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    This page contain "Previous Press Reports" updated on - 9th.May 2008
Press Officers Report
Short Mat Bowls Report by Selwyn Goldsmith
Friday 2nd May 2008

Eddie Medler Memorial Pairs

Lakeside was the venue for the N.C.S.M.B.A's annual Eddie Medler Memorial Pairs which saw Vic Woods and David Bunn of Hevingham lift the trophy. In the quarter-finals they crushed Hevingham team-mates Russell Burgess and Chris East by 17-3 but found their semi-final opponents a tougher proposition. East Tuddenham's John Turner and Hevingham's George Clarke put up a strong fight before going down by just two shots in an entertaining match that finished 8-6. Incredibly Clarke was playing just five weeks after a hip operation. In the final Woods and Bunn faced Steve Phillips of Wymondham and Steve Bridge of Bob Carter. The Hevingham pair, as in their quarterfinal match, were in devastating form and romped into an 11-2 lead before their opponents conceded. It was the third time that both Vic Woods and David Bunn have won the event but the first time playing together. Last years winners Sylvia and Tony Turner lost 8-7 in the semi-finals against Bridge and Phillips. The event raised £308 for charity and the trophies were presented by Eva Medler.

Bure League

East Tuddenham are the new Bure League champions despite suffering their first home defeat of the campaign against Kirby Bedon. Tuddenham needed just one point to clinch the title in their last game while Kirby faced the massive task of needing to take all ten points to pip them. East Tuddenham would have hoped to have settled the matter by half-time but Kirby had other ideas with Carol Johnson, Shirley Brown and Joe Brown winning 16-7 and Leonora Chilman, Janice Hewitt and Gerald Chilvers winning 18-7. After the break Jill Watson, Teresa Goldsmith and Phil Watson added to the home sides worries with a 13-8 win but Albert Palgrave, Chrissie Turner and John Turner finally earned East Tuddenham the points they required with an 11-7 win. The result means East Tuddenham are champions with 121 points and Kirby Bedon are runners-up on 118 points while Hevingham finish third on 117 points.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Press Officers Report

Short Mat Bowls Report by Selwyn Goldsmith
Thursday 24th April 2008

Norfolk Cash Triples

Lakeside Country Club in Lyng was the venue for the popular Norfolk Cash Triples event on Sunday 20th April which this year was bigger than ever drawing in an entry of 56 triples from across the region. With 21 mats in use and each triple scheduled to play six games apiece a busy day was guaranteed for all competitors and the powerful looking Hevingham triple of Ian MacLean, David Bunn and Vic Woods made a brilliant start with a 12-1 win. Also off the blocks quick were Derek Barley's Carlton triple from Suffolk who beat Geoff Briggs 10-2 in their first game, Connaught's Sheila Bragg who won 13-1 and Roy Grapes who won 13-2. Steve Killington's triple suffered a narrow 7-5 defeat against Essex team-mate Chris Bundy and this defeat would cost them a share of the money despite going on to win their next five games. After four games each, Bob Carter's Kim Bridge, David Lamb and Steve Bridge were still on maximum points while Ray Lamb, Robbie Lamb and Jon Sparham were also in great form with four straight wins. Vic Woods was amassing a great shot difference scoring 38 shots against just 7 in his four wins as was Derek Barley with 40 shots against 8. Two Essex triples had recorded three wins and a draw to trail the pacesetters by just one point. A youthful triple comprising of Derek Coates, Daniel Miller and Chris Coates of Warren Heath had begun quietly with a 6-6 draw but had then strung together three wins while another Essex triple, Pauline Pamment, Jean Herson and Graham Herson, had wins of 20-1, 8-2 and 4-2 as well as a 7-7 draw. With one game remaining Vic Woods had won all five games but disaster struck in his last game as his triple lost the last two ends to slip to a 5-4 defeat against Brian Creasey's triple and out of the cash places. Doreen Cook, Terry Cook and Derek Barley also had five wins under their belts but made no mistake in their sixth game with an 8-3 win clinching them maximum points and the £120 first prize. They proved to be the only triple with six wins but three other triples filled the other cash places with five wins and a draw each. Shot difference was used to determine finishing positions and the Essex triple of Pauline Pamment, Jean Herson and Graham Herson were runners-up with +42 shots. Finishing third were the young Essex triple of Derek Coates, Daniel Miller and Chris Coates with +19 and just one shot behind them in fourth place were Ray Lamb, Robbie Lamb and Jon Sparham of Halvergate and Hempnall.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Short mat bowls players will be sad to hear of the death of Herbert Barney, a founding member of Felthorpe S.M.B.C. Herbert gave up a lot of his time to the Felthorpe club in their early years and will be fondly remembered by all who played with him and against him.
Press Officers Report

Short Mat Bowls Report by Selwyn Goldsmith
Friday 18th April 2008

Bure League Cup Final
Woodbastwick pulled off one of the surprise results of the season to win the Bure Cup after a superb second leg performance away to last year's winners Hevingham. Woodbastwick held a narrow 13-11 lead from the first leg on their own mats and will have been disappointed not to have built up a bigger lead to take to a venue where the home side rarely loses. The first session results must have come as quite a surprise to both teams as Norma Jablonowski, Avril Grapes and Lianne Mills coasted to a 10-2 win against David Bunn's triple and Arthur Foster, Derek Oates and Peter Jablonowski won 7-2 against Vic "Quiet Man" Woods to immediately stretch Woodbastwick's lead to 17-11 on points. Hevingham's Gill Bunn, Chris East and Russell Burgess hit back with a 10-0 win in the next session but a 7-6 win for Elsie Couling, Derek Sheldrake and Jim Couling maintained the visiting team's lead. The expected fightback from Hevingham began in the third session as Ian MacLean, Pat Williamson and Vic Woods won 10-4 and Pat Bunn, John Richardson and David Bunn drew 5-5 against Peter Jablonowski's triple. Woodbastwick's cup hopes seemed to be rapidly slipping from their grasp after a fourth session which the home side dominated with Mervyn Williamson, Alan Bunn and David Sharpe winning 11-4 and the Russell Burgess triple winning 8-4. This left the teams tied on 20 points apiece with two sessions remaining but Woodbastwick's backs now definitely against the wall. The penultimate session was crucial and it was Woodbastwick who bounced back to stun Hevingham with wins on both mats. Norma Jablonowski, ex Hevingham player Avril Grapes and newly appointed county vice-captain Lianne Mills took no prisoners as they racked up an 8-0 win against David Sharpe's triple. On the other mat things were much tighter but a determined display by Jim Couling's triple saw them emerge with a 4-3 win against David Bunn to give Woodbastwick a 24-20 lead on points although the teams were now level on shots at 121 apiece. Woodbastwick needed just one point from the last session to become Bure Cup winners and perhaps it was fitting that club stalwarts Arthur Foster, Derek Oates and Peter Jablonowski made sure of a famous cup victory with a convincing 9-2 result against Gill Bunn, Chris East and Russell Burgess. Vic Woods won on the other mat for Hevingham but this result was now irrelevant as Woodbastwick lifted the cup for a fourth time equalling the record number of wins previously achieved by Coltishall and Kirby Bedon.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Press Officers Report
Short Mat Bowls Report by Selwyn Goldsmith
Friday 11th April 2008

