Short Mat Bowls league action finally kicked off in Norfolk for what seems, and is, an age. The Covid-19 pandemic has without a doubt contributed greatly to the loss of a number of league clubs in the county since the sport was last played, with several long established clubs either folding or withdrawing from leagues due to a decline in membership numbers. Hopefully clubs like Woodbastwick, who have played such an important part in short mat bowls history in Norfolk, can rebuild their numbers so that they can resume competitive bowls next season. In the South Norfolk League Hingham made a flying start as they collected all ten points at home to Shropham. Mike Groombridge, Reg Wilson and John Chapman won 21-7 and Colin Harris and Jill Townsend won 21-8 to hand them a great start on their way to a maximum points victory. Forncett also got off to a winning start at the expense of Shropham as they recorded an 8-2 away win with Jan & Mike Smail winning 23-9. Connaught won 8-2 at home to Saxlingham Nethergate with David Quadling, Owen Secker and Sheila Bragg winning 20-7. Breckland League action saw title hopefuls Connaught “A” win 9-1 at home to Thetford but a 6-4 defeat at Harling Unicorns will be seen as an early season setback. Another side expected to feature in the title race is Carleton Rode and they made a confident start winning 8-2 at Forncett. In the cross border Waveney League Broome won 8-1 away to Kessingland, Wortwell won 6-3 at home to Earsham and Haddiscoe lost 6-3 at Carlton. Bradwell have now rejoined the NCSMBA and began their campaign with an 8-2 home win against Ilketshall.
Sheila Bragg - a 20-7 win for Connaught "A"