A tremendous comeback by Norfolk Over 60’s saw them claw their way back from a first leg deficit of 17-31 against Cambridgeshire Seniors to win by 51-45 on aggregate at Hingham Sports & Social Club. Norfolk hoped to start on the front foot after their disappointing defeat away at March Indoor Bowls Club but failed to do so as the points were shared in the first session. Jane James, Pat Hall & Selwyn Goldsmith won 14-5 and Will Townsend, Andy George & Terry Newby won 9-8 for Norfolk but Derek Retchless & John Boddye both skipped their Cambs triples to wins. The second session saw Norfolk begin to eat into Cambs overall lead as three of the games went Norfolk’s way and the third session saw a repeat of this. The fourth session saw the points shared with two wins apiece leaving Cambs still leading 43-37 on aggregate. But Norfolk’s hopes were lifted in a superb fifth session when three wins and a draw brought Norfolk level with Cambs at 44-44 on points and 382-380 up on shots. It was all down to the last session where Norfolk again won three games and drew one to win the challenge match. Four Norfolk triples ended the day with maximum points. Will Townsend, Andy George & Terry Newby won their games by 9-8, 12-8 & 11-6, Jane James, Pat Hall & Selwyn Goldsmith won by 14-5, 14-5 & 10-7, Glen Hume, Richard Broad & David Aldous won 17-3, 13-6 & 15-4 and Margaret Reynolds, Lesley Turner & George Hume won by 9-8, 13-9 & 14-3.
Bowls gets underway at the Hingham Sports & Social Club
Organisers Derek Retchless (Cambs) & Teresa Goldsmith (Norfolk) with Norfolk captain Steve Easter
Andy George, Terry Newby & Will Townsend of Norfolk Over 60s
Pat Hall, Jane James & Selwyn Goldsmith of Norfolk Over 60s
Lesley Turner, George Hume & Margaret Reynolds of Norfolk Over 60s
David Aldous, Glen Hume & Richard Broad of Norfolk Over 60s
Jill Hayman of Norfolk and Joe Peters of Cambs in action on the mats
Former England international Joe Peters of Cambs and Russell Davidson of Norfolk deep in thought