News

11 Sept 2015        Norfolk retain ECL Championship

 

Norfolk retained the Eastern Counties League Championship title on Saturday following victory over Suffolk at the Rookery Bowls Club in Stowmarket.

 

Going into the match Norfolk needed 8 points to take the title and this was never really in doubt as they started strongly by taking an early lead which they built upon to run out comfortable winners by 140 shots to 107 and winning on 5 rinks to take 20 of the 22 points at stake.

 

In the separate Under 30 championship Norfolk needed victory on one of the two Under 30 rinks to retain this title which they duly achieved with Daniel Cawthorne’s rink victory.

 

In the Executive rink championship, Norfolk could not repeat their success in 2014 & finished 5th.

 

Rink scores:-

Alan Willer, Gavin Cater, Roger Guy & Peter Boldero 23 Peter Hurren 20

Richard Church, Don Whyatt, Charlie Boon & Tony Dunton 34 Ali Leeks 18

Philip South, David Wood, Chris Gaul & John Ottaway 24 Mark Todd 14

Harry Cater, Tom Cooper, Jack Wells & Jack Adcock 15 Lee Spraggs 25

Edward Lambert, Fin Smith, Aaron Stimpson & Daniel Cawthorne 22 S.Sampson 17

Colin Brown, Derek Talbot, John George & Brian Taylor 22 Randolph Ford 13

 

 

30 August 2015   Hansells Cup Finals Report

 

Wymondham Dell ‘B’ lifted the Hansells League Cup on Saturday with victory in the final over Bradwell by 61 shots to 56.

 

In the earlier semi finals the Dell overcame Kings Lynn 62-48 whilst Bradwell secured their place in the final with a single shot victory over Cawston by 57 shots to 56.

 

 

09 August 2015   WP Baker Cup Finals Report

 

Freethorpe have returned to the Hansells County League Premier division after an absence of several years following victory in the WP Baker Cup play offs held at Thorpe Rec BC on Sunday.

 

In the semi finals they met RG Carter’s who were looking to return to the Premier league following their relegation in 2014 but found Freethorpe too strong  and with two of the Freethorpe rinks winning comfortably, Freethorpe got home by 69 shots to 58.

 

The other semi final saw Aldiss Park play Norfolk BC ‘B’ who had got through the preliminary round last week against St Lawrence. Norfolk BC started well opening a narrow lead but Aldiss Park hit back in the second half of the match to win 68 shots to 55.

 

In the final, the semi final exertions seemed to have an effect on the Aldiss Park players and Freethorpe opened a significant early lead which they were in no mood to relinquish and ran out comfortable winners by 86 shots to 31.

 

Rink scores:-

Semi finals

Freethorpe –v- RG Carters (Freethorpe names first):-

Tom Cooper, Adam Carter, John Harris & Tony Dunton 21 Phil Pettit, David Foster, Keith Hutson & Ken Breame 28

Richard Church, James Browse, Phil Parsons & David Smith 25 Peter Allard, David Reynell, John Mouland & Michael Hunter 14

Mike Harris, Roy London, Ashley Smith & Matthew Carter 23 Peter Acres, Maurice Buttifant, David Cole & John Hunter 16

 

Aldiss Park –v- Norfolk BC ‘B’ (Aldiss Park names first)

Gordon Bryant, Adrian Nottage, Roger Rudling & David West 22 Ken George, Mick Burrell, Peter Pretty & Steve Wells 16

Keith Mason, Tony Benham, David Gamble & Colin Lawrence 23 Brian Holcroft, Marty Ellis, Karl Brooks & Chris Wells 22

Bob Lee, Andrew Cameron, Terry Cator & Steve Dembicki 23 Aaron Johnson, Terry Gosling, Andy Morter & Tom Segolo 17

 

Final

Freethorpe –v- Aldiss Park (Freethorpe names first)

Tom Cooper, Adam Carter, John Harris & Tony Dunton 33 Bob Lee, Andrew Cameron, Terry Cator & Steve Dembicki 7

Richard Church, James Browse, Phil Parsons & David Smith18 Keith Mason, Tony Benham, David Gamble & Colin Lawrence 16

Mike Harris, Robin White, Ashley Smith & Matthew Carter 35 Gordon Bryant, Adrian Nottage, Roger Rudling & David West 8

 

 

 

26 July 2015        Bales Cup Report & other County Results

 

Wootton Park are the new Norfolk club champions following victory over  the holders North Walsham by 10 shots at Wymondham Dell  to win the Bales Cup, sponsored by Hansells Solicitors, for the first time in their history.

 

Wootton took control from the outset and opened a 25 shot lead at 15 ends mainly due to the dominant form shown by Stephen Winter’s rink.  It appeared at that stage that Wootton would achieve a comfortable victory but North Walsham hit back over the closing ends on the other rinks skipped by Graham Potter and Trevor Webb to reduce the deficit to only 5 shots to set up a nervous finish. However Wootton held firm to take the title by 65 shots to 55.

 

Rink scores (Wootton Park first)

Tom Baker, Peter Winter, Liam Stevenson & Stephen Winter 26 Robert Bunting, Mick Harvey, Mark Woodhouse & Daniel Noble 11

Andy Sayer, David Noble, Peter Stevenson & Ian Whiley 14 Barry Hunt, Chris Ward, Malcolm Nicholson & Trevor Webb 22

B. Footer, Michael Smith, Adrian Folker & Vernon Hudson 25 Roger Greef, David Brawn, Paul Roylance & Graham Potter 25.

 

 

The last of the County Championship finals, the Under 25 Singles, was held at the same time. Having taken the Pairs title last weekend with Wayne Willgress, John Tufts secured a notable double by beating Freethorpe’s David Smith 21-12. Tufts started strongly to lead 13-2 in the first to 21 shots match and although Smith recovered to 12-17, Tufts scored 4 shots he needed on the next end to take the title.

