Pat Williamson & Maurice Kemp defeat Phil Watson's triple 14-12 but Shirley Brown, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith hit back for Kirby beating George Clarke's triple 11-8 in a tense battle. The second half belonged to Hevingham with David Sharpe's triple winning 16-6 and Vic Woods' triple winning 19-12. Kirby did win 8-2 at Horsford with Jill Watson, Shirley Brown & Phil Watson winning 19-3 and Peter Johnson, Jimmy Dye & Bob Pattison winning 18-10 while Bob Burrage's triple scored the home sides only win. Coltishall's title hopes took a knock with an 8-2 defeat at Anglian Windows where Diane Halford, Keith Halford & Mike Boswell won 17-8. Coltishall's away game at East Tuddenham resulted in the home side winning 6-4 with Geraldine Potter, Denny Cross & Russell Harris winning 23-13 against Peter Barnett. Woodbastwick kept their faint title hopes alive with an 8-2 home win against Horsford with Michael Fox, Trevor Howard & Tony Wright winning 27-4 while Bob Burrage's triple again secured Horsford's only points beating Peter Jablonowski's triple 16-13.
Breckland League
Wymondham continue on to what is looking like their first ever Breckland title despite slipping up at Banham. Defending champions Yaxham appear to have too much ground to make up after losing 6-4 at home to Wymondham. Three Wymondham triples, skipped by Steve Phillips, Chris Mann & Debbie Phillips, all won but a big win by Owen Secker's triple claimed the two match points for Yaxham. Wymondham's great home form continued as they beat Connaught "B" 10-0 with Debbie Phillips winning 26-10. Banham are always dangerous on their own mats as Wymondham found to their cost losing only their second league game of the season. Val Footer, Derek Gray & John Williamson beat Debbie Phillips' triple 29-10 as they picked up an excellent 8-2 win. Mike Parsons, Ty Musk & Sheila Bragg of Connaught "A" won 25-9 but Watton gave the home side a headache on the other three mats. Margaret Hunter's triple drew 15-15 with Ollie Allen, Maggie Dibble's triple beat Derek Lyles 17-16 and Terry Crockett lost by just two shots to Sylvia Parsons in a 7-3 home win for Connaught. 
                                                           
                                                                                                     Posted 1-3-10                                                           Latest News Updated 1-3-10
Bure League
Defending champions Kirby Bedon entertained Hevingham in a clash between two title contenders. The first half was shared as Kirby's Carol Johnson, Teresa Goldsmith & Selwyn Goldsmith beat David Sharpe's Hevingham triple 23-7 and visiting triple Gill Bunn, John Richardson & Vic "Quiet Man" Woods beat Phil Watson's triple 17-12. After the break Kirby wrapped up a solid 8-2 home win with Peter Johnson, Jimmy Dye & Alistair Hunter winning 20-5 against Pat Williamson's triple and Shirley Brown, Joe Brown & Gerald Chilvers beating former Kirby player George Clarke by 12-11. Hevingham picked up a useful 8-2 win at Anglian Windows where Gordon Crowe, John Richardson & Vic Woods won 20-5 and Pat Bunn, Pat Williamson & Maurice Kemp won 20-10. A close match at Coltishall saw East Tuddenham finish just four shots down but the home side picked up a 7-3 points win. Carol Aggas, Jean Barnett & John Aggas scored Coltishall's biggest win beating Russell Harris' triple 16-5 but a big 17-6 win for Albert Palgrave, Chrissie Turner & John Turner kept the visitors in the hunt. Coltishall captain Willie Jefferies skipped his triple to an 11-7 win while Peter Barnett & Robin Amos drew 10-10.
Breckland League
Connaught "A" visited lowly Harling hoping for a big win to boost their title push but instead were involved in a terrific match that they won by just two shots for a 6-4 points win. For Harling Brian Knappett's triple won 24-11 and Roy Buffery's triple won 18-8 as the visitors were put under intense pressure. Connaught hit back to snatch the bonus points with Derek Liles' triple winning 21-12 & Sheila Bragg's triple winning 25-9. Watton's good home form continued with a 10-0 win against Forncett as David Quadling, Diane Quadling & Ron Harvey won 30-8. Watton lost 10-0 at Connaught "B" in an entertaining match. A good final six ends gave Connaught's Philomena King, Ron Madden & Alison Rush a 17-10 win while Joyce Hazell's triple came back from 16-9 down to win 19-17.
Tens League
Leaders Hempnall had a mixed week winning at home to Bob Carter but losing at Kirby Bedon. Bernie Cudden & Jon Sparham romped to a 27-3 win against J & M Woods so despite the other games being tight all four match points went Hempnall's way. At Kirby Bedon Leonora Chilman, Peter Johnson & Gerald Chilvers beat Sid Harman, Neil Davidson & Roger Parker 24-9 as Hempnall lost 4-0, only their second defeat this season. Coltishall won 2-0 at Woodbastwick in a strange game that saw both teams produce big wins in the pairs. Coltishall's Eddie Edridge & Willie Jefferies won 21-7 against D Lamb & Trevor Hallett but this was cancelled out as Norma & Peter Jablonowski beat their pld County team mates Carol & John Aggas 21-6. Jim Couling's triple edged a 16-15 win against Peter Barnett but the game was won for Coltishall as Margaret Harman's triple beat Derek Sheldrake's triple 14-9. 