Bure League Championship
John Turner of East Tuddenham completed a great season of Bure League Championship triumphs when he skipped his triple to an 8-4 win in the final at Hevingham. Albert Palgrave, Chrissie Turner and John Turner enjoyed a great start against Kirby Bedon's Jill Watson, Jimmy Dye and Phil Watson and led 7-0 after six ends. In a match where little went right for the Kirby skip the deficit was too much to pull back. Turner's triple beat East Tuddenham team-mate Russell Harris by 12-9 in the quarter-finals and Kirby's Gerald Chilvers in the semi-finals. Turner's triple played their usual long jack game with Albert Palgrave and Chrissie Turner at their most consistent drawing to the jack and putting the opposition under constant pressure. Watson's triple beat Woodbastwick's Jim Couling in the semi-finals after an extra end was needed to break the deadlock in a fascinating encounter.
Bure League
Bure League action saw Kirby Bedon win 10-0 at home to Felthorpe with Carol Johnson, Teresa Goldsmith and Selwyn Goldsmith winning 19-3.
Tens League
Hempnall have won the Tens League championship title for the first time finishing three points clear of runners-up Hevingham. It's a great achievement for the South Norfolk club in a league regarded by many as the hardest to win in the area. The addition of newly crowned South-East Region singles champion Chris Mann to their team seems to have given them that little extra something that enabled them to edge out title rivals Hevingham, Carter and Kirby.
Wensum League
Wensum League results this week included a thumping 10-0 home win for Hevingham against South Walsham with Mervyn Williamson, Pat Williamson and Vic Woods winning 26-5. Hevingham also drew 5-5 at Halvergate. Coltishall also visited Halvergate where they recorded a 7-3 away win.
Potters Weekend
The dates for the eighth annual Potters Cup Weekend at Potters Leisure Resort in Hopton-on-Sea have been announced. This year it will run from Friday 5th September to Monday 8th September with the options of a 2 or 3 night stay. The Sunday evening will feature a Big Band Swing and Comedy Special with a guest comedian. Details as usual can be obtained from tournament organizer Teresa Goldsmith on 01603-403628 with early booking advised to avoid disappointment.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Press Officers Report
Short Mat Bowls Report by Selwyn Goldsmith
Friday 4th April 2008

Norwich Cup
Bob Carter swept to victory in the final of the Norwich Cup against Woodbastwick. Both teams have a tremendous record in the competition with Carter having reached the final ten times and Woodbastwick six times but in the first leg at Drayton the Carter side were in unstoppable form establishing a huge 20-4 lead on points. The second leg at Woodbastwick quickly reached the inevitable conclusion as Carter won three of the opening four games. Carter captain Steve Bridge, playing with Debbie and Steve Phillips, was in great form winning four out of five games over the two legs.
County Cup
Hevingham won the County Cup after a 6-2 win against East Tuddenham at the First Bus venue on Aylsham Road. Hevingham had a great first half with Ian MacLean, Pat Williamson and Vic Woods beating Russell Harris 14-11 and Gill Bunn, Russell Burgess and Chris East beating Owen Secker's triple 16-11. After the break Geraldine Potter, Gerald Potter and Robin Amos hit back for Tuddenham with a 22-10 win against David Sharpe's triple but Hevingham's Pat Bunn, John Richardson and David Bunn clinched the match beating John Turner's triple 20-9. It's the third time in four years Hevingham have won this cup.
Breckland League
Yaxham are the new Breckland League champions after an 8-2 away win at Connaught "B" clinched them the title by just one point. Connaught "A" had to settle for second spot for once finishing ahead of third placed Wymondham after a fantastic title race that went all the way to the wire. Yaxham previously won the league title in 2000-2001.
Tens League
Tens League action saw Connaught beat Kirby Bedon 2-0 with a six shot win for G Wilcox and S Parsons against J Dye and A Hunter proving to be the margin that separated them at the end of a hard fought encounter.
Wensum League
Bob Carter wrapped up their Wensum League season with a 10-0 home win against runners-up Hevingham to celebrate yet another league title. Bob Carter have a fantastic record in the Wensum League having won the title ten timessince 1995.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Press Officers Report
Short Mat Bowls Report by Selwyn Goldsmith
Thursday 27th March 2008

Norwich Cup
In the Bure League East Tuddenham pulled twelve points clear with a 10-0 home win against Felthorpe but Hevingham are still in the race after beating St Faiths 10-0.
Bure Cup
Woodbastwick have also reached the final of the Bure Cup and in the first leg they beat Hevingham 13-11 but will be disappointed not to have built up a bigger lead to take to Hevingham. Peter Jablonowski's triple led the way winning all their games by 6-2, 6-2 and 11-2 while Lianne Mills triple earned four points. Hevingham's top triples were skipped by David and Alan Bunn with two wins apiece.
Bure League
East Tuddenham are favourites to lift the Bure League title for only the second time in their history after a 10-0 home win against Felthorpe. The Secker-Meachen-Secker triple led the way with a 24-5 win but the visitors pushed the home team close in the other three mat games. Two other contenders, Hevingham and Kirby Bedon, met with Kirby coming out on top winning 6-4 away. Gerald Chilver's triple won 19-10 and Selwyn Goldsmith's triple won 19-8 for Kirby Bedon. Anglian Windows beat Coltishall 8-2 with Alan Williamson's triple winning 17-11.
South Norfolk League
Bob Carter celebrated yet another South Norfolk League title by beating Saxlingham 10-0.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Press Officers Report

Short Mat Bowls Report by Selwyn Goldsmith
Friday 21st March 2008

Bure League
In the Bure League East Tuddenham pulled twelve points clear with a 10-0 home win against Felthorpe but Hevingham are still in the race after beating St Faiths 10-0.
Bure League Singles Championship
The Bure Singles final was an all East Tuddenham affair with Robin Amos lifting the title with a 13-12 win against John Turner. Amos trailed by three shots with four ends remaining but scored six shots over the closing ends against Turner's two. In the semi-finals Robin Amos beat Alistair Hunter of Kirby Bedon by 9-7 after another thrilling comeback from 6-1 down and John Turner defeated Hevingham's George Clarke 11-8.
Breckland League
Wymondham's hopes of Breckland League glory ended with a 6-4 defeat at Banham but Connaught kept their title hopes alive by winning 7-3 at Harling. Yaxham need eight points from their final fixture to win this hotly contested title.
South Norfolk League
Bob Carter are South Norfolk League champions for the ninth year in a row after beating Saxlingham 10-0 and Hempnall finish second, also for the ninth year, despite losing 6-4 at Earsham.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Press Officers Report
Short Mat Bowls Report by Selwyn Goldsmith
Friday 14th March 2008