 

 

Norfolk maintained their 100% record and grip on the Eastern Counties League Championship title with victory over Bedfordshire at RG Carters BC on Saturday by the narrow margin of 103 shots to 101.

 

The victory owed much to the rink skipped by Downham Market’s Kelvin Rayner who returned a 32-13 victory over Andrew Manning to help cover defeats on the rinks skipped by Philip Barr, Darren Rowsell and Brian Taylor. With the Under 30 rink skipped by Wymondham Dell’s Jack Adcock also winning by 9 shots and with Bedfordshire unable to field a second under 30 rink and defaulting this rink with a 6 shot deficit Norfolk scraped a 2 shot overall victory which leaves them 8 points clear of Bedfordshire at the top of the table with two matches left to play.

 

Rink scores:-

John Gooch, Harold Bell, Gavin Cater & Kelvin Rayner 31 A. Manning 13

Clive Derry, Charlie Boon, Peter Wilkinson & Philip Barr 16 G. Milbourne 25

Danny Mills, Bernie Wymer, Paul Shackcloth & Darren Rowsell 13 G. Osbourne 33

Harry Cater, Aaron Stimpson, Karl Brooks & Jack Adcock 23 J. Usher 14

Richard Church, Malcolm Nicholson, John George & Brian Taylor 13 P. Lee 16

 

 

19 July 2015        County Championship Final Results

 

Wymondham Dell’s John Ottaway celebrated a double success at Norfolk Bowls Association County Championship finals at County Arts on Saturday by picking up the singles and triples titles.

 

In the Singles he met the up & coming Daniel Seabourne from the Acle St Edmund club and in a high quality encounter Ottaway’s greater experience came through as he lifted the title with a 21-16 victory. Ottaway started strongly opening a 9-2 lead only for Seabourne to reduce the deficit to only 1 shot.  Ottaway then pulled away again to lead 18-11 only for Seabourne to come back to 18-16 before Ottaway closed out the match to win the title for a record 9th time.

 

The triples final saw Norfolk BC’s John Tufts, Jake Willgress & Wayne Willgress go into the match as firm favourites against Ottaway’s trio and the match looked to be going in their favour as they opened a 9-2 lead. However the experienced Dell triple gradually pulled the score line back and went into the last end leading by 3 shots. A tense last end saw Norfolk BC score 2 shots for the Dell to take the title by the narrowest of margins.

 

The pairs was  a repeat of last year’s final with Max Harrison & Peter Boldero (Downham Market) taking on John Tufts & Wayne Willgress. The result was the same with the Norfolk BC duo retaining the title with a 24-14 victory but they had to recover from a strong start from Harrison & Boldero who opened up a 9-2 lead after 6 ends. From that point Tufts & Willgress took control and a run of 21 shots against only 1 saw them race to the title.

 

Last years beaten finalists in the fours, County Arts went one better this year by beating Acle St Edmunds 22-9. The Arts quartet skipped by Philip Barr and with Middleton Cup Manager Brian Taylor at third started brightly to lead 12-0 before Acle, skipped by Darren Rowsell, came into the match. The early deficit however proved too much and with Barr playing some big bowls in the middle of the match, County Arts ran out comfortable winners.

 

There was consolation for George Tubby, who played at second in the Acle four, when he took the Two Wood Singles title against Adrian Thwaites of North Walsham. With the score a 6-5 to Tubby at 9 ends he then raced away to win 16-8.

 

The remaining final, the Junior Singles between John Tufts (Norfolk BC) and David Smith (Freethorpe) will be played at Wymondham Dell on Thursday 23rd July at 6.00pm. At the same time the final of the Bales Cup (Club Championship) will also take place. The final sees defending champions North Walsham take on Wootton Park who will be looking to lift the title the first time. In the semi finals North Walsham beat Gissing 67 shots to 52 whilst Wootton Park overcame Acle St Edmunds 60-50.

 

The final of the Lord Fermoy Cup to be played on Monday 27th July will be between defending champions Norfolk BC and County Arts following semi final victories over Wootton Park & Downham Market.

 

 

County Final results:

 

Singles

John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) 21 Daniel Seabourne (Acle St Edmunds) 16

 

Two Wood Singles

George Tubby (Acle St Edmunds) 16 Adrian Thwaites (North Walsham) 8

 

Pairs

John Tufts & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 24 Max Harrison & Peter Boldero (Downham Market) 14

 

Triples

David Naunton, John George & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) 16 John Tufts, Jake Willgress & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 15

 

Fours

Adam Watts, Malcolm Nicholson, Brian Taylor & Philip Barr (County Arts) 22 Daniel Seabourne, George Tubby, Andy Siely & Darren Rowsell (Acle St Edmunds) 9

 

 

 

13 July 2015        County Championship Finals

 

Saturday 18th July 2015 at County Arts BC

 

             Starting at 10am

 

                                     Triples

David Naunton                     John Tufts

John George             v          Jake Willgress

John Ottaway                                    Wayne Willgress

Wymondham                         Norfolk BC

 

                                     Fours

Adam Watts                           Daniel Seabourne

Malcolm Nicholson              George Tubby

Brian Taylor               v          Andy Siely

Philip Barr                              Darren Rowsell

County Arts                           Acle St Edmunds

 

 

             Starting at 2pm

 

                                     4 Wood Singles

John Ottaway                        v          Daniel Seabourne

Wymondham                         Acle St Edmunds

 

                                     Pairs

John Tufts                             Max Harrison

Wayne Willgress      v          Peter Boldero

Norfolk BC                             Downham Mkt

 

                                     2 Wood Singles

George Tubby           v          Adrian Thwaites

Acle St Edmunds                 North Walsham

 

 

The final of the Under 25 Singles between John Tufts (Norfolk BC) & David Smith (Freethorpe) will be held at Wymondham Dell BC on Thursday 23rd July starting at 6:00pm (alongside the final of the Bales Cup).

