Eight Norfolk based bowlers are taking part in the SMPT Falcon Open Pairs which is set to be played on the 27th & 28th November at the Falcon Bowling and Social Club in Essex. The draw for places in the 12 group competition has been made, with the top four pairs in each group to qualify for the knockout section of the main Open Fours event and the remainder playing in the Plate comp. Melvyn Barker of Wymondham and David Blundell of Wortwell are in Group 4 and will come up against Chris Mann of Wymondham and Hempnall’s Owen Cranston who must be considered real contenders and favourites to win the group. Jack Pye of Wymondham has paired up with the legendary Steve McAlister, who is the new England manager, and they have been drawn in a tough looking Group 6 that includes Irish aces Mark Beattie and Gary Moore. John Jeffery of Wymondham and Jason Martin of Thetford will have their work cut out to qualify from Group 9. Pauline and Joe Beattie of Ireland will start as Group 9 favourites and Ben Pay and Alistair McCrea will also prove a tough hurdle to overcome. Norfolk Premier bowler Neil Davidson of Hempnall has been drawn in Group 10 with his playing partner this time around Joel Häger of Sweden. The interesting line-up in this group includes John Lax & Ed Sawbridge and Steve Buckett and Mitchell Young but it would be a major surprise if Davidson & Häger failed to negotiate this group successfully.
Owen Cranston - partnered with Chris Mann in SMPT
Talented Irishman Gary McNabb is in Group 7 (picture SMPT)