Wortwell made the 30 mile trip to Thetford for their Norwich Cup clash and made a bright start on unfamiliar mats. After eight ends the visitors were 13-5 up in this 30 end marathon but the home side hit back winning four ends in a row to level the game 13-13. Wortwell weathered the storm though and regained their momentum to lead 22-15 after 21 ends. Both sides failed to capitalize on playing their first wildcards with Thetford playing their first one on end 18 and failing to score while Wortwell used their first wildcard on end 20 and also failed to score. Thetford showed their character to stage another comeback, and with the help of a successful second wildcard on end 24, levelled the game at 22-22. Wortwell used their second wildcard on end 25 but it was Thetford who scored a single to win the end and followed that by scoring four shots on the next end to lead 27-22. This tremendous battle saw Wortwell take two shots on end 27 and another single on end 28 to trail by only two shots with two ends remaining. Digging deep the home side finally overcame their brave visitors scoring three shots on both end 29 and end 30 to win the match 33-25. It was a great advert for the unique Norwich Cup format with Thetford captain Pete Harvey saying afterwards “What a pleasant bunch of people, this is what the cup should be all about. The game was enjoyed by both sides and went to the last end with Wortwell using their last wildcard but in vain.” The full Thetford line-up for the match was Jason Martin, Peter Harvey, Neil Thomas, Erika Thomas, Clive Eke, Mike Holbrook, Caralyn Walker & Suzanne Kenny. East Harling of the Breckland League entertain Bure League champions Halvergate on Friday 17th January in the next Norwich Cup match which will take the competition into the semi-final stage. The winners of the East Harling v Halvergate tie will join Thetford, Watton Expendables & Wymondham in the semi-final draw.
Pictured are Peter Harvey & Clive Eke of Thetford at an earlier event
