Norfolk Over 60’s entertained Friends of Essex for the second leg of their annual home and away challenge match and went into the match leading 67-61 on points. As always a tough game was expected but despite a disappointing first session Norfolk turned up the heat to complete a 79-49 points victory on the day. The final score on aggregate was 146-110 on points, and 1,214–951 on shots in Norfolk’s favour. There was a great spirit throughout the day with two sides who know each other well and enjoy each others company. Organisers Teresa Goldsmith of Norfolk Over 60’s and Tony Ealham of the Friends of Essex know all too well that although both teams go all out to win the great thing about their games is the enjoyment that players get out of these super days of short mat bowls. Norfolk’s eight pairs were in good form recording some excellent scores and collected 48 points out of a possible 64. Four Norfolk pairs collected a maximum four wins apiece. Will Townsend & Terry Newby won their games 26-1, 13-4, 21-2 & 10-9, Clive Eke & David Crosby won by 13-5, 23-2, 15-9 & 17-3, Joan Costello & Tony Oram won 20-3, 19-2, 17-5 & 13-9 and John Jeffries & George Hume won 12-7, 21-5, 10-7 & 16-5. Norfolk’s triples and the Essex triples were evenly matched with Norfolk scoring 31 points out of 64. The Norfolk triple of Gill Davidson, Gill Coleman & Russell Davidson won 11-4, 11-5, 9-4 & 9-4 again.
Organisers Tony Ealham (Essex) & Teresa Goldsmith (Norfolk)
Pre-match Line-up at Hingham Sports & Social Club
The match begins
Norfolk's Pat Saunders has a decision to make
Essex bowlers step up to the mark
Mark Chittock of Essex and David Chadwick of Norfolk
Essex & Norfolk before the start