 

 

 

 

12 July 2015        County Competitions Semi Finals

 

The semi finals of the Norfolk County Championships have now been held with the finalists in all the championships going on to represent the County in the National Championships to be held at Victoria Park Leamington Spa in August.

 

The Singles final sees youth play experience with Acle’s Daniel Seabourne taking on Wymondham Dell’s John Ottaway. Both had comfortable semi final victories with Seabourne beating Alan Willer of Ashill 21-9 & Ottaway cruising past County Arts’ Peter Wilkinson 21-9.

 

There was double disappointment for Peter Wilkinson in the two wood singles when he fell to George Tubby (Acle) 16-4. In the final Tubby plays North Walsham’s Adrian Thwaites who was a comfortable 20-8 winner over John Tufts (Norfolk BC).

 

John Tufts was however successful in the junior singles beating Aaron Stimpson of Diss & District 21-7 and in the final will play Freethorpe’s David Smith who finished strongly beating Jack Wells (Downham Market) 21-15

 

The Pairs sees a repeat of last year’s final with Max Harrison & Peter Boldero (Downham Market) looking to reverse the result against John Tufts & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC).

In the semi finals the Downham duo recovered from an early deficit to beat the young Freethorpe pairing of Matthew Carter & David Smith 20-12 whilst Norfolk BC, in control from the start, beat John Colcombe & Andy Siely (Acle St Edmunds) 23-11.

 

In the Fours there were two close matches with the rinks skipped by Philip Barr (County Arts) & Darren Rowsell (Acle St Edmunds) victorious. Barr’s rink recovered from a 19-6 deficit to level the match playing the last end and then secured the vital shot on the last end for a 22-21 victory. In the other tie there was a similar story with Rowsell’s rink moving into a big lead but the Wymondham Dell rink skipped by John Ottaway hit back to reduce the deficit to only 1 shot with 3 ends to play but Acle held firm over the remaining ends to take the victory.

 

The Dell overcame the disappointment in the Fours to reach the final of the Triples by beating Mark Riches’ Norfolk BC trio 21-17. After an even start the Dell took control over the middle of the match to open a decisive lead and although Norfolk BC hit back over the closing ends, the Dell held out for victory. Norfolk BC’s other triple skipped by Wayne Willgress were however successful by beating Ian Whiley’s Wootton Park threesome in a match where they were always in control and won 25-12

 

The County finals will be held at County Arts BC on Saturday 18th July with the programme as follows.

Fours at 10.00am

Triples at 10.00am

Pairs at 2.00pm

Singles at 2.00pm

Two Wood Singles at 2.00pm

Due to duplications the final of the Junior Singles will be played at Wymondham Dell on Thursday 23rd July at 6.00pm alongside the final of the Bales Cup.

 

Semi Final Results

 

Fours

Adam Watts, Malcolm Nicholson, Brian Taylor & Philip Barr (County Arts) 22 Rocky Lewis, Harold Bell, Derek Kellow & Kelvin Rayner (Downham Market) 21

Daniel Seabourne, George Tubby, Andy Siely & Darren Rowsell (Acle Edmunds) 25 Jack Adcock, David Naunton, John George & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) 18

 

Triples

David Naunton, John George & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) 21 Matt Flatman, Charlie Boon & Mark Riches (Norfolk BC) 17

John Tufts, Jake Willgress & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 25 Mervyn Chapman, Simon Peach & Ian Whiley (Wootton Park) 12

 

Pairs

Max Harrison & Peter Boldero (Downham Market) 19 Matthew Carter & David Smith (Freethorpe) 13

John Tufts & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 23 John Colcombe & Andy Siely (Acle St Edmunds) 11

 

Singles

John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) 21 Peter Wilkinson (County Arts) 4

Daniel Seabourne (Acle St Edmunds) 21 Alan Willer (Ashill) 9

 

Two Wood Singles

George Tubby (Acle St Edmunds) 16 Peter Wilkinson (County Arts) 4

Adrian Thwaites (North Walsham) 20 John Tufts (Norfolk BC) 8

 

Junior Singles

David Smith (Freethorpe) 21 Jack Wells (Downham Market) 15

John Tufts (Norfolk BC) 21 Aaron Stimpson (Diss & District) 7

 

 

The first silverware of the County season has gone to County Arts with victory in the Jermy Cup final over GW Staniforth by 69 shots to 34. All three of the Arts rinks were successful with Trevor Jermy’s rink beating Malcolm Struthers 25-13, Peter Wilkinson’s beating John Wright 21-10 and Mark Turner’s beating Michael Holbrook’s 23-11. In the semi finals played earlier in the day County Arts were indebted to the appropriately named Trevor Jermy whose rink scored the vital shot on the extra end after match with Norfolk BC ended all square after 21 ends. In the other semi final GW Staniforth were comfortable winners over Diss & District by 72 shots to 54

 

In the Club Championship (Bales Cup), holder’s North Walsham are on course to defend their title following a quarter final victory over Wymondham Dell and now play fellow Premier League team Gissing who overcame giant killers Reepham Nomads. The other semi final tie is another all Premier League affair between Acle St Edmunds, victors over Upwell and Wootton Park who beat fellow Premier League County Arts. Both semi final matches will be played at RG Carters BC on Friday 17th July at 6.00pm with the winners going through to the final to be played at Wymondham Dell on Thursday 23rd July.

 

In the semi finals of the In the Lord Fermoy Cup double fours championship to be played on Thursday 16th July, Norfolk BC ‘A’ will be going for a hat trick of titles, play Wootton Park and Downham Market ’D’ play County Arts.