County Cup
County Cup Semi-Final action saw Hevingham win comfortably at home to Wayland taking a maximum eight points.
Bure League
Bure League action saw Coltishall win 10-0 at home to Felthorpe and 8-2 away to St Faiths but poor early season results have left Coltishall too much to do.
Bure League Pairs Championship
Robin Amos and John Turner of East Tuddenham are the new Bure League Pairs Championship holders. In the quarter-finals Woodbastwick's Trevor Hallett and Jim Couling began strongly scoring a three on the opening end against the East Tuddenham pairing and with two ends remaining still led 7-5. A two on the penultimate end leveled the match and Amos and Turner snatched victory with a single on the last end. Another tight semi-final game saw Amos and Turner beat Hevingham's Pat Bunn and Ian MacLean by just one shot to claim a final's place. Anglian Window's pair Ken and Maureen Dease beat defending champions Gerald Chilvers and Jimmy Dye of Kirby Bedon by 10-8 in the quarter-finals before facing fellow Anglian Windows pair Brenda Sizer and Keith Halford in the semi-finals. The Dease's proved too strong on the night for their opponents to handle running out 14-4 winners. In the final the Dease's saw the score-line reversed as Robin Amos and John Turner raced into a 9-1 lead after just five ends in a match that finished 14-4 in their favour.
Breckland League
The most exciting Breckland League title race in years took more twists and turns as Connaught "A", Yaxham and Wymondham continued their three horse race for the finishing line. Wymondham suffered a shock 7-3 home defeat against Watton as June Todd, Pam Crockett and Terry Crockett won 19-14 and Brian Dibble's triple won 21-15. Wymondham resumed normal service with a 10-0 home win against Forncett. Connaught's newly acquired habit of dropping points at home continued as big wins for Ray Wells and Bill Adcock guaranteed them a 6-4 win but both Andrew Stratton and Sheila Bragg's triples were defeated. Yaxham's challenge was aided by a 7-3 win at Forncett where D Paffey, Geoff Mash and Russell Harris won 23-6.
Coastal Cup League
In the Coastal Cup League Thorpe End lost 11-7 at home to Stalham while Hemsby Beachcombers won 14-4 against Hemsby Harvesters in their local derby. In top of the table clashes in the Thurne League Halvergate got the better of Woodbastwick beating them twice by 6-4 and then 10-0.
South Norfolk League
In the South Norfolk League second placed Hempnall won 10-0 at Connaught while Saxlingham beat Earsham 7-3.
Tens League
Tens League leaders Hempnall were not in action but Hevingham kept up the pressure on them by beating Kirby Bedon 4-0 with Pat Bunn, Lesley Crowe and Pat Williamson's 20-6 first half win sealing the points. Coltishall enjoyed two home victories as they beat Woodbastwick 4-0 and Connaught 3-0.
Wensum League
It was all too easy for Bob Carter as they moved closer to another Wensum League title by beating South Walsham 10-0. The scores speak for themselves with Melvin Woods winning 35-4, Nigel Willard winning 31-4, Steve Bridge winning 30-5 and Robert Howlett winning 26-5. Hevingham continued what will probably prove to be a fruitless pursuit of Carter by beating Stalham 8-2 with Vic Woods winning 34-2. Coltishall slumped to an 8-2 defeat at Cromer with P Nash, A Haynes and J Green winning 37-3 and former Coltishall favourite Janey James inflicting a 29-7 defeat on her former team.

I have just heard the sad news that Fred Edwards, who was NCSMBA Competition Secretary from 1989 to 1991, has passed away. He played for the Bob Carter Centre and also assisted in running the county team in the early days of the sport. His funeral will take place on Monday 17th March in Bucks.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Press Officers Report

Short Mat Bowls Report by Selwyn Goldsmith
Friday 7th March 2008

Over 60,s
Norfolk Over 60's spread their wings again to help launch short mat bowls in Malta. The most traveled squad in the country this time spent a week at The Riveria Resort which has become the first venue on the island to offer short mat bowls to guests and islanders. With four brand new Verde mats rolled out staff and visitors were interested in watching the Norfolk bowlers who played a two day competition with prizes on offer for the leading men and lady bowlers. By the end of the competition Maurice Kemp of First Bus had emerged as winner of the Reviera Top Man title with 19 points. Former England international John Aggas of Coltishall was second with 17 points. Just missing out on 17 points but with inferior shot difference were Norman Oakley of British Legion and Roy Grapes of Woodbastwick. Avril Grapes of Woodbastwick won the Reviera Top Lady title with 21 points with Felthorpe's Marjorie Hall second on 18 points and +19 shots. Carol Aggas of Coltishall also finished on 18 points but with a shot difference of +18 was one shot short of a prize. Event organizer Teresa Goldsmith introduced resort manager Joe Fennick who presented the prizes with the assistance of Norfolk President John Aggas and Norfolk Chairman Selwyn Goldsmith.
South Norfolk League
Bob Carter won 8-2 at Horsford in the South Norfolk League to move 13 points clear as Kim Bridges won 20-11 and Nigel Willard won 15-9. Richard Harrowing's triple won 18-8 as Hempnall beat Thurton 8-2. Earsham edged to a one shot win at Mulbarton to earn a 6-4 win on points. Roger Frank's triple won 24-5 as Horsford won 7-3 at Thurton.
Tens League
The Tens League title race is still too close to call but Hempnall are still five points clear after a 3-0 home win against Hevingham. J Cann, J Sparham and R Harrowing were Hempnall's trump card winning 23-10. Coltishall's Mally Catchpole, Les Harman and Margaret Harman won 23-5 as their team inflicted a 3-0 defeat on Bob Carter. Hevingham went down 2-0 at Bob Carter where Steve Phillips and Steve Bridge were in great form winning 21-8. Connaught often find the Tens League a big challenge but will be happy with a 2-0 home win against Coltishall. Andrew Stratton's triple were Connaught's top bowlers with a 19-11 win that saw the home side creep home by just two shots.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Press Officers Report

