Words from manager Simon Willies
The match was in doubt of being held as Hingham Sports and Social Club had a serious water leak which resulted in some water damage to the mats. Thanks to Graham Tweed for coming to the rescue in laying out the mats to dry and ensuring the match could go ahead as planned.
There were many debuts in the A team against Suffolk, all who acquitted themselves very well especially the 3 youngsters Chloe Suffolk, Kieran Suffolk and Jack Gray. Norfolk edged the first session 5-3 with Tony Ottewell securing a draw with his last bowl. The second session saw Norfolk take control of the game winning all four matches. The triple of Will Townsend, Gill Hayman and George Clarke won 16-7 as did the four of Chloe Suffolk, Nigel Bevan, Glen Hume and Graham Mobbs. The third session was shared with Norfolk winning both singles and Suffolk winning both pairs. The bonus points were shared. Going into the last Norfolk need 2 points to secure a win. The last session saw Norfolk win 3 out of the 4 games securing the bonus points in both the triples and fours. Norfolk ran out winners 29-11 on points and 216 to 168 shots. Given the level of inexperience in the team this was an excellent result.
The Premier team faced Northamptonshire and looked to get off to a good start however Northamptonshire had other ideas. The score after two sessions was 8-8 with some fine performances on both sides. Neil Davidson and Keith Cooke ran out comfortable winners in their pairs games 24-6 and for Northamptonshire the triple of B Roberts, T Hopkins and G Dormer stunned the Norfolk triple running out 15-12 winners after being well down throughout the game. The 3rd session saw Norfolk win 3 out of the 4 games again Neil Davidson and Keith Cooke ran out comfortable winners in the pairs 18-8 and Jason Woods won his singles game 19-8 meaning Norfolk secured the bonus points in both disciplines. The last session saw Norfolk take all four games however all games were extremely close and the results could have gone either way. Norfolk secured the bonus points in both disciplines meaning they ran out overall winners 30-10 points and 218 to 158 on shots. A very good second half performance. Rounding off a successful day for both teams.
Norfolk Premier 30 (218) v Northants 10 (158)
Norfolk A 29 (216) v Suffolk A 11 (168)