 

Following the Bowls England Junior International Trial held at Leamington Spa, Daniel Seabourne (Acle St Edmunds) & Jake Willgress have been selected to represent England in the British Isles Junior International Championships to be held at the Oxford City & County BC in September. For Seabourne it is his first outdoor cap to go with Indoor equivalent he gained in the winter whilst Willgress will again skip a rink in this his second series. England will be looking to retain the title they won in emphatic fashion in Belfast last year.

 

 

 

28 June 2015       County Competitions Qtr Finals

 

The County Championship quarter finals have now been played with winners just one step away from representing Norfolk in the National Finals to be held in Leamington Spa in August.

 

In the fours the County Arts quartet skipped by Philip Barr reached the semi final with victory over Dean Johnson’s Reepham Nomads four and there were also comfortable wins for the fours skipped by John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell), Darren Rowsell (Acle St. Edmunds) & Kelvin Rayner (Downham Market).

 

Norfolk BC has two representatives in the Triples semi finals with Wayne Willgress’s triple beating the strong Acle team skipped by Darren Rowell. Norfolk BC’s other triple skipped by Mark Riches overcame Trevor Webb (North Walsham) whilst John Ottaway’s Wymondham Dell threesome and Ian Whiley (Wootton) won through following tight matches against Sam King (Wootton Park) & Richard Exley (Watton).

 

Defending Pairs champions, John Tufts & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) are on course to defend their title by coming from behind to beat David Noble & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park). Also through are last year’s runners up Max Harrison & Peter Boldero (Downham Market) who beat Roger Guy & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell). Others through are the young Freethorpe pairing of Matthew Carter & David Smith and Acle St Edmunds John Colcombe & Andy Siely.

 

In the Singles 8 time former winner John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) overcame past  winner Darren Rowsell (Acle St Edmunds) 21-15 and will meet County Arts’ Peter Wilkinson, 21-9 winner over Adrian Folker (Wootton Park), in one semi final. In the other quarter finals Acle St Edmund’s Daniel Seabourne came from 8-0 down to beat Bob French (County Arts) 21-14 and will meet Alan Willer (Ashill) who came through a tight encounter with Tom Baker (Wootton Park) 21-18.

 

Peter Wilkinson has the chance of a Singles & Two wood singles double by also reaching the semi final of the two wood singles following victory over Derek Kellow in the quarter final. Other quarter final victors were Adrian Thwaites (North Walsham), John Tufts (Norfolk BC) & George Tubby (Acle St Edmunds).

 

In the Under 25 Singles semi finals, John Tufts (Norfolk BC) will play Aaron Stimpson (Diss & District) whilst David Smith (Freethorpe) plays Jack Wells (Downham Market)

 

Full results and semi final draw & venues are as follows:-

 

Fours

Quarter final results

John Lilliweb, Colin Reed, Paul Hunter & Colin Bix (Hunstanton) 7 Fin Smith, David Naunton, John George & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) 21

Daniel Seabourne, George Tubby, Andy Siely & Darren Rowsell (Acle St Edmunds) 28 Robert Dodd, Norman Rollo, Arnie Ingram & Dean Johnson (Reepham Nomads) 16

Adam Watts, Malcolm Nicholson, Brian Taylor & Philip Barr (County Arts) 29 Malcolm Struthers, David Catchpole, Michael Holbrook & John Wright (GW Staniforth) 19

Rocky Lewis, Harold Bell, Derek Kellow & Kelvin Rayner (Downham Market) 22 Barry Hunt, Mark Woodhouse, Graham Potter & Trevor Webb (North Walsham) 10

 

Semi Final draw - matches to be played on Monday 6th July 2015 at GW Staniforth BC

Fin Smith, David Naunton, John George & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) –v- Daniel Seabourne, George Tubby, Andy Siely & Darren Rowsell (Acle St Edmunds)

Rocky Lewis, Harold Bell, Derek Kellow & Kelvin Rayner (Downham Market) –v- Adam Watts, Malcolm Nicholson, Brian Taylor & Philip Barr (County Arts)

 

Triples

Quarter final results

David Naunton, John George & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) 18 Tom Baker, Stephen Winter & Sam King (Wootton Park) 14

John Tufts, Jake Willgress & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 18 George Tubby, Andy Siely & Darren Rowsell (Acle St Edmunds) 8

Matt Flatman, Charlie Boon & Mark Riches (Norfolk BC) 19 Barry Hunt, Graham Potter & Trevor Webb (North Walsham) 10

Mervyn Chapman, Simon Peach & Ian Whiley (Wootton Park) 17 Malcolm Hamilton, John Hunter & Richard Exley (Watton) 8

 

Semi Final draw - matches to be played on Tuesday 7th July 2015 at Thorpe Rec BC

David Naunton, John George & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) -v- Matt Flatman, Charlie Boon & Mark Riches (Norfolk BC)

Mervyn Chapman, Simon Peach & Ian Whiley (Wootton Park) -v- John Tufts, Jake Willgress & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)

 

Pairs

Quarter final results

Matthew Carter & David Smith (Freethorpe) 22 Clive Matthews & George Owen (Sheringham Morley) 15

Max Harrison & Peter Boldero (Downham Market) 22 Roger Guy & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) 15

David Noble & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park) 15 John Tufts & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 25

Ollie Allen & Garry Oakley (Wymondham Dell) 13 John Colcombe & Andy Siely (Acle St Edmunds) 23

 

Semi Final draw - matches to be played on Thursday 9th July 2015 at Wymondham Dell BC

Max Harrison & Peter Boldero (Downham Market) -v- Matthew Carter & David Smith (Freethorpe)

John Tufts & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) -v-John Colcombe & Andy Siely (Acle St Edmunds)

 

Singles

Quarter final results

Darren Rowsell (Acle St Edmunds) 15 John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) 21

Daniel Seabourne (Acle St Edmunds) 21 Bob French (County Arts) 14

Tom Baker (Wootton Park) 18 Alan Willer (Ashill) 21

Peter Wilkinson (County Arts) 21 Adrian Folker (Wootton Park) 9

 