Short Mat Bowls Report by Selwyn Goldsmith
Friday 29th February 2008

Bure League
Hevingham's Bure League title hopes kept on course at Horsford where they won 6-4 with Pat Bunn, Lesley Crowe and David Bunn winning 23-3. Horsford also lost 9-1 at Woodbastwick where Norma Jablonowski, Roy Grapes and Trevor Hallett won 20-4.
South Norfolk League
Hempnall are still second in the South Norfolk League after an 8-2 win at Wreningham where Chris Mann's triple won 15-10.
Tens League
Tens League leaders Hempnall crashed to a 3-0 defeat at Woodbastwick with Peter Jablonowski's triple doing the damage with a 22-9 win against Roger Parker. Hevingham won 2-0 at home to Bob Carter with Pat Bunn, Pat Williamson and George Clarke leading the way with a 15-7 win.
Wensum League
Wensum League leaders Bob Carter beat Cromer 10-0 with Debbie Phillips, Steve Phillips and Steve Bridge grabbing a 26-3 win. Hevingham beat Thorpe Marriott 8-2 with George Clarke's triple winning 24-7 and David Sharpe's triple winning 20-4. David Lamb's Halvergate triple won 23-6 as his side beat Woodbastwick 6-4. Frank Edy, Brian Saunders and Melvin Woods starred for Carter with a 27-6 win at Coltishall as the home side slipped to a 6-4 defeat.
South-East Championships
This season's South-East Championships will be contested between Norfolk, Cambs, Suffolk and new members Essex. They will be played at Manea in Cambs on the weekend of the 29th and 30th of March. Steve Bridge of Bob Carter will be defending his South-East Singles title while the defending champions in the pairs are also from Bob Carter, Kim Bridge and Nigel Willard. Norfolk's assault on the Triples title will be led by Hempnall's Jon Sparham, First Bus bowler Lesley Crowe and Carter's Robert Howlett. In the Fours event Norfolk's challenge is spearheaded by Bob Carter's Sue Hunt, Paul Ralph, Pat Saunders and Brian Saunders.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Press Officers Report
Short Mat Bowls Report by Selwyn Goldsmith
Friday 22nd February 2008

Inter-County Championship Quarter-Final
The Inter-County Championship quarter-finals proved to be a step too far for Norfolk as they crashed to defeat against Staffordshire. The first session saw Staffs take a 6-2 points lead with only Hempnall's Paul Baker winning in the singles for Norfolk and the second session was similar with only Lee Fallows, Neil Ramsbottom and Bob Oatway winning in the triples. Norfolk needed to hit back in the third session to stand any realistic chance but their only win came from Robin Amos in the singles with a 16-9 result. The last session summed up Norfolk's day as four close games all went Staffs way leaving a final score of 30-6 to Staffs, a somewhat flattering score-line considering the closeness of so many games. In many ways this was a repeat of Norfolk's early season defeat at Essex when despite a series of close games a heavy defeat on points resulted but as Norfolk know "points mean prizes".
County Cup Semi-Final
East Tuddenham reached the final of the County Cup after a 6-2 home win against Coltishall. Tuddenham's biggest win came from John Turner's triple who beat Andy Wooden 17-11 and Tuddenham now face the winners of the Hevingham v Wayland clash.
Breckland League
Wymondham improved their chances of lifting the Breckland League title with a solid 10-0 home win against Carleton Rode. Defending champions Connaught "A" lost ground despite winning at home to Banham with the home side regarding the 6-4 win as four valuable points dropped. Connaught's top triple were Diana Adcock, Sylvia Parsons and Ray Wells who won 23-5. Connaught and Wymondham are now level on points but with Wymondham having a game in hand Connaught will need to find another gear. Other results saw Watton beat Harling 10-0 with Margaret Dibble's triple winning 30-5 while Wayland beat Connaught "B" 8-2. Wayland also beat Hingham 8-2 while Hingham recovered to win 7-3 at Connaught "B".
Bure League
Hevingham achieved two important wins in the Bure League which lifted them to within a point of leaders East Tuddenham. They crushed Anglian Windows 10-0 with Russell Burgess, John Richardson and George Clarke clocking up a superb 35-0 win against Mike Boswell's triple while Pat Bunn, Gary Richardson and David Bunn won 28-5. The next evening they beat old rivals Coltishall 8-2 with Gill Bunn, Alan Bunn and David Sharpe winning 23-10 against Peter Barnett's triple.
South Norfolk League
Carter turned up the heat on title rivals Hempnall in the South Norfolk League's top of the table clash by beating them 8-2. Steve Bridge's triple led the way with a 23-7 win. Carter then won 8-2 at Mulbarton with Sue Hunt, Pat Saunders and Brian Saunders winning 23-7 and followed that up with a 10-0 away win at Earsham where Paul Ralph, Steve Phillips and Steve Bridge won 27-2. Hempnall's title hopes then took a dive at Horsford where they were beaten 8-2 as Derek Gaskin, Jim Bird and Roger Frank won 17-9 against Chris Mann's triple. Connaught won 6-4 at Saxlingham in the weeks other result.
Wensum League
Wensum League action saw Thorpe Marriott pull off an 8-2 win at Woodbastwick with Richard Perkin's triple winning 13-8.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Press Officers Report

Short Mat Bowls Report by Selwyn Goldsmith
Friday 15th February 2008

Norwich Cup
Thorpe Marriott reached the semi-finals of the Norwich Cup after comfortably beating Cromer 14-6. The home side made a great start winning five of the six opening games to lead 10-2 on points and despite Cromer holding their own from then on they could not narrow the gap and conceded at 14-6. Marriott skips Kath Frost and Tony Turner were undefeated with two wins apiece. In the semi-finals Thorpe Marriott face Woodbastwick while Bob Carter are drawn against Coltishall.
County Cup
In the County Cup East Tuddenham won their quarter-final tie 6-2 at Connaught "B" with John Turner's triple top scoring with a 22-3 win. They now play Coltishall in the semi-finals while Hevingham play Wayland.
Breckland League
The great battle for the Breckland League title continued unabated with defending champions Connaught "A" winning 10-0 at home to Wymondham in a top of the table clash. Ray Wells skipped his triple to a 21-10 win, Bill Adcock skipped his triple to a 21-11 win while Sheila Bragg weighed in with a 21-13 win. The closest game saw Andrew Stratton win 16-12. Four nights later Wymondham hit back with a 10-0 home win against Harling and are just four points behind Connaught with a game in hand. Other games saw Carleton Rode beat Forncett 8-2, Banham beat Harling 10-0, Forncett beat Watton 8-2 and Hingham win 7-3 at Connaught "B".
Bure League
Bure League leaders East Tuddenham continued their good form with a 9-1 home win against Anglian Windows with Albert Palgrave, Chris Turner and John Turner winning 31-4 and followed that up with a 9-1 away win at Felthorpe. Coltishall won 10-0 at Horsford, St Faiths won their first game of the season 8-2 at home to Horsford and Woodbastwick beat Coltishall 6-4.
South Norfolk League
With the top two not in action in the South Norfolk League Hempnall remain one point ahead of Bob Carter. Other games saw Thurton win 7-3 at home to Saxlingham after winning 9-1 at Mulbarton. Connaught beat Mulbarton 10-0 while Saxlingham won 6-4 at home to Horsford.
Tens League
Hempnall's most successful Tens League season to date continued with a 3-0 away win at Kirby Bedon which leaves them two points clear at the top. Hevingham, with two games in hand, took a maximum 4 points at home to Connaught, beat Woodbastwick 4-0 but slipped to a 3-0 defeat at Kirby Bedon where Jill and Phil Watson won 21-7.
Thurne League
It was a bad week for Hemsby in the Thurne League as they lost 6-4 at Woodbastwick and 10-0 at Stalham.
Wensum Cup
Wensum Cup semi-final action saw Bob Carter beat Woodbastwick 11-5 on aggregate with Sue Hunt, Pat Saunders and Brian Saunders winning 22-5 and 15-7. Carter meet Hevingham in the final who defeated Stalham 14-2 in a one-sided encounter.
Wensum League
 In the Wensum League Bob Carter's incredible run continued with a 10-0 home win against Woodbastwick. Jackie Bridge, Kim Bridge and Steve Bridge won 27-5 as Carter made it eleven straight wins and are now 33 points clear. Second placed Hevingham won a tight match 6-4 at Coltishall where Mervyn Williamson, Pat Williamson and Vic Woods won 19-11 and two nights later won 10-0 at home to bottom club Halvergate. Willie Jefferies won 20-6 for Coltishall as they inflicted a 10-0 defeat on Cromer while Stalham won 6-4 at South Walsham. In a superb match Coltishall snatched a 5-5 draw at Woodbastwick where Eddie Edridge's triple won 19-9 for the visitors.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Press Officers Report
Short Mat Bowls Report by Selwyn Goldsmith
Friday 8th February 2008