                                 Inter-County Championships
                                                             Played 27-2-10
Norfolk "A" 17 (170) Bucks 23 (182)

Norfolk "A" fought hard against Bucks in their I.C.C Consolation Semi-Final clash in Northants but slipped to a 23-17 defeat. Peter Adcock, Colin Coman, David Dewing & Les Chadwick finished with maximum points in the rinks while Peter Smart won 20-9 in his opening singles game and drew his second. Sheila Bragg won her second game 21-8 to finish on a high but a wipe-out in the triples, where Bucks took all ten points, shattered their hopes.


                           Peter Smart                                                        David Dewing

                                                        
                                                               Mick Mortimer
                                                                                                                     Posted 26-02-10
               ESMBA CRISIS - INFORMATION FOR NORFOLK MEMBERS

                                      Inter-County Championships
                                                                Played 20-02-10
Norfolk Premier 7 Wiltshire 21

Defending champions Kirby Bedon defeated Horsford BC 10-0 despite a spirited performance from some of the visitors especially Paul Isgate. Peter Johnson, Jimmy Dye & Alistair Hunter romped to an easy 30-1 win and a late surge by Gerald Chilver's triple saw them win 23-9. A great match at Woodbastwick saw the home side defeat Hevingham 8-2 with only four shots separating the teams. Home skips Norma Jablonowski, Tony Wright & Peter Jablonowski all won narrowly with Maurice Kemp's 13-9 win against Jim Couling the only Hevingham victory. Woodbastwick did less well at title chasing East Tuddenham where the home side won 8-2. Rita Secker, Madge Meachen & Owen Secker won 19-10, Geraldine Potter, Denny Cross & Peter Smart won 18-12 and John Turner's triple won 13-7. The biggest win of the night was by Woodbastwick's Arthur Foster, Derek Oakes & Peter Jablonowski who beat Robin Amos 21-7. St Faiths suffered a massive 10-0 on points, 112-19 on shots, defeat at Coltishall where John Aggas won 33-5, Willie Jefferies won 34-3 and Peter Barnett won 29-2. Kirby Bedon had to settle for an 8-2 home win against St Faiths with the absence of key players affecting the side. The biggest win was a 19-6 result for Carol Johnson, Shirley Brown & Joe Brown.