Semi Final draw - matches to be played on Friday 10th July 2015 at RG Carters BC

Peter Wilkinson (County Arts) -v- John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell)

Daniel Seabourne (Acle St Edmunds) -v- Alan Willer (Ashill)

 

Two Bowl Singles

Quarter final results

Peter Wilkinson (County Arts) 16 Derek Kellow (Downham Market) 9

Tom Baker (Wootton Park) 12 Adrian Thwaites (North Walsham) 15

George Tubby (Acle St Edmunds) w/o John Merrison (Long Stratton)

Alan Willer (Ashill) 11 John Tufts (Norfolk BC) 16

 

Semi Final draw - matches to be played during week commencing 6th July (dates & venues to be confirmed)

Peter Wilkinson (County Arts) -v- George Tubby (Acle St. Edmunds)

Adrian Thwaites (North Walsham) -v- John Tufts (Norfolk BC)

 

Under 25 Singles

Semi Final draw - matches to be played during week commencing 6th July (dates & venues to be confirmed)

Aaron Stimpson (Diss & District BC) -v- John Tufts (Norfolk BC)

David Smith (Freethorpe) -v- Jack Wells (Downham Market)

 

 

The Club Championship (Bales Cup), this year sponsored by Hansells Solicitors has reached the quarter final stage with these ties to be played on Thursday 2nd July. There was a surprise in the last round with Reepham Nomads overcoming Norfolk BC and the Nomads now meet another Premier League team, Gissing at County Arts. Also at County Arts, Wymondham Dell play defending champions North Walsham. The other matches are to be played at the GW Staniforth club in Thetford where County Arts meet fellow Premier League team Wootton Park and Acle St Edmunds play Upwell.

 

 

Following the last round of group matches in the Middleton Cup, neither Norfolk nor Leicestershire have any chance of group honours and reaching the quarter final so their match scheduled for Saturday 4th July at County Arts will not now take place.

 

 

23 June 2015       Middleton Cup – Norfolk v Leicestershire

 

Please note that as neither Norfolk nor Leicestershire are able to qualify for the quarter finals of the Middleton Cup, the match between them scheduled for County Arts BC on Saturday 4th July 2015 WILL NOT NOW BE PLAYED.

 

 

21 June 2015       Norfolk Middleton Cup , Balcomb Trophy results & County Comp Qtr Finals

 

Norfolk’s hopes in the Middleton Cup ended on Saturday when they lost to Essex at Essex County BC by 125 shots to 98. With both sides having already lost one of their previous matches both Essex & Norfolk knew that a further defeat would make progression from the group to the quarter finals impossible.

 

Essex opened strongly and opened a 20 shot lead after 5 ends with the rinks skipped by Stephen Winter & Peter Boldero find life particularly difficult with both falling 12-1 behind. Norfolk stemmed the tide over the next few ends but Essex consolidated and extended their lead over the closing to get a well deserved victory.

 

Both Boldero’s and Winter’s rink deserve credit for recovering to draw their matches and Philip Barr’s rink also drew following a tight match. The three other rinks all fell to defeat so Norfolk only took 3 of the 24 points at stake.

 

With Northamptonshire beating Suffolk in the other match played on Saturday, group honours look to be between Essex & Suffolk who meet in the final round of matches on Saturday 4th July. Norfolk’s final match is against Leicestershire at County Arts BC on the same day

 

Rink scores:-

Max Harrison, Roger Guy, Chris Gaul & Peter Boldero 17 Mark Christmas 17

John Ottaway, Mick Brown, Paul Shackcloth & Philip Barr 18 Ed Morris 18

John Tufts, Richard Summers, Jake Willgress & Wayne Willgress 15 Andy Squire 24

Tom Baker, Bernie Perrett, Mark Turner & Mark Riches 17 James Rippey 22

Andy McNamara, James Segolo, Peter Wilkinson & Andy Siely 12 Steve Mitchinson 25

Daniel Seabourne, Liam Stevenson, Ian Whiley & Stephen Winter 19 Mark Nullmyers 19

 

 

 

There was further disappointment for the County on Sunday in the Balcomb Trophy when they fell to a well fought but narrow defeat to Cambridgeshire in the regional semi final played at Maulden BC by 5 shots. In the final that followed Cambridgeshire fell to Hertfordshire who progress to the National Finals at Leamington Spa in August.

 

Rink Scores:-

Daniel Seabourne, Mick Brown, Paul Shackcloth & Philip Barr 19 Richard Catton 20

Max Harrison, George Tubby, Stephen Winter & Peter Boldero 18 Alex Walton 22

 

 

 

All the County Championships have now reached the quarter final stage. The Fours & Triples results played in the early part of this week will be reported next week. The other quarter finals take place later in the week with the Pairs at Aldiss Park on Thursday & the Singles at Connaught on Friday.

 

Last year’s champions, Norfolk BC’s John Tufts & Wayne Willgress are still on course to defend their Pairs title when they take on Wootton Park’s David Noble & Vernon Hudson whilst former National Champions, Roger Guy & John Ottaway play last year’s beaten finalists Max Harrison & Peter Boldero.

 

The full draw is:-

Matthew Carter & David Smith (Freethorpe) -v- Clive Matthews & George Owen (Sheringham Morley)

Max Harrison & Peter Boldero (Downham Market) -v- Roger Guy & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell)

David Noble & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park) -v- John Tufts & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)

Ollie Allen & Garry Oakley (Wymondham Dell) -v- John Colcombe & Andy Siely (Acle St Edmunds)

 

In the blue riband Singles two former champions, Darren Rowsell & John Ottaway meet and one of the County’s up & coming young bowlers, Daniel Seabourne plays Bob French.

