News

09 Jan 2021 GW Staniforth BC update

I am delighted to report that following further discussions between the Club, their Landlords & the local Council agreement has been reached for the Club to continue for the 2021 season following which further discussions will take place as to a more permanent future for the Club.

This is great news for the Club & its members and hopefully the Club will be in apposition to continue for many more years

06 Jan 2021 UPDATE to Clubs – 4^th January 2021

Firstly, I hope you, your family and your fellow Club members are all keeping safe & well during the challenging times we all find ourselves in. Sadly, several of our members have passed away in recent months and I offer my sincere condolences to their families & friends.

Further to the update I issued in August as the very limited 2020 season was drawing to a close, much has changed in the meantime though the situation is far from clear as to where we will be when the 2021 season gets underway. However, the release of the vaccine does give cause for hope that we will be in a position to get back on the greens. As I have previously mentioned as a County we are putting in place plans for a full County programme similar to previous years but will need to constantly review this based on any restrictions which might be in place and if and when anything changes, I will let you know

As I said in August, in view of the unprecedented times we continue to find ourselves in it may be necessary for us to impose certain approaches in the short term and that are not fully in line with our Constitution & Rules. Any actions & decisions made will always be made with the best interests of the County & it’s Clubs in line with Object 2(a) of our Constitution “to promote, foster & safeguard the game of outdoor flat green bowls in the County of Norfolk” and I hope I will have your support as we move forward

I will now turn to specific matters.

1) Management Committee/Officers

The restrictions in place over recent months have meant that the Committee has not been able meet as often as they would like. However, the business of the County has continued behind the scenes and will continue to do so.

2) AGM on 14 March 2021 & Clubs Meeting

The Men’s AGM & League AGM that were due to held in December have been postponed to Sunday 14^th March. It is not yet clear if these will be able to be held and will be under constant review taking into account restrictions in place. I will advise further as soon as I can and the contingency should they not be able to be held.

The same goes for our regular Club’s Meetings and it is hoped that we will be able to meet up and there is much we need all to consider. Again, I will advise further as soon as I can

3) 2021 Competition & League Entries

As previously advised the closing date for entries to our 2021 County Championships including the Bales Cup, Lord Fermoy Cup, Jermy Cup & County League is 1^st FEBRUARY 2021. If you have not yet submitted your entries can you please do so as soon as possible as much preparatory work is needed ahead of the season. This is particularly important so far as the County League is concerned as Mark Elliott will need to consider the structure of the League based on the entries received and then to generate the fixtures. It is appreciated that the number of teams may be less than in previous years so much consideration may need to be given to this. The matter of post-match refreshments where these are provided is another matter that will need to be considered and much will depend on any restrictions which might be in place.

To date those Clubs that have submitted entries are:

Bradwell

R G Carter Group

Downham Market

Freethorpe

Great Plumstead

Harling Rec

Cliff Parade

King's Lynn

Lakeside Pilgrims

St. Lawrence

Shouldham

Thorpe Rec

West Winch

As for National Competitions entered direct to Bowls England, the closing date for entries is 1^st March and details are on the Bowls England website:-https://www.bowlsenglandcomps.com/

4) 2021 Affiliation Fees

The date for payment of Affiliation Fees has been put back to 1^st May when Clubs will have a better idea of their membership numbers and the County Treasurer will be issuing the Affiliation Fees Payment Form to you in the coming weeks. I can confirm that the fees will remain unchanged and will be:-

Bowls England playing member levy - £5.00 per player

Norfolk Bowls Association playing member levy - £2.00 per player

Annual Club Subscription to Norfolk Bowls Association - £6.00

However, should restrictions remain which result in playing season be limited or curtailed consideration will be given to the fee payment and to some extent we will be led by guidance from Bowls England.

5) Annual Club Return form

This form which Clubs complete with updated Club information & Officer details will be issued shortly. I am still waiting for details of any additional information that may be required by Bowls England and hence the reason why issue of this has been delayed.

6) Bowls England Matters

Following the appointment of Jon Cockcroft as Chief Executive, the Bowls England Board & staff have been reviewing the operation of Bowls England with a view to improving the services they provide to Clubs & County Associations. Many virtual meetings have taken place and in the coming weeks various changes & initiatives will be announced but one major initiative already announced is a National Open Weekend over the 2021 May Bank Holiday (29^th to 31^st).

