Richard Broad of Connaught & Andy Rawnsley of Shropham earned themselves a shot at the National Over 55’s Pairs title when they triumphed in the Norfolk qualifier at Hingham Sports and Social Club. With group one consisting of five pairs and group two consisting of six pairs a top two place in each of the groups was needed to qualify for the semi-finals. Richard and Andy reached the semi-finals after finishing second to Di & David Quadling of Connaught in group two. Group one was won by Will Townsend of Hingham & Terry Newby of Carleton Rode who had won all their games while Mike Smail & Tony Ottewell of Forncett finished second. In the semi-finals both group winners lost as Broad & Rawnsley defeated Townsend & Newby while Smail & Ottewell defeated the Quadlings. In the final Mike Smail & Tony Ottewell drew first blood with a single on the opening end and led 2-1 after three ends. Broad & Rawnsley hit back scoring four shots on the fourth end and from then on led throughout eventually winning by 11-4 with the last end left unplayed. In the play-off for third place Will Townsend & Terry Newby established a 7-0 lead after four ends against Di & David Quadling but then lost the next three ends as the Quadlings narrowed the gap to 7-3. But two shots to Townsend & Newby on the eighth end put them back in control of a game that finished 9-5 in their favour.
Andy Rawnsley & Richard Broad - the smiles of success
Mike Smail & Tony Ottewell - finished as runners-up