Tens League
Hevingham won a hard earned two points at Woodbastwick with Pat Williamson's triple winning 13-10 & David Sharpe's triple winning 11-7. Woodbastwick's Michael Fox & Trevor Hallett won their pairs game 13-11 while the other pairs game was drawn.
Breckland League
Wymondham are setting a hot pace after two more good wins. E Barker, Peter King & Chris Mann led the way at Hingham "A" with a 25-15 win as they won 8-2. They also produced another massive 10-0 home win at the expense of Carleton Rode. Pat Saunders, Peter King & Steve Phillips won 33-6 and Mary Fisher, Shirley Foster & Debbie Phillips won 28-4 as Carleton Rode were crushed 103-33 on shots. Carleton Rode fared much better at home with a 10-0 win against Harling & an 8-2 win against Hingham "A". M Newby, J Davidson & R Davidson won their game by 28-13 against Hingham while R Lorn, M Baker & R Baker scored a 33-12 win against Harling. Forncett's Andrew Coleman, Joan Rumsby & Dennis Rumsby helped their side to a tight 6-4 home win against Hingham "B" with a 21-6 win. 

                          Geoff Payne lifts City League Singles Crown

                   
                                 Inter-County Championships
                                                          Played 13-02-10

Norfolk "A" 29 v Shropshire "A" 11

Norfolk "A" are through to the I.C.C Consolation semi-final stage after a solid win against Shropshire. Maximum points were earned in the pairs as Jenny & Peter Walker won their games by 19-5 & 14-11 while Chris Musk & Elaine Cole won 19-7 & 11-8. The singles picked up eight points as Peter Smart won twice and Sheila Bragg once. Les Chadwick's rink won their games by 19-2 & 13-4 while Ty Musk's rink won once. Ray Lamb's triple  won their second game while Alison Rush's triple drew their second game. Norfolk "A" now meet Bucks in the semi-finals.

                                                Latest News updated 17-02-10
Bure League
The title race looks wide open with no team able to yet claim the title favourites role. East Tuddenham won 9-1 at home to Anglian Windows with Geraldine Potter, Denny Cross & Russell Harris winning 19-9 but all the other three games were tight and Windows will feel unlucky not to have earned more from this match. Kirby Bedon completed a league double against East Tuddenham winning 8-2 at home, the same result as they achieved at Tuddenham. Kirby's Peter Johnson, Jimmy Dye & Alistair Hunter recovered from 9-6 down after eleven ends to beat Robin Amos 17-9 while Phil Watson's & Selwyn Goldsmith's triples both won. John Turner earned Tuddenham their two points with the last wood of his game against Gerald Chilvers. St Faiths tend to struggle against the top teams in the league but came close to a shock result at home to Hevingham where they went down by just one shot in a 7-3 points defeat. Rita Minter, David Guyton & John Pye of St Faiths beat Vic "Quiet Man" Woods 20-7 while Richard Hart's triple earned a 12-12 draw. Janet Kemp, Lesley Crowe & George Clarke did most to rescue Hevingham from defeat as they beat M Mack's triple 18-7. In their next game Hevingham returned to form with a 10-0 home win against Horsford BC with Vic Woods' triple winning 27-6 and Maurice Kemp's triple winning 28-2. Coltishall's Carol Aggas, Brian Bunting & John Aggas spearheaded an 8-2 away win at Horsford as they won 21-9 against Mick Dale's triple.