 

The full draw is:-

Darren Rowsell (Acle St Edmunds) -v- John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell)

Daniel Seabourne (Acle St Edmunds) -v- Bob French (County Arts)

Tom Baker (Wootton Park) -v- Alan Willer (Ashill)

Peter Wilkinson (County Arts) -v- Adrian Folker (Wootton Park).

 

The Two bowl singles will also be played during the week and Alan Willer, Tom Baker & Peter Wilkinson as well as being in the Singles also feature in this championship and will be looking to do the double.

 

The full draw with dates & venues is as follows:-

at Swaffham Town on Tuesday 23 June

Derek Kellow (Downham Market) -v- Peter Wilkinson (County Arts)

 

at Aldiss park on Thursday 25 June:-

Tom Baker (Wootton Park) -v Danny Mills (Acle St Edmunds)

 

at Connaught on Friday 26 June

Alan Willer (Ashill) -v-John Tufts (Norfolk BC)

George Tubby (Acle St Edmunds) -v- John Merrison (Long Stratton)

 

 

 

14 June 2015       Norfolk Middleton Cup , White Rose Trophy results & County Comp Qtr Finals

 

Norfolk return to Middleton Cup action next Saturday when they travel to Westcliff on Sea to play Essex at the Essex County Bowls Club. Having got back to winning ways against Northamptonshire last week this is another must win game for the county if they are to keep alive their hopes of group honours and a place in the quarter finals. Suffolk currently top the table after victories in their first two matches and for Norfolk to progress they must win their remaining matches convincingly and hope that Suffolk slip up in at least one of theirs.

 

The league table as it stands is:-

 

County                                              Played                   Points

Suffolk                               2                      36

Northamptonshire                        3                      26

Leicestershire                   3                      25

Norfolk                               2                      24

Essex                                 2                      21

 

With George Tubby unavailable for the match against Essex, Mark Riches moves up to skip with Mark Turner returning to side in an otherwise unchanged team.

 

Max Harrison, Roger Guy, Chris Gaul & Peter Boldero

John Ottaway, Mick Brown, Paul Shackcloth & Philip Barr

John Tufts, Richard Summers, Jake Willgress & Wayne Willgress

Tom Baker, Bernie Perrett, Mark Turner & Mark Riches

Andy McNamara, James Segolo, Peter Wilkinson & Andy Siely

Daniel Seabourne, Liam Stevenson, Ian Whiley & Stephen Winter

 

 

The Regional Finals of the Bowls England White Rose Trophy were played at Whittlesey Manor on Sunday with Norfolk’s young bowlers looking to qualify for the National Finals once again. There was however disappointment as they lost to Huntingdonshire in the semi final by 44 shots to 29. In the final Northamptonshire overcame Huntingdonshire 43-34.

 

Scores:-

Daniel Seabourne, Danny Mills, Tom Segolo & James Segolo 19 Ed Elmore 17

John Tufts, Jack Wells, Karl Brookes & Jake Willgress 10 Lewis Baker 27

 

 

 

The County Championships are now approaching the quarter final stage and with last year’s champions in both the triples & fours having already been beaten their will be new names on the championship trophies this year.

 

In the Fours last year’s runners up, Philip Barr’s County Arts rink will play John Wright’s GWS Staniforth’s quartet and there are interesting matches in the other ties. The matches will be played at RG Carters BC on Monday 22 June and the full draw is:-

 

John Lilliweb, Colin Reed, Paul Hunter & Colin Bix (Hunstanton) -v- Fin Smith, David Naunton, John George & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell)

 

Daniel Seabourne, George Tubby, Andy Siely & Darren Rowsell (Acle St Edmunds) -v- Robert Dodd, Norman Rollo, Arnie Ingram & Dean Johnson (Reepham Nomads)

 

Adam Watts, Malcolm Nicholson, Brian Taylor & Philip Barr (County Arts) -v- Malcolm Struthers, David Catchpole, Michael Holbrook & John Wright (GW Staniforth)

 

Rocky Lewis, Harold Bell, Derek Kellow & Kelvin Rayner (Downham Market) -v- Barry Hunt, Mark Woodhouse, Graham Potter & Trevor Webb (North Walsham)

 

In the triples both Wootton Park & Norfolk BC have two qualifiers  and the matches will  be played at Swaffham Town BC on Tuesday 23rd June as follows:-

 

Tom Baker, Stephen Winter & Sam King (Wootton Park) –v- David Naunton, John George & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell)

 

Matt Flatman, Charlie Boon & Mark Riches (Norfolk BC) -v- Barry Hunt, Graham Potter & Trevor Webb (North Walsham)

 

Mervyn Chapman, Simon Peach & Ian Whiley (Wootton Park) -v- Malcolm Hamilton, John Hunter & Richard Exley (Watton)

 

John Tufts, Jake Willgress & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) -v- George Tubby, Andy Siely & Darren Rowsell (Acle St Edmunds)

 

 

 

 

06 June 2015       Norfolk win in Middleton Cup  & White Rose Trophy draw

 

Following last weekends defeat to Suffolk, Norfolk’s Middleton Cup campaign got back on track with a convincing 21 shot victory over Northamptonshire at County Arts on Saturday with Norfolk taking 20 of the 22 points at stake. The win keeps Norfolk in contention for Group honours with two matches still to play, against Essex & Leicestershire.

 

Norfolk started well and opened up at 5 shot lead at the 5 end stage which they doubled at halfway . The next 5 ends saw Norfolk’s lead extend to 21 shots which they maintained over the closing stages. The top rink for the County was that skipped by Acle’s George Tubby and this was backed up by further wins by the rinks skipped by Peter Boldero, over England International Jamie Walker, Wayne Willgress, Andy Siely and finally by Philip Barr who recovered from a 17-2 deficit to win by 4 shots.