Further details will be circulated in due course, which will include

· A club guide with step by step advice on planning, delivery and follow up of an open event.

· A variety of editable marketing templates such as flyers and banners.

· Digital marketing templates to be used online and on social media e.g. Facebook, Nextdoor.

· Training/Guidance/Tips for club volunteers to access in the build up to the campaign

I would ask that you consider whether your Club wants to participate. The County Management Committee will be considering its role in this and how it could support Clubs.

Bowls England have during the course of the pandemic provided guidance & support to Clubs and also used this time to carry out a comprehensive insight and development programme which will lead to a new five year strategy which is to be launched in 2021 and details will be circulated. As part of this, a consultation process will begin on staff organisation to enable the delivery of the new strategy. This will also involve the creation of four new roles Head of Communications, Events and Competitions Officer, Marketing Officer and People and Governance Officer and applications for these positions is open to all.

Summary

I appreciate that I have covered many topics but I hope you find the all of the above useful and if you have any queries or require further information then please let me know otherwise I look forward to seeing you at the next Clubs meeting or the AGM should we be able to hold these. If and when things change, I will keep you advised & updated

There is no doubt this has been a challenging year for everyone and it is important for the health of the sport that some form of normality returns for the start of the 2021 outdoor season and we all hope this will be the case and I look forward to working with everyone who cares about the game to achieve this.

In the meantime, please stay safe.

Regards, John

08 Dec 2020 GW Staniforth BC (Thetford)

Due to issues with the renewal of their Lease with their Landlords, the GW Staniforth Trust it is with reluctance that the Club has decided to close.

The GW Staniforth club has been one of the stalwarts of the Norfolk Bowls Association for many years, have always been welcoming to the Association and will be a great loss to bowlers in both the south west of the County, the County as a whole and the many clubs across the country who has visited the club.

Over the years, the Club have provided County Officers and lifted several County titles namely:-

County Officers

· County President 1968 – H.Leech

· County President 1986 – W.Massingham

· Middleton Cup Manager 2000 to 2002 – D.Betts

County titles

· Club Champions (Bales Cup) – 1997

· Jermy Cup – 2003 & 2009

· Jermy Cup – 1963

· WP Baker Cup – 1994 & 2010

· Fours 1980 – J. Whalebelly, P Carter, R. Miller & D. Betts

· Triples 1988 – M. Struthers, R. Hall & D. Betts

03 Dec 2020 BOWLS ENGLAND – Latest COVID Alert Rules

Following the introduction of the new Tier Restrictions effective from 2nd December 2020

Bowls England have issued the guidance below following the introduction of the new Tier Alert system introduced on 2^nd December 2020

We are aware that many of our clubs with artificial surfaces are keen to return to the green following the Government’s introduction of a new three-tier system to control Covid-19. We are therefore pleased to provide this short update to our members, which should be read in conjunction with our earlier guidance issued on 18^th September 2020.

Government guidance published today (Wednesday 2^nd December 2020) advises that organised outdoor sport is permitted in all three tiers therefore organised outdoor bowls can return at all COVID-19 alert levels within the rule of six, permitting play without restriction on number of households. In providing this advice, we do recommend that all participants (particularly those within Tier 3) display additional vigilance and avoid close proximity with anyone outside their household/bubble.

The following revised guidance applies to those clubs with bars/restaurants:

Tier One: MEDIUM RISK

Club bars and restaurants are permitted to be open under the rule of 6, but with table service only, between the hours of 5am to 11pm. Last orders have to be at 10pm with all guests leaving the venue by 11pm.

Tier Two: HIGH RISK

Club bars and restaurants can remain open between the hours of 5am to 11pm but are only allowed to have people from the same household / support bubble on a table. Alcohol is only permitted to be sold with a substantial meal. Last orders have to be at 10pm with guest leaving the venue by 11pm.

Tier Three: VERY HIGH RISK

Club bars and restaurants will not be allowed to open but are permitted to continue sales by takeaway, click-and-collect or delivery services.

To see which level of risk applies to you/your club please use the Government’s post code tracker.

We remind all clubs that items may be adapted as necessary to meet your club’s specific circumstances, so long as your actions remain consistent with the latest Government guidance and that the Government guidance on social distancing is adhered to at all times.