Norfolk Premier Inter-County Quarter-Final
As Norfolk Premier prepare for their Inter-County Quarter-Final showdown against Staffordshire on Sunday manager Brian Saunders has been hit with another bolt from the blue as Bob Carter's Jeannie Woods suffered an injury that has put an end to her season. Despite a problem filled winter if the team's fighting spirit for this match at the neutral Northants venue matches the level it did in their last game they could yet overturn the odds and make it through to the semis.
Norwich Cup
Woodbastwick's greater experience of the bigger occasions propelled them into the semi-finals of the Norwich Cup after they outgunned Wayland at their Watton venue. Elsie Couling, Derek Sheldrake and Jim Couling led the visitors attack with wins of 7-2 and 8-4 and a 5-5 draw in their final game. Roy Grapes and Trevor Hallet both skipped their triples with distinction earning two wins each. As usual Jane Frary, with Douglas Oliver at lead and Eric Frary at number two, was the home teams' most potent weapon picking up four points and finishing the evening unbeaten but the score of 16-8 to Woodbastwick was a fair reflection of their superiority. They join Coltishall and Bob Carter in the semi-finals with the winners of the Thorpe Marriott v Cromer tie.
Breckland League
The Breckland League is enjoying its hottest title race for years. Yaxham are two points clear after a 9-1 win at Wayland where Owen Secker's triple won 26-9 but their title hopes were not improved at Carleton Rode where they went down 8-2 in a surprise reverse. Defending champions Connaught "A" have not had the best of seasons but are back in the mix after winning 10-0 at Hingham , a result that will do their confidence no end of good. Connaught "A" also enjoyed success at Forncett where wins for county regulars Lee Fallows and Sheila Bragg earned a 6-4 win.
Bure League
Woodbastwick also kept hold of the top spot in the Bure League by beating St Faiths 10-0. Jim Couling's triple again led the way with a 21-7 win. East Tuddenham continue to have their best season in years as they beat Hevingham 6-4 in an extremely tight game that left both sides on 49 shots each. Robin Amos won 14-12, Owen Secker won 12-10 and John Turner's triple drew 11-11 to edge Tuddenham to victory as Vic "Quiet Man" Woods won 16-12 in reply for Hevingham. Kirby Bedon kept with the pace by beating St Faiths 10-0 with Gerald Chilver's triple winning 25-3. Coltishall made a nonsense of their poor early season results as they crushed title favourites Hevingham 10-0. Peter Barnett, still one of the most talented bowlers around, skipped his triple to a 23-10 win against a super strong triple of Lesley Crowe, Pat Williamson and Vic Woods while Eddie Edridge beat George Clarke's triple 22-10. Horsford B.C will be pleased with a 6-4 away win at local rivals Anglian Windows.
South Norfolk League
In the South Norfolk League June Collins, Julie Talbot and Desmond Talbot won 23-6 for Earsham in an 8-2 home win against Thurton. Mulbarton stormed to a 10-0 home win against Wreningham with Jessie Iliff, Norma Mickleburgh and Eileen Mickleburgh winning 27-6.
Tens League
Tens League leaders Hempnall suffered a 4-0 home defeat against Bob Carter as David Lamb and Steve Bridge won 17-9 but normal service was resumed as Hempnall beat Coltishall 4-0 with Roger Parker's triple winning 20-12 and Richard Harrowing's triple winning 19-10.
Thurne League
It was a bad week for Hemsby in the Thurne League as they lost 6-4 at Woodbastwick and 10-0 at Stalham.
Wensum League
Wensum League action saw Hevingham win 8-2 at South Walsham and Coltishall win 8-2 at home to Woodbastwick with Mally Catchpole's triple winning 19-4. David Lamb's Halvergate triple won 23-10 at home but could not stop visitors South Walsham winning 8-2 on points. Cromer's Tony Hall, Pat Hall and Aleck Haynes scored a massive 38-3 win as their team beat South Walsham 8-2.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Friday 1st February 2008