 

Manager Brian Taylor was delighted with response from his team following last week’s setback and said “We knew we had to win this week and the team responded very well and to get 20 points was just what we were looking for.  Victories in our final 2 matches will give us a chance of progressing though we realise that we need Suffolk to slip up in their remaining matches”.

 

Rink scores:

Max Harrison, Roger Guy, Chris Gaul & Peter Boldero 25 Jamie Walker 19

John Ottaway, Mick Brown, Paul Shackcloth & Philip Barr 26 Paul Broderick 22

John Tufts, Richard Summers, Jake Willgress & Wayne Willgress 22 Andrew Manton 21

Tom Baker, Bernie Perrett, Mark Riches & George Tubby 24 Darren Childs 12

Andy McNamara, James Segolo, Peter Wilkinson & Andy Siely 16 Phil Exley 13

Daniel Seabourne, Liam Stevenson, Ian Whiley & Stephen Winter 18 Vernon Geary 23

 

The Eastern Regional Finals of the Under 25 White Rose Trophy are to be held at Whittlesey Manor BC on Sunday 14th June starting at 10am with Norfolk taking on Huntingdonshire in the semi final. Manager Jake Willgress has selected the following team:-

 

John Tufts, Jack Wells, Karl Brookes & Jake Willgress

Daniel Seabourne, Danny Mills, Tom Segolo & James Segolo

Reserve: Ollie Allen

 

In the other semi final Bedfordshire play Northamptonshire with the winners meeting in the final for a place in the National Finals to be held at Leamington Spa in August.

 

 

 

31 May 2015       Norfolk results for Middleton Cup, Balcomb & White Rose Trophies

 

Norfolk’s Middleton Cup campaign got of to a disappointing start with a narrow defeat to near neighbours Suffolk at the Felixstowe & Suffolk BC by 114 shots to 106 with Norfolk taking only 4 of the 22 points at stake.

 

Whilst Norfolk took an early lead of 3 shots at the 5 end stage, Suffolk levelled the match at the halfway stage and then took a narrow lead which they maintained to secure a narrow victory. Leicestershire beat Northamptonshire in the other group match 122-11 taking 17½ points.

 

Peter Boldero’s rink maintained their fine run with a 6 shot win and Andy Siely’s rink got home by 9 shots against Mark Royal. The rinks skipped by Wayne Willgress, Philip Barr & George Tubby all lost narrowly with matches being decided on the last end whilst Jake Willgress suffered a heavy defeat to John Catchpole

 

With three group matches remaining Norfolk must avoid any further slip ups and next Saturday’s match against Northamptonshire becomes crucial and is a must win if Norfolk are to retain hope of qualifying for the quarter final stage.

 

Despite the defeat to Suffolk Manager Brian Taylor has named an unchanged side for the Northamptonshire match.

 

Rink scores:-

Max Harrison, Roger Guy, Chris Gaul & Peter Boldero 21 S. Sampson 15

John Ottaway, Mick Brown, Paul Shackcloth & Philip Barr 17 Martin Rumsby 18

John Tufts, Richard Summers, Stephen Winter & Wayne Willgress 18 Richard Leeder 19

Tom Baker, Bernie Perrett, Mark Riches & George Tubby 20 M.Gill 22

Andy McNamara, James Segolo, Peter Wilkinson & Andy Siely 20 Mark Royal 11

Daniel Seabourne, Liam Stevenson, Ian Whiley & Jake Willgress 10 John Catchpole 29

 

There was better news in the Balcomb Trophy & White Rose Trophy with both Norfolk teams progressing to the regional finals.

 

In the Balcomb Trophy played at County Arts, Norfolk beat Essex 35-30 with Peter Boldero’s rink beating Mark Nullmyers 22-15 and Philip Barr’s losing 15-13 to Ed Morris. The regional finals will be held on 21st June with the venue still to be confirmed but likely to be Maulden BC in Bedfordshire.

 

The White Rose Trophy was played at Norfolk BC with Norfolk entertaining Hertfordshire and coming away with a 46-34 victory. Jake Willgress’s rink secured a fine 27-12 win over Craig Kilford and James Segolo’s losing 22-19 to Tom Muir. The regional finals will be held on 14th June with the venue still to be confirmed but likely to be Whittlesey Manor BC.

 

The Bowls England Junior International Trial was held at Victoria Park in Royal Leamington Spa last weekend with Norfolk represented by Jake Willgress, James Segolo & Daniel Seabourne. All three Norfolk players came through the trial successfully and have been selected in the 32 player International squad from which the team to represent England in the British Isles Junior International Championships in September will be selected following the International Squad Day to be held on 5th July.

 

 

 

17 May 2015       Norfolk teams for Middleton Cup, Balcomb & White Rose Trophies

 

Norfolk open their Middleton Cup campaign with a trip to Felixstowe on Saturday 30th May to play local rivals Suffolk, the first time they have met in this competition since 2008.

 

Having reached the final last year before losing to Hampshire, Norfolk will be looking to go one better this year and after the Suffolk match they play Northamptonshire, Essex & Leicestershire in their other group matches, with the group winner going forward to the quarter finals.

 

The team selected shows a couple of changes and is

 

Max Harrison, Roger Guy, Chris Gaul & Peter Boldero

John Ottaway, Mick Brown, Paul Shackcloth & Philip Barr

John Tufts, Richard Summers, Stephen Winter & Wayne Willgress

Tom Baker, Bernie Perrett, Mark Riches & George Tubby

Andy McNamara, Peter Wilkinson, Andy Siely & Darren Rowsell

Daniel Seabourne, Liam Stevenson, Ian Whiley & Jake Willgress

 

Reserves: Gary Mallett, James Segolo, Alistair Stevenson & Mark Turner

 

Ahead of the Middleton Cup, Norfolk play Essex in the Balcomb Trophy, the National Inter-County Two Rink championship, at County Arts on Sunday 24th May at 11.00am and the following team has been selected:-

 

Daniel Seabourne, George Tubby, Stephen Winter & Wayne Willgress

Max Harrison, Mick Brown, Jake Willgress & Philip Barr

 

On the same day at Norfolk Bowling Club (at 4.00pm) Norfolk entertain Hertfordshire in the White Rose Trophy, the National Under 25 Two rink championship. Having beaten Essex emphatically in the previous, an unchanged team has been selected, namely:-

 

John Tufts, Jack Wells, Daniel Seabourne & Jake Willgress

Ollie Allen, Dan Mills, Tom Segolo & James Segolo

 

The winners of both the Balcomb & White Rose Trophy matches qualify for the regional finals which will be held in June.