The Government will be reviewing the areas within each Tier on 16^th December 2020. To ensure you receive the latest updates from Bowls England, sign up to our e-newsletter now.

26 Nov 2020 BOWLS ENGLAND – Plans & initiatives for 2021 & beyond

A virtual meeting was held with Bowls England on 21^st November and attended by representatives from County Associations. At the meeting, Bowls England set out their plans for 2021 & beyond and please see the attached summary document detailing the matters raised and which makes interesting reading Click here

05 Nov 2020 BOWLS ENGLAND STATEMENT – COVID 19 update

4th November 2020

Following the announcement of the new restriction, Bowls England has issued the following statement. The contents are fully as expected but the good news is that essential greens maintenance may continue. Let’s hope that come December our Clubs may re-open for non- bowling activities.

Any further guidance will be published should this be forthcoming but in the meantime please continue to stay safe and let us all get through the current ‘lockdown’ without too many difficulties.

John Ottaway

We are aware that some of our clubs, particularly those with artificial surfaces, have been continuing to enjoy our sport in a Covid-friendly manner.

However, the Government has announced that all indoor and outdoor leisure facilities must close from Thursday 5th November as part of the national lockdown to control the spread of Covid-19. Therefore, no outdoor bowling activity will be permitted from this date and clubs must remain closed for any other non-bowling activity, for example meetings and social events.

We are aware that some clubs are also seeking advice on greens maintenance. The Government guidance is that where people cannot work from home they should continue to travel to work/attend their workplace and therefore we advise that essential greens maintenance work can continue. The Government advises that the risk of transmission can be substantially reduced by following COVID-secure guidelines closely.

The new measures will apply nationally for four weeks up to Wednesday 2nd December. At the end of this period, the Government will look to return to a regional approach, based on the latest data, and we shall advise clubs further at that stage.

Full details on the new national restrictions can be viewed here.

26 Oct 2020 NORFOLK BOWLS ASSOCIATION – Update to Clubs

I hope you & and your members are keeping safe and well.

I am now able to give up an update on various matters on County affairs.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Men’s Annual General Meeting is scheduled for 13^th December 2020 but in light of the restrictions currently in place and the probability that these will still be in place or even more restrictive on the date of the AGM, the Management Committee has met to discuss if & how the AGM could be held. Various options were considered:

· To hold the AGM as normal

· To hold the AGM virtually

· To deal with the AGM business by email & proxy votes

· To defer the AGM to a later date

After much consideration on each of the options, it has been decided to defer the AGM to a later date with a date of Sunday 14^th March pencilled in when it is hoped that restrictions will have eased. Whilst the deferral is not in accordance with the Men’s Rules, I trust you will agree that taking into account all matters & with the safety & wellbeing of delegates paramount, this is the best course of action available to us. Under our Constitution Object 2(a) states, the objective of the Association is “to promote, foster & safeguard the game of outdoor flat green bowls in the County of Norfolk” and this is what I believe we are doing. By deferring the AGM, the business of the Association can continue with all existing officers remaining in place until the AGM is held. Should it not be possible to hold the AGM in its usual format in March then further consideration will be given as to how we move forward.

LEAGUE AGM

This normally follows the Men’s AGM and as with the Men’s AGM, the Management Committee has decided to defer the League AGM to follow immediately after the main AGM with 14^th March pencilled in. As with Men’s Officers, the League Officers will remain in position until the League AGM with League business continuing in the meantime.

As for the League and the plans for the 2021 season, at this stage we are anticipating the league will be played under the same format as in other years but with the situation as it exists and as it maybe when the season gets underway this may have to be reviewed. The League AGM in March, provided it is able to be held, will give us the opportunity to consider this ahead of the season getting under way. With the change to the League entry date being put back to 1^st February along with entries to Competitions, Mark Elliott, the League Secretary will not be in a position to confirm the League structure until after this date and it is hoped that this will not present problems to Clubs. The League fixtures will be published as soon as possible after the league structure is set and this will be a little later than in previous years and again hopefully this will not present problems as Clubs will be able to set aside Wednesday evenings for the League fixtures and then add the actual fixtures when these are known. Should you have any questions concerning league entries, league structure & fixtures then can I please ask you to direct these to the Hon. League Secretary, Mark Elliott.