Norfolk Premier Inter-County Preliminary Round
Norfolk Premier have reached the quarter-finals of the Inter-County Championships after defeating East Sussex 21-15 in Amersham. With the withdrawal through illness of Bob Carter's Robert Howlett on the eve of the match manager Brian Saunders was forced into yet more changes only days after learning Norfolk would be without England's Steve and Kim Bridge who resigned from both county and national squads for personal reasons. Wymondham's Steve Phillips was drafted into the pairs to partner Connaught's Andrew Stratton, Coltishall's Brian Bunting was introduced into Bob Oatway's triple while Kirby Bedon's Selwyn Goldsmith moved from the fours into the vacant singles spot. Woodbastwick's Lianne Mills then joined the revamped rink now skipped by Kirby's Phil Watson. With a great team spirit evident from the start Norfolk opened well on super fast Verdi mats with plenty of vocal support from the side. Debbie Phillips, Nigel Willard, Jon Sparham and Melvin Woods dug deep to win 9-5 while Jill Watson, Teresa Goldsmith, Lianne Mills and Phil Watson produced an 8-3 win. In the singles Selwyn Goldsmith defeated Gavin Woods 17-9 with the only East Sussex win coming in a 15-11 result for Alec Martin after an excellent match against Hempnall's Paul Baker who fought all the way. With a 6-2 lead under their belts the triples and pairs came out and Steve Phillips and Andrew Stratton were in superb form winning 21-11 for more valuable shots and Jean Woods, David Lamb and Chris Mann added a 10-5 win. Bob Oatway's triple lost a tight game by just one shot while Jean Barnett and Neil Ramsbottom were edged out 16-13. This left Norfolk 10-6 up on points at the interval as well as a vital 24 shots up. After the break East Sussex staged a mini comeback winning the next session 5-3 as Paul Baker lost 17-10 and Selwyn Goldsmith lost 13-10 in the singles but Melvin Woods rink hammered out a 16-2 win while Phil Watson's rink took a four on their last end to grab an 11-11 draw. Although now just 13-11 in front on points going into the last session a solid 28 shot lead looked guaranteed to earn Norfolk the four bonus points leaving East Sussex the huge task of needing to win all four games to survive in the championships. This proved too much for them as Steve Phillips and Andrew Stratton again had their team-mates cheering as they completed a 17-11 win and Chris Mann's triple earned their second win of the day by 12-9. It mattered little as Norfolk were beaten on the other two mats with the final score of 21-15 on points, 186-165 on shots, taking Norfolk Premier into a quarter-final showdown against Staffordshire on the 17th February.
Norfolk 'A' Inter-County Preliminary Round
Norfolk "A" faced a Kent "A" side in Croydon that look well on their way to winning the Inter-County "A" Team Championships yet again. Kent were dominant in the first half with only Gerald Chilvers, Pat Saunders and Mike Boswell winning in the triples and Joe Brown, Alan Bunn, Brian Saunders and Tyrone Musk winning in the rinks leaving Kent with a 12-4 lead on points, 96-70 on shots, at half time. Norfolk fared better in the second half as Robin Amos and David Sharpe won their singles games, Russell Hales and Sheila Bragg won in the pairs and Mike Boswell's triple drew but it was too little too late as mighty Kent went on their way with a 25-11 victory and sensing more glory to come.
Bure Cup
Woodbastwick reached the final of the Bure Cup beating Felthorpe 33-7 on aggregate. In the first leg Woodbastwick ran away with the match winning 22-2 leaving Felthorpe little hope of making the final. A 7-3 win for Jim Couling's triple and a 4-4 draw for A Foster, D Oakes and T Wright over the first two sessions at Felthorpe made the remainder of the match a formality. Woodbastwick now meet Hevingham in the final.
Bure League
On the local league scene Bure League leaders Hevingham are now one point ahead of East Tuddenham after a 10-0 win at Felthorpe. The visitors top triple were Gill Bunn, Russell Burgess and George Clarke who won 22-12 but the home side made the title favourites fight for their other points. Tuddenham romped to a 10-0 win at St Faiths where their top performers Albert Palgrave, Chrissie Turner and John Turner won 23-10. In a busy week Tuddenham also completed the double over Horsford winning 10-0 at home and 8-2 away.
Breckland League
Yaxham moved into second place in the Breckland League with a maximum 10-0 away win at Harling. D Paffey, Geoff Mash and Russell Harris stormed to a 34-13 win as Yaxham pulled seven points clear of second placed Connaught "A". Harling also lost at Wayland where B Hector, M Smith and M Hector won 22-10. Carleton Rode beat Banham 8-2 while Connaught "B" beat Banham 7-3.
South Norfolk League
South Norfolk action saw Earsham win 6-4 at Wreningham and Horsford beat Mulbarton 10-0.
Tens League
In the Tens League Kirby Bedon pulled off a 4-0 win at Woodbastwick where Gerald Chilver's triple won 19-10 and Alistair Hunter's triple won 14-5 to leave Kirby just two points ahead of Hempnall at the top.
Thurne League
Halvergate moved level on points with leaders Woodbastwick in the Thurne League by beating Hemsby 7-3 while Stalham beat South Walsham 8-2.
Wensum League
Hevingham slipped to a 6-4 defeat at Cromer in the Wensum League to lose more ground to runaway leaders Bob Carter. Thorpe Marriott beat Stalham 8-2 and Stalham suffered the same fate at Halvergate.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Friday 25th January 2008

Norfolk Mixed Fours Championship
Sue Hunt of Bob Carter and Connaught's Russell Hales, Andrew Stratton and Sheila Bragg combined to lift the Norfolk Mixed Fours Championship title at Lakeside as they beat Jackie Bridge, Sheila Redwood, Melvin Woods and Steve Bridge of Bob Carter and Thorpe Marriott by 11-2 in the final. A great start saw Bragg's rink move into a 5-0 lead after three ends and their opponents conceded when the score reached 11-2 after six ends. Having already won the county pairs and county fours titles it has proved a remarkable season for Carter's Sue Hunt. It was also a delight to see young Jackie Bridge, also of Carter, reach her first county final and to see her display such good form for one so young. In the third place play-off Kirby Bedon's Jill Watson, Teresa Goldsmith, Phil Watson and Selwyn Goldsmith proved too strong for Costessey's Richard Kightley, Dorothy Muttitt, Shirley Brown and Joe Brown. Norfolk received the welcome news that once again they have received the maximum allocation of four places in each of the events at the National Championships.
Bure League Singles Championship
The Bure League Singles Championship heats have been completed with the following eight players qualifying for finals night. Robin Amos and John Turner of East Tuddenham, Gordon Crowe and George Clarke of Hevingham, Mike Boswell and Alan Williamson of Anglian Windows, Andy Wooden of Coltishall and Alistair Hunter of Kirby Bedon.
Bure Cup
Hevingham reached the final of the Bure Cup with a 25-15 aggregate win against Kirby Bedon. Mervyn Williamson, Alan Bunn and David Sharpe were Hevingham's top triple picking up eight points over the two games.
Bure League
In the Bure League Rex Cox and Marjorie Hall both skipped their triples to nine shot victories as Felthorpe beat Coltishall 10-0.
Wensum League
Woodbastwick held on to second place in the Wensum League with two home wins. T Hallett's triple won 32-9 as Woodbastwick beat South Walsham 8-2 and G Cann's triple won 36-5 as they beat Halvergate 7-3. Coltishall's Jean Barnett won 21-5 as her team beat South Walsham 9-1 but two nights later Coltishall slipped to a 7-3 defeat at Thorpe Marriott. Stalham are third after a 10-0 home win against Cromer.
Breckland League
Breckland League leaders Wymondham held on to the top spot with an 8-2 home win against Hingham. Defending champions Connaught "A" remain twelve points behind them after beating Watton 8-2 in a game that saw Diane Adcock, Sylvia Parsons and Ray Wells win 32-5. Watton returned to winning ways with a 9-1 home victory against Banham with the Bebee-Bebee-Braham triple winning 22-12. Other results saw Forncett win 8-2 at Harling and Carleton Rode win 10-0 at home to Connaught "B".
Thurne League
Thurne League leaders Woodbastwick went down 8-2 at Hemsby while second placed Halvergate narrowed the gap by beating South Walsham 10-0.
South Norfolk League
The tremendous battle at the top of the South Norfolk League continues unabated with Hempnall and Bob Carter both winning. Defending champions Carter won 10-0 at Thurton with Steve Bridge's triple winning 19-8. Hempnall won 8-2 at Mulbarton with Richard Harrowing's triple winning 28-3 and followed that up with an 8-2 home win in their derby game against Saxlingham Nethergate. At the foot of the table Wreningham beat Mulbarton 10-0 with A Symond's triple winning 29-8.
Tens League
The Tens League has seen mixed results this season and this week Bob Carter slipped to a 3-0 defeat at Connaught. Sylvia Parsons and Bill Adcock performed well for the home side with a notable 19-7 win against Carter's reigning Norfolk Pairs Champions Sue Hunt and Nigel Willard while Diane Adcock, Lee Fallows and Ray Wells weighed in with a 17-9 win.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Friday 18th January 2008