Breckland League
Title favourites Wymondham romped to a 10-0 victory against Hingham "B" scoring 137 shots against just 27. Hingham, rooted to the bottom with thirteen straight defeats, had no answer as Wymondham ripped them apart on all four mats. Melvyn Barker, Mark Linsdell & Brian Saunders won 32-6, Mary Fisher, Peter King & Chris Mann won 37-8, Enid Barker, Pat Saunders & Steve Phillips won 37-6 and Sylvia Archer, Shirley Foster & Debbie Phillips won 31-7 in a one-sided encounter. Defending champions Yaxham suffered a 6-4 defeat at Watton where the home triple of Roger Kerrison, M Seagar & Jim Delaney won 26-11. Yaxham won 8-2 at home to struggling Harling but visitors Betty Murphy, Terence Murphy & Terry Hewitson scored a surprise 26-11 win. It was local derby time at Connaught where the "A" team beat the "B" team 10-0 with Lee Fallows, Bob Oatway & Ollie Allen winning 29-10. Hingham "A" beat Forncett 8-2 with Jenny Potton, Colin Harris & Mike White winning 28-10. 
South Norfolk League
Hempnall are now in pole position to retain the title after a resounding 10-0 win at title rivals Saxlingham. They also won 8-2 at home to Horsford despite a shock 14-12 defeat for Paul Baker's triple against David Woodrow. Saxlingham's title hopes took another knock at Horsford where they lost 8-2 as Keith Chapman's triple won 25-6. The only win for Saxlingham was delivered by Pat Meale, making a debut in the South Norfolk League, Peter Cook & Geoff Briggs. Third placed Connaught beat bottom club Watton 8-2 with Ty Musk, Chris Musk & Sheila Bragg winning 26-4. Wreningham beat Thurton 6-4 with J Bond's triple winning 23-5 against Ann Rix.
Coastal League
Woodbastwick Eagles have been confirmed as Coastal League champions finishing six points clear of local rivals Woodbastwick Owls. Bradwell Blue finished ten points back in third place.
Coastal Cup
Woodbastwick Eagles have started off their Coastal Cup campaign with five straight wins including a 13-5 home win against Bradwell reds and a 10-8 local derby win against Woodbastwick Owls. Second placed Bradwell Blue slammed Hemsby 16-2 but Hemsby fared better at home to the Owls beating them 12-6.
Tens League
Despite the heroics of Horsford's David Davitt & Keith Chapman, who beat Chris Musk & Ollie Allen 25-12 in the pairs, Connaught snatched a 2-0 home win. Ty Musk, Bill Adcock & Ray Wells won their triples game 18-8 to ensure a home win.

     SENSATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS IN ESMBA CRISIS

Former ESMBA President Roy Grapes entered the debate this week describing events surrounding the ESMBA as the "worst crisis in its 25 year history."


     Babs Morokutti           George Clarke          Peter Winter               Roy Grapes             Keith Hawkins
    Minute Secretary              President            Vice-President           Past President           Admin Support


                                                                                                     This item posted 8-2-10

                                                         Latest News posted 9-2-10
Norfolk Cup
Cup holders Kirby Bedon are through to this season's semi-finals after defeating South Norfolk League giants Hempnall 6-2. In the first half Kirby's Jill Watson, Janice Hewitt & Phil Watson were 8-1 up after five ends against Russell Davidson, Roger Parker & Neil Davidson and led throughout winning 17-8. Hempnall's Ruth Penn, Bernie Cudden & Paul Baker started well against Carol Johnson, Peter Johnson & Selwyn Goldsmith and were 5-0 up after three ends but the Kirby triple turned up the heat to win all but one of the remaining twelve ends to win 15-6. After the break Alistair Hunter's triple sealed victory for Kirby Bedon with a big 22-6 win to earn them an away tie against Hevingham in the semi-finals.Thurton will face a difficult trip to Coltishall in the other semi-final.

                      Kirby Bedon's Jill Watson                                    Hempnall's Jon Sparham
Breckland League
Leaders Banham won 10-0 at Hingham "B" scoring 102 shots against just 26 as the bottom club were simply outgunned. Tony Blackburn's triple won 25-5 and Jim Delaney's triple won 32-6 as Banham had a field day. The following evening Banham were brought down to earth as they lost 8-2 at mid-table Forncett where P Lock's triple inflicted a 23-9 defeat on the table toppers. The big match was the clash between title chasing Connaught "A" and defending champs Yaxham. Owen Secker's triple got the visitors off to a flying start beating Derek Lyles' triple 22-7 but Sylvia Parsons' triple beat Russell Harris 16-15 to keep the match level on points at the break. Connaught's all County triple of Lee Fallows, Bob Oatway & Ollie Allen beat Yaxham star John Turner 15-9 in the second half while Sheila Bragg's triple beat Robin Amos 15-13 to give Connaught "A" a 6-4 points win. Yaxham collected a valuable 8-2 home win against Hingham "A" with Russell Flint, Denny Cross & Russell Harris winning 23-7. Wymondham are now handily placed in third place with games in hand on all their rivals after a maximum 10-0 home win against Harling. Peter King's triple won 34-4, Debbie Phillips' triple won 29-4 and Steve Phillips' triple won 25-11 while Chris Mann's triple sneaked in with a 15-13 win to confirm Wymondham as title favourites.