PRESIDENT 2021

It was hoped that Denis West would be able to continue his Presidency to cover the 2021 season but due to personal circumstances, he is unable to do so. Harry Geary, the Senior Vice President did not have the opportunity to learn the ‘President’s ropes’ during 2020 so will continue in that role during 2021 and assume the Presidency in 2022. Hence, we will not have a President in position for the 2021 season and in view of this a President for the Day, from past Presidents of the Association will be appointed for each County event, much as happened in Colin Brown’s year. The Junior Vice President position remains vacant and if you know of anyone who may be interested in the position then I would be very pleased to hear.

MIDDLETON CUP MANAGER

With the 2020 Middleton Cup programme having been cancelled I can confirm that Mark Turner’s period as our Middleton Cup Manager has been extended by 1 year so will cover the period up to & including the 2022 season.

GENERAL MATTERS

I am conscious that much information has been provided over past months and as an aide to you, I thought I would confirm some key dates:

· Closing date for entries to County Championships, Team Competitions & County League -1^st February 2021

· Date for payment of Affiliation Fees – 1^st May 2020 (please note the relevant Fees payment form has not yet been issued and will be in early 2021)

· Club Annual Return Form - this has not yet been issued and will not be until the new year when Bowls England confirm any additional Club information they may require

Changes to Competition Regulations & other matters relating to Championships & Competitions have been made by Bowls England to provide players with greater flexibility and confidence when entering competitive events.

· Junior Pairs – whilst this continues to be played over 18 ends it will now be 3 bowls per player

· Family Pairs – the eligibility rules have changed to allow husband/wife & civil partners (please note this is a National Competition run direct by Bowls England)

· The entry date for National Competitions administered direct by Bowls England has been changed to 1^st March with no deadline extension

· Entries will be accepted from any individual that will be a member of a club affiliated to Bowls England on 1^st May annually

· Should the National Championships and/or National Competitions not take place in 2021 due to Covid-19 a full refund will be offered

· As a condition of entry in National Championships and National Competitions, all entrants must give contact information in accordance with current ‘Test and Trace’ requirements, with the choice to ‘opt in’ for Bowls England communications.

I hope you find the above useful and if you have any questions particularly on the deferral of the AGM then please let me know.

Finally on behalf of the County Association I would thank you for all you have done to keep your members safe over this difficult period and for keeping our great sport alive and lets all hope for a better 2021.

John Ottaway

Norfolk Bowls Association Hon. Men’s Secretary 26^th October 2020

30 Sep 2020 Notice to Clubs on the next Clubs Meeting & Annual General Meeting

Due to current COVID 19 restrictions in place and with the safety & well-being of members paramount, it is with reluctance that the next meeting of Clubs due to be held at the end of September has been cancelled. Whilst it is disappointing that we cannot get together to discuss all that has occurred over the past few months and the planning for the 2021 season, I am sure you will agree the correct decision has been made. Hopefully there will be some easing of the restrictions that will allow us to meet but following the Government advice recently given this does not seem likely in the near future. I will however keep monitoring the situation and will advise further.

The next significant date is our Annual General Meeting scheduled for 13th December 2020. This is a little way ahead and the Management Committee will be meeting shortly to decide if this can go ahead and in what format. The possibilities are:-

· To hold the AGM as usual provided restrictions allow

· To defer the AGM to a later date

· To hold a ‘virtual meeting’ (though this does not seem practical but will be considered)

· To deal with the business of the AGM, including Motions, Nomination of Officers, Approval of the Annual Accounts & acceptance of Officer Reports by way of email.

I will advise as soon as I can.

The situation will be the same for the League Annual General Meeting which follows the main AGM and I will be discussing this with Mark Elliott, the League Secretary.

John Ottaway

Hon. Men’s Secretary

Norfolk Bowls Association

28th September 2020

21 Sep 2020 BOWLS ENGLAND – COVID - Updated Guidance for Lawn Bowls

Bowls England have updated their guidance re: COVID 19 including guidance on the holding of meetings. The updated guidance issued on 18th September 2020 is:-

GUIDANCE FOR LAWN BOWLS (Click here)

MEETING ADVICE (Click here)

10 Aug 2020 BOWLS ENGLAND launch LETS ROLL Recruitment Drive

Bowls England have just released a couple of initiatives.