Inter-County match Norfolk 'A' V Hertfordshire
Norfolk "A" clinched the runner-up spot in their group and a place in the quarter-finals of the Inter-County Championships with a decisive 26-10 home win against Hertfordshire. Needing 22 points to be sure of progress Norfolk quickly got into their stride in the opening session with Robin Amos winning his singles game by 21-2 while rinks skipped by Charlie Archer and Tyrone Musk both won to give the home side a 6-2 points lead. By the interval Norfolk led by 12-4 as Gerald Chilvers, Pat Saunders and Mike Boswell won by a massive 26-4, Shirley Brown, Pat Williamson and Roger Green won 13-6 and Sue Hunt and Gordon Crowe won 16-7. After the break David Sharpe won 19-14 in the singles and Ray Lamb, Syd Harman, Lianne Mills and Charlie Archer romped to an easy 21-4 win to leave Norfolk leading by 16-8 with a session remaining. The triples skipped by Mike Boswell and Roger Green both won while Sue Hunt and Gordon Crowe added a solid 14-8 win in the pairs to wrap up an excellent days play and clinch a knock-out round clash against Kent 'A'.
South-East Rinks Championships
Cambridgeshire hosted the South-East Rinks Championships which saw Norfolk successfully defend their title despite a strong challenge from Essex. The vital game came in the final session with Norfolk's Shirley Foster, Brian Saunders, Gerald Chilvers and Chris Mann needing to beat Chris Bundy, Dave Wooller, Ian Arthur and Sheila Keal of Essex to keep the trophy in Norfolk. Mann's rink duly obliged winning by 12-6 which left Norfolk celebrating victory with 15 points, Cambs second with 13 points, Essex third on 12 and Suffolk bringing up the rear with 8 points. Chris Mann's rink, with Shirley Foster making her county debut, won all their three games as did Elaine Oatway, Pat Saunders, Lee Fallows and county team captain Bob Oatway.

In a friendly match at Lakeside a Norfolk side played a team representing the City of Norwich League. The match ended with a 20-12 win for the county side which included Christine Musk, Carol Johnson, Peter Johnson and Chris East in their line-up.
Over 60's
In the Eastern England Over 60's League Norfolk slipped to a disappointing 22-12 home defeat against Cambs which followed a 21-13 reverse in Northants the previous week. These results probably leave Northants and Cambs fighting for the league title this season.
Norwich Cup
Bob Carter pulled off an away win at Hevingham in the Norwich Cup which without doubt leaves them as favourites to win the cup. In this battle of giants the sides finished level on points at 12-12 but Carter won comfortably on shots.
Bure League
Bure League action saw Hevingham win 8-2 at home to Horsford BC with David Sharpe's triple winning 27-5. After a difficult start to the season Coltishall won their first Bure game at the fifth attempt beating St Faiths 10-0 as former England star John Aggas skipped his triple to a 27-6 win. Felthorpe also beat St Faiths 10-0 while Anglian Windows went down 8-2 at Horsford.
Wensum League
Wensum League leaders Bob Carter made it ten wins from ten games as they pulled off a 10-0 win at Stalham where Steve Bridge won 20-8. Eddie Edridge romped to a 24-7 win as Woodbastwick Coltishall (amended) beat Thorpe Marriott 8-2 but they slipped to an 8-2 defeat at Hevingham.
Tens League
Tens League leaders Hempnall and title contenders Bob Carter fought out a classic game with Hempnall snatching a 2-0 win with a 51-49 shots victory. Hevingham earned a valuable 2-0 win at Woodbastwick while another fierce encounter saw Kirby Bedon beat Coltishall 3-0 thanks to an 18-5 pairs win for Jill and Phil Watson.
Breckland League
Wymondham moved seven points clear in the Breckland League with a thumping 10-0 home win against Wayland and an 8-2 win at Connaught "B". Second placed Yaxham beat defending champs Connaught "A" 6-2 with the Secker-Meachen-Secker triple winning 27-8. Connaught managed a 6-4 win at Carleton Rode but will need to up the pace if they are to retain the title they have held for so many years. Remaining games saw Banham beat Wayland 9-1, Hingham beat Forncett 10-0, Harling beat Carleton Rode 8-2 and Watton winning 8-2 at home to Hingham.
South Norfolk League
Bob Carter are now five points clear at the top of the South Norfolk League after beating Connaught 10-0 with Brian Saunders pulling off a 21-8 win. Horsford SMBC beat Earsham 10-0 but in the return match at Earsham their rivals gained revenge with a 6-4 win.
Thurne League
After a 6-4 defeat at Stalham in the Thurne League leaders Woodbastwick returned to winning ways with an 8-2 win at South Walsham.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Thursday 10th January 2008

Inter-County match Suffolk v Norfolk

Norfolk County Team Manager Brian Saunders was full of praise for his players after a stunning 30-6 points win away to Suffolk in the last Inter-County Championship group match. Norfolk traveled to Ipswich knowing that they faced the immense task of taking a minimum of 27 points from the 36 available if they were to pip Northants for a place in the knock-out stages and the players responded magnificently as they swept Suffolk aside winning the first twelve games. Saunders was naturally delighted with his teams performance and shortly after the game said that this seasons team is the most exciting Norfolk side for years.
In the singles Bob Carter's Steve Bridge hammered John Hurst 26-2 in the opening session and followed up with a 13-9 win against Terry Chittock while Hempnall's Paul Baker won his games by 15-13 and 15-9. The rinks also returned maximum points with Debbie Phillips, Nigel Willard, Jon Sparham and Melvin Woods winning 10-4 and 11-4 while Jill Watson, Teresa Goldsmith, Phil Watson and Mike Boswell won by 8-5 and 9-5. Connaught's Andrew Stratton and Carter's Robert Howlett romped to a 23-7 win against Pam Fayers and David Baker and added a 12-11 win in the last session while Jean Barnett and Neil Ramsbottom weighed in with a 16-9 win in the first half. Norfolk's triples played an important part with first half wins for Jean Woods, David Lamb and Chris Mann, 11-10 against Michael Rice's triple, and Kim Bridge, Lee Fallows and Bob Oatway who beat John Worne's triple 16-11. The final score of 30-6 on points to Norfolk, 209-141 on shots, left Suffolk shell-shocked while Chris Hopkins Northamptonshire side are left to contemplate playing in the utterly meaningless Consolation Play-offs while Norfolk look forward to an Inter-County knock-out game against ????.

