Bob Carter lifted the Norwich Cup for the tenth time after beating Hempnall in the much delayed final which was finally played at the neutral venue of Kirby Bedon. Hempnall suffered a first session meltdown as Jean Woods, Nigel Willard & Robert Howlett beat Joan Cann, Bernie Cudden & Mike Pearce 12-2 and Glynis Willard, John Turner & Melly Woods beat Will Hoggan, Richard Harrowing & Rob Cranston 12-3. With two strong pairs in the second session Hempnall would have been confident of getting some points on the board but it proved to be another nightmare session for the South Norfolk League champions. Jason Woods & Simon Willies beat Neil Davidson & Roger Parker by 9-5 while Jamie Forster & Gary Best beat Kerry Greenacre & Lewis Cranston 10-3. After the interval Hempnall knew they had to win all four games and make up the 30 shot deficit if they were to win the cup final. With substitutes Colin Stevenson & Owen Cranston coming in to partner Mike Pearce they found a new lease of life as they stunned Willard, Turner & Woods by beating them 12-2. It was now down to Rob Cranston’s triple to try and keep the cup final alive for Hempnall by beating Robert Howlett’s triple but despite a great effort they lost on the last end. Cranston’s triple looked ready to collect the two shots they needed to win the game but were denied by a lovely drawn wood by Carter skip Robert Howlett, a former Hempnall player. With the match now out of Hempnall’s reach the last session was left unplayed and Norfolk Chairman and Norwich Cup Organiser Selwyn Goldsmith presented the trophies. Bob Carter have now won the Norwich Cup an incredible ten times in the twenty-eight years it has been held. Hevingham are next best with four wins while Woodbastwick, Kirby Bedon and the now defunct Coltishall have won it three times apiece.
Back row Gary Best, JohnTurner, Jean Woods, Melly Woods, Glenis Willard & Robert Howlett
Front row Simon Willies, Jamie Forster, Jason Woods & Nigel Willard