Lets Roll (Click here)

Alternative Bowls Formats (Click here)

04 Aug 2020 BOWLS ENGLAND – COVID-19: LATEST GUIDANCE FOR LAWN BOWLS CLUBS

Bowls England have updated their Guidelines. Guidance to Clubs

15 July 2020 Norfolk Clubs Re-opening Details for the 2020 Season

	Is Club opening?
Club	YES/NO	If YES - date	Comments
Acle St Edmunds	YES	07/06/2020
Aldiss Park	YES	20/05/2020
Ashill
Bradwell	YES	08/06/2020
Caister-on-Sea			Opening being considered July 2020
Castle Acre Coronation	YES	23/05/2020
Cawston	YES	01/06/2020
Cliff Parade (Hunstanton)	NO		Opening being considered mid July 2020
Connaught	YES	01/07/2020	Per Connaught website
County Arts	YES	22/06/2020
Cromer Marrams	YES	25/05/2020
Cromer Suffield Park	YES	15/06/2020
Dereham St. Nicholas	YES
Dickleburgh
Diss and District	YES	01/07/2020
Downham Conservative	YES
Downham Market	YES
Fakenham Town
Feltwell
Freethorpe	YES	01/06/2020
Gissing	YES	01/06/2020
Gorleston
Gorleston Links	YES	22/06/2020	Per Gorleston Links website
Great Plumstead	YES	23/05/2020
GW Staniforth
Harling Recreation	YES	05/06/2020
Hingham Rectory	YES	13/07/2020
Holt
Hunstanton	YES	27/05/2020
King's Lynn	YES	22/06/2020	To open on 22/06/2020
Lakeside Pilgrims	YES
Long Stratton	YES	01/06/2020
Martham	YES	22/05/2020
Mundford Village	TBA	mid June	Still to decided on re-opening date
Norfolk Bowling Club	YES	07/07/2020	Limited to Tues to Fri between 2pm & 4pm
North Walsham Wanderers
Northwold
Norwich Union	YES	22/06/2020	Green share with County Arts
Reepham Nomads
RG Carter Group	YES	29/06/2020
Saxon	YES	01/06/2020
Scole & District
Sheringham Morley	NO		But still being considered
Shipdham	YES
Shotford	YES		Limited opening
Shouldham	YES	01/06/2020
St. Lawrence
Swaffham Town	NO		Will not open until things change
Thorpe Recreation	YES	15/06/2020
Upwell	NO
Watton (Loch Neaton)	YES	28/05/2020
West Winch	YES	15/06/2020
Wicklewood	NO
Wootton Park
Wortwell	YES		Limited to under 70s only
Wymondham Dell	NO
Summary		%age
Number Opened	35	62.50%
Number NOT Opened	6	10.71%
Number to confirm	1	1.79%
Number not yet advised	14	25.00%
TOTAL	56
Details are as at:-	13/07/20

03 June 2020 BOWLS ENGLAND – COVID-19: SUPPLEMENTARY GUIDANCE FOR LAWN BOWLS CLUBS

Bowls England have updated their Guidelines following the easing of the lockdown regulations at the weekend. Guidance to Clubs & FAQ's

15 May 2020 BOWLS ENGLAND – Coronavirus COVID 19 - GUIDANCE FOR CLUBS

The Government (DCMS) has published its full guidance on the return of outdoor sport and recreation, including lawn bowls. Following this Bowls England have issued bowls specific guidance to Clubs which has been approved by DCMS and this is attached. Guidance to Clubs

Should you wish to view the Government guidance in detail, please go to: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation

If you have any questions, please e-mail: enquiries@bowlsengland.com. They are there to help and will endeavour to respond within three working days.

19 Mar 2020 Norfolk Bowls Association Statement

You will have seen yesterday the Statement issued by Bowls England which curtails their bowling activities for the forthcoming season. If you have not already read the Statement then I urge you to do so. Guidance from Bowls was being awaited before we came to any decisions and in the light of this and & latest Government advice regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) I can now confirm the cancellation of ALL County events

Norfolk County Championships

Junior Singles

Junior Pairs

Singles

2 Bowl Singles

Pairs

Triples

Fours

Senior Fours

Norfolk Team Championships

Bales Cup, Lord Fermoy Cup & Jermy Cup

Norfolk County League programme

County Friendly & Presidents Invitation matches

Those up to mid-June have been cancelled with the reminder to be reviewed at a later date

Bowls England National Competitions

Full details are included in the Bowls England Statement and include Middleton Cup, Balcomb Trophy & White Rose Trophy

At present, there has been no confirmation that the Eastern Counties League has been cancelled but I expect this will be the case.