 

 

10 May 2015       Norfolk victory in White Rose Trophy

 

In the National White Rose Trophy Under 25 Two Rink championship, Norfolk swept to a convincing victory over Essex at Norfolk BC by 44 shots 24. Both rinks were successful with the rink skipped by James Segolo with his twin brother Tom at number 3, winning by 17 shots whilst Jake Willgress’s rink secured a narrow 3 shot victory.

 

In the next round Norfolk have a home tie against Hertfordshire, with the winners progressing to the Regional finals

 

Rink scores

John Tufts, Jack Wells, Daniel Seabourne & Jake Willgress 15

Sam Moss, Daniel Hughes, Ryan Mann & Charlie Butcher 12

 

Ollie Allen, Dan Mills, Tom Segolo & James Segolo 29

James Fuge, Josh Heffernan, Conor Mathers & Lee Chaplin 12

 

 

07 May 2015       Aylsham withdrawals from North 2 League

 

Please note Aylsham have withdrawn from North 2. Will all clubs in North 2 please revise their fixtures lists.

 

 

04 May 2015       Norfolk open their Eastern Counties League title defence with a victory

 

Norfolk opened the defence of their Eastern Counties League title with victory over Huntingdonshire at Brampton Institute BC on Saturday by 114 shots to 109. Although early in the season this was a good victory against a strong Huntingdonshire team and sets up the county well for the Middleton Cup campaign that begins at the end of the month.

 

The win owed much to the rink skipped by Jake Willgress which was victorious by 21 shots and was backed up with wins by the rinks skipped by George Tubby and David Smith.

 

Rink scores:-

Daniel Seabourne, Danny Mills, James Segolo & David Smith 21 Ed Elmore 20

John Tufts, Matt Flatman, Liam Stevenson & Jake Willgress 32 Lewis Baker 11

Gary Mallett, Bernie Perrett, Paul Shackcloth & Darren Rowsell 13 Tristan Morton 21

Andy McNamara, Alistair Stevenson, Danny Noble & George Tubby 20 Nick Brett 16

Tom Baker, Richard Summers, Mark Riches & Stephen Winter 18 Ean Morton 21

Colin Brown, George Hunter, Don Whyatt & Tony Dunton 10 Geoff Barlow 20

 

Next Sunday at 11.00am Norfolk’s young bowlers play Essex at Norfolk BC in the preliminary round of the Bowls England White Rose Trophy. Jake Willgress, the newly appointed Under 25 team manager, has selected the following team which will be looking to go a stage further than last year when then lost in the semi final to Surrey.

 

Selected team:

John Tufts, Jack Wells, Daniel Seabourne & Jake Willgress

Ollie Allen, Dean Rudling, Tom Segolo & James Segolo

 

 

29 Apr 2015        Team withdrawals from Hansells Norfolk Bowls League

 

Please note Cantley have withdrawn from East 1, St Marks have withdrawn from East 2 and Bradenham have withdrawn from Central 2. Will all clubs in East 1, East 2 & Central 2 please revise their fixtures lists.

 

 

28 Apr 2015        Norfolk team in action in Eastern Counties League

 

The outdoor bowls season gets under way at the beginning of May with the County team in action on the first weekend as they build up to the Middleton Cup which starts later in the month. Having been beaten in the final last year Norfolk will be looking to go one step further this season.

 

Manager Brian Taylor is confident of success this year saying “we did very well last year and with an exciting crop of young players coming through mixed with our experienced players the future looks bright. I expect the nucleus of the team to remain from last year but there are opportunities to break into the team”

 

Following changes to the groups Norfolk’s opponents have changed and see them play local rivals Suffolk, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire & Essex.

 

The Middleton Cup campaign kicks off with a visit to Felixstowe to play Suffolk on 30th May and is then followed by a home match at County Arts against Northamptonshire on 6th June and then Essex at Essex County BC on 20th June and finally Leicestershire at County Arts on 4th July.

 

Ahead of the opening Middleton Cup match Norfolk begin the defence of their Eastern Counties League title with a match against Huntingdonshire on 2nd May at Brampton Institute with the following team selected.

 

Daniel Seabourne, Danny Mills, James Segolo & David Smith

John Tufts, Matt Flatman, Liam Stevenson & Jake Willgress

Gary Mallett, Bernie Perrett, Paul Shackcloth & Darren Rowsell

Andy McNamara, Alistair Stevenson, Danny Noble & George Tubby

Tom Baker, Richard Summers, Mark Riches & Stephen Winter

Colin Brown, George Hunter, Don Whyatt & Tony Dunton

 

 

27 Apr 2015        Norfolk bowlers selected for England Junior International Trial

 

Congratulations to Daniel Seabourne, James Segolo & Jake Willgress who have been selected for the Men’s Junior International trial team at Victoria Park, Leamington Spa on Monday 25th May 2015.

 

20 Dec 2014         County Competitions 2015

 

County Competitions for 2015 posted to website.  click here

 

 

 

19 Dec 2014         League Fixtures for 2015

 

League fixtures for 2015 posted to website.  click here

 

 

 

18 Dec 2014         Presentation Luncheon Photos

 

Presentation Luncheon for 2014 posted to website. Photo Gallery