As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Friday 4th January 2008

County Championships 2007/08 - Singles
Hempnall's Jon Sparham lifted the Norfolk County Singles title after defeating Bob Carter's Melvin Woods in a final between two county teammates who had never previously reached this stage of the competition. Sparham took a single shot on each of the first two ends before Woods opened his account with a three on the third end. Jon Sparham regained his composure winning the next three ends to lead 6-3 before Melvin Woods took another single on the seventh end. The eighth end proved decisive as the Hempnall star scored a full house to move 10-4 up and clinch the title with an end to spare. He becomes only the second Hempnall player to win the singles title, Roger Parker was champion in 2000/01, and it is Sparham's second county title of the season. In the third place play-off Kirby Bedon's Peter Johnson surpassed all expectations beating Sprowston's Peter Smart 7-4. In the semi-finals Sparham had beaten Johnson 10-2 while Woods disposed of Smart by 13-6. Defending champion Russell Burgess of Hevingham failed to make it through to the closing stages while 2006 champion Steve Bridge went down 11-3 to Bob Oatway in the preliminary stage and 2004 champion Andrew Stratton of Connaught went out 10-2 against Peter Smart in the last 16 stage. Since Norfolk County Team Manager Brian Saunders brought Jon Sparham into the county team his bowling has flourished and he looks set to be a big name on the scene for years to come and it will be interesting to see how well he does in the National Championships at Kettering later this year.

 As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Friday 28th December 2007

County Championships 2007/08 - Pairs
Sue Hunt and Nigel Willard of Bob Carter are this season's Norfolk County Pairs Champions after winning by two shots against Kirby Bedon's Phil Watson and Selwyn Goldsmith. A superb forehand conversion shot by Willard on the penultimate end proved to be the vital wood of the final. Going into the end the pairs were level on shots and with just his last wood to play Willard knew that Kirby were holding shot and in the driving seat. Despite little of the jack showing the Carter skip picked it up perfectly to trail it through for three shots. A tight last end saw the Kirby pair score just a single shot to leave Sue Hunt and Nigel Willard celebrating victory. For Sue Hunt it was her third county pairs title, she had previously won in 1999 and 2002, while for Nigel Willard it was a second title to add to his 2005 triumph. It was Watson's first appearance in a county pairs final while Goldsmith was playing his sixth county pairs final since 1997. In the play-off for third place Margaret and John Poynter of Sprowston beat Haddiscoe's Jenny and Peter Walker by 8-6 after an extra end. In the semi-finals the Bob Carter pair had beaten the Walkers by 8-7 while the Kirby Bedon pair had beaten the Poynter's by 11-3.
Breckland League
Yaxham moved top of the Breckland League with an 8-2 home win against Harling as Rita Secker, Madge Meachen and Owen Secker won 32-3. Forncett also beat Harling 8-2 and followed it up with a 6-4 home win against Hingham. Banham proved too strong for visiting Carleton Rode as they carved out an 8-2 win.
Bure League
The only match in the Bure League was at East Tuddenham where strugglers St Faiths tried as hard as ever but went down 10-0. Geraldine Potter, Gerald Potter and Robin Amos were "top of the shots" as they eased their way to a 25-1 win.
South Norfolk League
South Norfolk League action saw the top two both win 8-2 away. Hempnall won at Saxlingham where Charlie Archer's triple won 24-8 and Bob Carter won at Wreningham where Melvin Woods won 29-5.
Tens League
The top of the table clash in the Tens League saw Hempnall comfortably beat Kirby Bedon 4-0 with Roger Parker's triple winning 18-8 and Peter Baker and Chris Mann win 19-9 in the pairs.
Thurne League
Thurne League leaders Woodbastwick won 6-4 at Stalham and 10-0 at home to South Walsham but crashed to an 8-2 defeat at Halvergate. Stalham won 8-2 at home to Hemsby.
Wensum League
In the Wensum League Bob Carter continued their incredible run with a ninth straight victory. Visitors Halvergate were put to the sword as Carter amassed 106 shots against just 21 with Debbie Phillips, Steve Phillips and Steve Bridge winning 34-3 and Frank Edy, Brian Saunders and Melvin Woods winning 29-2. South Walsham also lost 10-0 at Thorpe Marriott where Sylvia Turner's triple won 24-9.

 As supplied by County Press Officer.
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Friday 21st December 2007

Bure League
Woodbastwick held on to the top spot in the Bure League after a narrow 6-4 home win against East Tuddenham in which both teams won a game apiece. Just three shots separated the teams at the end with Jim Couling's triple's 21-7 win proving decisive for Woodbastwick. Coltishall are still without a win after four games which is possibly their worst ever start to the season. Fielding a somewhat depleted side they lost 10-0 at home to Kirby Bedon with Jimmy Dye, Brian Saunders and Alistair Hunter storming to a 24-5 win and Jill Watson, Teresa Goldsmith and Selwyn Goldsmith winning 21-10. Kirby found things tougher at Anglian Windows where a 15-7 win by Carol Johnson, Peter Johnson and Gerald Chilvers helped earn them a 5-5 draw. Felthorpe recorded a 6-4 home win against Anglian Windows with Laurie Hall's triple leading the way with a 21-6 win and also beat Horsford 8-2 with Chris Kettley's triple winning 17-5.
Breckland League
Wymondham moved to the top of the Breckland League with a three shot win at Hingham. J McKrell, S Phillips and D Clarke led the way with a 23-12 win while Chris Mann's triple won by a single shot. Defending champions Connaught "A" traveled to Watton with a weakened side and paid the price losing by 6-4. Mike Bransby's Watton triple beat Sheila Bragg 17-7 as her triple struggled on the heavy Watton mats but Andrew Stratton hit back beating Terry Crockett 14-13 in the best game of the evening. R Harvey's Watton triple won 20-10 with the remaining game going Connaught's way as Bill Adcock, Diane Adcock and Bob Oatway won 21-8. Connaught "B" beat Carleton Rode 6-4 with Joyce Catling, Christine Musk and Ty Musk winning 29-9. Banham proved too strong for visitors Watton beating them 8-2.
South Norfolk League
The only game in the South Norfolk League saw Connaught win 8-2 at Horsford after four extremely close games.
Tens League
Tens League action saw Hevingham defeat Coltishall 4-0 with the pairs running riot. Russell Burgess and David Bunn beat Mally Catchpole and Jean Barnett 35-3 while Ian McLean and Vic Woods beat Peter Barnett and Andy Wooden 20-6. Kirby Bedon beat Woodbastwick 4-0 with Jill and Phil Watson winning 22-9 and Teres