All County Management Committee Meetings have been cancelled until further notice

In light of the Statement issued by Bowls England there are other matters that are under consideration and on which I will advise as soon as I can:-

Refund of Affiliation Fees paid both to Bowls England & Norfolk Bowls Association

Bowls England Membership Register

We will constantly review the situation as it develops over the coming months to determine if any events could take place later in the season.

In coming to the above, the primary concern has been the health & well-being of our members & trust you will all understand this

& PLEASE STAY SAFE.

18 Mar 2020 VERY IMPORTANT – Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cancellation of events

The Bowls England Board met yesterday and has issued the attached statement. BE Statement

You will see that the National Championships have been cancelled so as a consequence so will our own County Championships and I fully expect the Management Committee to confirm cancellation of the County League as well as our Team events (Bales Cup, Lord Fermoy Cup) & this will be advised shortly.

In addition further information regarding the Coronavirus & its consequences will be published shortly.

16 Mar 2020 CLUBS MEETING on 29th March 2020/CORONAVIRUS (COVID19)

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus COVID19 outbreak, the ever changing situation & with a duty of care to our Officers & Members, the Clubs Meeting due to be held on 29^th March 2020 has been CANCELLED.

Clearly, the situation is changing daily & consideration will need to be given to the forthcoming season and the impact Coronavirus will have. Bowls England are working on guidance for Clubs & Counties and when received we will be in a better position to advise further.

04 Mar 2020 Statement on CORONAVIRUS

Bowls England have issued the following statement regarding Coronavirus:-

BOWLS ENGLAND STATEMENT: CORONAVIRUS

Following a number of queries received by Bowls England, and the media attention surrounding Coronavirus, Bowls England wishes to advise that no events under its jurisdiction are affected at present.

Bowls England will continue to monitor the situation and further guidance will be issued at a later date if necessary.

For more information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

As a County Association, we will be monitoring the situation and will take guidance from Bowls England & Government bodies as our new playing season approaches & further guidance will be issued as the situation develops.

07 Feb 2020 Competition Byelaws & League Rules updated

An update to the Competition Byelaws and County League Rules has been made and these are now on the Rules & Regulation page (if these do not display you may have to refresh/reload the screen)

Primarily the changes relate to dress code in both Competitions & the County League and will now permit the wearing of approved coloured apparel which brings our byelaws & rules into line with Bowls England Regulations. At present, no Club has sought approval for coloured apparel but the rule changes made will cover the situation should any Club do so at a later date provided approval is given.

Other changes made cover the procedure for handling Competition fixtures and results and prize presentations.

The County League rule 14(c) relating to the Hansells Cup has been changed to cover the situation that we now have with only three Zone 2s. The Hansells Cup play-off consists of 4 teams and for the 2020 season, those teams qualifying for the play-offs will be the winners of Zones East 2, South 2 & West 2 along with the best runner up from these Zones with the best runner-up determined by the best the points to matches played average.

Finally, when updating the byelaws & rules, the opportunity has also been taken to carry out a tidy up which are mainly of a grammatical & formatting nature.

To summarise, the main changes made are as follows:-

Competition Byelaws

· Rule 5  - Dress Code updated to cover approved coloured apparel

· Rules 10 & 11 – the process for Competition fixture & result notification has been updated

County League

· Rule 11 - Dress Code updated to cover approved coloured apparel

· Rule 14 (c) – Hansells League Cup updated to cover the situation where there are not four Zones 2 & 3, which is currently the case.

28 Jan 2020 Downham Mkt BC new Location

Please note that Downham Market BC are to relocate for the 2020 season to Downham Market Conservatives BC so their new location will be:-

Eagle House, Bridge Street, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9DH

(Club telephone no. 01366 382257) New Location

22 Jan 2020 Harry Geary appointed Senior Vice- President

At a meeting of the Men’s Management Meeting held on 21st January 2020, Harry Geary of Dereham St. Nicholas BC was appointed Senior Vice- President. Many congratulations to Harry & we all wish him well in this position. Photo

10 Dec 2019 Norfolk Bowls Association County League AGM

Summary of matters at the Norfolk Bowls Association AGM held on 8^th December 2019

Following the AGM held on 8^th December 2019, the key points are summarised below.