                         

                               Norfolk County Mixed Fours
                                                 PLAYED AT LAKESIDE 6-12-09
One of the best county finals in recent years saw Jenny Walker of Haddiscoe, Jean Woods of Bob Carter, David Lamb of Halvergate & Jon Sparham of Hempnall pick up their first ever Norfolk County Mixed Fours title when they defeated Wymondham's Pat Saunders, Brian Saunders, Debbie Phillips & Steve Phillips by 8-7. On the first end two good woods from Pat Saunders at lead gave Wymondham a good start but a great attacking wood by England's David Lamb left his rink holding two shots. Their joy was short-lived as Debbie immediately despatched the jack into the ditch and Wymondham took two shots. With both leads, Pat Saunders & Jenny Walker, putting down some great woods a tight head quickly built up but when the jack was pushed through it was to Wymondham's advantage and they held three shots. Jon Sparham attempted to attack the head with his final wood but hit the block and Wymondham were 5-0 up. Sparham's rink badly needed to get into this match and were helped as Jeannie Woods took shot with a toucher and a Jenny Walker toucher was put in the ditch as insurance. Debbie Phillips then produced a great forehand to spoil their chance of a big end but Sparham's rink still scored their first shot to make it 5-1. By now Sparham had moved to number three with David Lamb at skip and on the fourth end they held another two before Steve Phillips played a superb wood to extend Wymondham's lead to 6-1 and they looked hot favourites. The fifth end was a cracker and Jon Sparham & David Lamb played four superb woods between them as their rink took a massive six to turn the game on its head and give them a 7-6 lead. The Wymondham rink were shell-shocked by this unexpected turn of events in a game that they had dominated up to this point and on the next end Lamb's rink suddenly seemed far more confident as they played their woods. Two great woods by Jenny Walker gave them an early advantage and Jean Woods consolidated as Wymondham were put in trouble again but Brian Saunders opened up the head with an attacking bowl. First Debbie Phillips drew shot and then David Lamb as the tension grew on the penultimate end. Steve Phillips had the last wood and he was one down but he was not quite accurate enough and Lamb's rink were 8-6 up with an end to play. Again two great lead woods by Jenny Walker gave her rink a great start and Jean Woods covered Wymondham's two back bowls. Again Brian Saunders opened up the head with an attacking wood  but Jean Woods drew shot with her second wood. Saunders again kept Wymondham's hopes alive taking the jack back so that they held two shots. Sparham took one Wymondham bowl out with a backhand shot and this was followed by a firing wood from Debbie Phillips that touched the jack aside but went through into the ditch. Sparham was asked to push one of their bowls through to the back which he did perfectly and Debbie Phillips again played a weight wood that was so close but not close enough. Lamb then put in a short blocker to try and hamper Steve Phillips effort. Phillips elected to fire but hit another short wood and Lamb's rink were still holding. With his last wood Lamb put in another short blocker. A super forehand attack shot by Phillips evaded Lamb's blocker and took the jack into the ditch for shot but, to the dismay of Wymondham, Lamb's rink held second wood and had held on for an 8-7 victory and the Norfolk Mixed Fours Championship title. All eight players can be more than happy with their performance although Wymondham will have nightmares about the fifth end. In the play-off for third place Pam Crockett of Watton, Eric Frary of Hingham, Jane Frary of Hingham & Terry Crockett of Watton beat Lynn Frank, Peter Fox, Sue Fox & Roger Frank of Horsford Heroes by 7-5.  

                     David Lamb, Jeannie Woods, Jon Sparham & Jenny Walker