Main AGM business

Denis West (Aldiss Park) was elected President for 2020

Harry Geary (Dereham St Nicholas) has been nominated as Senior Vice President and his appointment will be ratified at the next meeting of the Management Committee to be held early in the new-year

The Junior Vice President position remains vacant

John Mason (County Arts) was appointed Assistant Secretary

Other matters

After the discussions at the last Clubs Meeting, the following is confirmed

Dress code of County Championships & County League

The relevant regulations will be changed to bring these into line with Bowls England Regulations covering the wearing of approved coloured clothing

Annual Luncheon & Prize Presentation

This will not be held in 2020 with Presentations to the various winners to follow the finals of the individual/team County Championships and the League playoffs.

County Championship match details notification to players

The notification to the competing players in the individual County Championships will change in 2020 to be via email rather than the sending of next round scorecards.

County Competition quarter finals

Following a review of the entries made the number of Group qualifiers to the quarter finals will be:

Group 1 - 2 qualifiers

Group 2 - 1 qualifier

Group 3 - 2 qualifiers

Group 4 - 3 qualifiers

Further details on each of these other matters will be issued in due course.

On a separate matter, the draws for the County Championships & compilation of fixtures for the County League should be carried out before the end of year with a view to publishing these early in the 2020.

18 Nov 2019 Norfolk Bowls Association County League AGM

The AGM of the NORFOLK BOWLS ASSOCIATION County League will take place on SUNDAY 8th DECEMBER 2019 at the COUNTY ARTS BOWLS CLUB immediately following the Men’s AGM.

AGENDA – click here

League Secretary’s Report – click here

League Structure for 2020 – click here

14 Nov 2019 Peter Cottee appointed Eastern Counties Bowling Association President

I am delighted to advise that Peter Cottee of Diss & District BC, our President in 2013, has been installed as President of the Eastern Counties Bowling Association for 2020.

John Ottaway

Hon. Men’s Secretary

04 Nov 2019 Norfolk Bowls Association AGM

The MEN’S ANNUAL MEETING of the NORFOLK BOWLS ASSOCIATION will take place on SUNDAY 8th DECEMBER 2019 at 9.30am at the COUNTY ARTS BOWLS CLUB.

AGENDA – click here

08 Oct 2019 Report of Clubs Meeting held on 29^th Sept 2019 at Wymondham Dell

Summary Report from Meeting – click here

16 Sept 2019 Norfolk successes in Eastern Counties Bowling Association Championships

Norfolk had double success at the Eastern Counties Bowling Association Championships held at Bishops Stortford BC on Saturday with Max Harrison of Downham Market BC lifting the Singles title & Ryan Hudson, Tom Baker & Vernon Hudson of Wootton Park taking the Triples crown.

In the semi-final, Harrison had a comfortable victory by 21-10 over Cambridgeshire’s Ian Miller and took the title by beating Richard Leeder of Suffolk 21-16.

Wootton Park had a narrow 15-14 victory over Essex’s Simon Kittle, Kevin Watkins & Gary Telling and then went on to beat Brad Herbert, Sam Nickerson & Toby Furzeland 21-12 in the final.

10 Sept 2019 County Competition History & Statistics

County Championships History & Statistics can be found on the Roll of Honours page from the left hand menu bar on the home page or follow the link to "County Championships History & Statistics”

Hopefully this will be of interest.

08 Sept 2019 John Woodcock Trophy

The annual fours tournament for the John Woodcock Trophy has been won by Ryan Garman, Matthew Warnes, Jack Wells & Peter Boldero.

This charity tournament, played at County Arts, in memory of John Woodcock is now in its 36^th year and throughout has raised money for the “Big C” appeal and this year a sum of over £1,000 has been raised.

In the final, Boldero’s rink beat the rink of Aaron Johnson, Matt Flatman, Karl Brooks & Chris Wells 10 shots to 1 having beaten Dan Mills, Clive Derry, Bernie Perrett & Philip Barr 10-7 in the semi-final. In the other semi-final, Well’s rink beat Matt Carter, Tom Cooper, George Tubby & David Smith 9-8.

05 Sept 2019 BE National Championships & Competitions

Norfolk qualifiers & results

Summary

Although the results were generally disappointing, all players were a credit to the County & represented the County in an exemplary manner.

Special mention must be made of Peter Wilkinson who reached the semi-final of the Senior Singles before losing to the eventual winner and the quarter final of the 2 bowl singles and also to Max Harrison who reached the quarter final of the Singles. In addition, Norfolk BC reached the quarter final of the Club Two Fours

Full details of the results of all matches may be found on the Bowls England website - https://bowlsengland.247.tv/ & https://www.bowlsengland.com/category/national-championships/

Results

Junior Singles

Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC)

Dan Mills (County Arts BC)

Both lost in round 3 (last 16)

Junior Pairs

Adam Hunt & Jack Larter (County Arts BC)

Lost in round 2 (last 16)

Fours

Stephen Reynolds, John Hunter, Michael Hunter & Ken Breame (RG Carter Group BC)

John Tufts, Tom Segolo, Richard Summers & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)

RG Carter Group lost in preliminary round

Norfolk BC lost in lost in round 3 (last 16)

Triples

Ryan Hudson, Tom Baker & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park BC)

Ollie Allen, Aaron Stimson & Kevin Baker (Diss & District BC)

Wootton Park lost in preliminary round

Diss & District lost in round 1

Pairs

Tom Segolo & James Segolo (Norfolk BC)

Peter Wilkinson & Philip Barr (County Arts BC)

Norfolk BC lost in round 2

County Arts lost in round 1

Two bowl Singles

Tom Baker (Wootton Park BC)

Peter Wilkinson (County Arts BC)

Tom Baker lost in round 1

Peter Wilkinson lost in quarter final

Singles

Max Harrison (Downham Market BC)

Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC)

Tom Segolo lost in round 2

Max Harrison lost in quarter final

Senior Singles

Peter Wilkinson (County Arts BC)

Lost in semi final

Senior Pairs

Barry Flatt & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell)

Lost in round 2 (last 16)

Senior Fours

Paul Groom, Barry Flatt, Garry Oakley & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell BC)

Lost in round 1

Club Two Fours

Norfolk BC

Lost in quarter finals

04 Sept 2019 Hansells Cup

The last silverware of the County season was won by Shipdham BC when they lifted the Hansells Cup in the finals played at Wymondham Dell on Saturday. In the final, they met Great Plumstead and took the title winning 76-48 and winning on all three rinks. The win capped a great season for Shipdham having reached the final stages by winning all their matches in the Central 2 League zone.

In the semi-final played earlier in the day Shipdham overcame Swaffham Town ‘A’, winners on the West 2 zone by 65 shots to 56 and in the other semi-final, Great Plumstead, winners of East 2 Zone beat Wortwell, winners of South 2 by 81 shots to 40. Finalists photo

Results

Semi-finals

Wortwell 40 Great Plumstead 81

Rink scores (skips only)

D. Riches 11 – P. Tree 32

G. Smith 12 – D. Crosby 24

J. Taylor 17 – T. Wright 25

Swaffham Town ‘A’ 56 Shipdham 65

Rink scores (skips only)

S. Garner 19 – M. Staggles 14

K. Brand 26 – D. Rudling 15

D. Futter 11 – S. Palmer 36

Final

Shipdham 76 Great Plumstead 48

Rink scores (skips only)

D. Rudling 27 – D. Crosby 17

M. Staggles 26 – P. Tree 16

S. Palmer 23 – T. Wright 15

11 Aug 2019 WP Baker Cup

St Lawrence BC are the new County League champions having won the WP Baker Cup in the League play-off finals played at Thorpe Recreation BC on Sunday, a victory which means they will also be promoted to the Premier League for the first time next season.

In the final, they beat Mundford BC by a single shot with the result decided by the last bowl of the match. With Mundford holding the 3 shots they needed to take the title, the St Lawrence skip, Mervyn Chapman reduced the count to only a single shot to take victory by 55 shots to 53. For Mundford there was heartbreak once again with this being their third defeat in the final in the last four years.

In the semi-finals played earlier in the day St Lawrence were grateful for Bob Allen’s rink win by 36 shots to 4 in their 65-34 victory over Acle St Edmunds with Mundford overcoming Cawston 67-46 with John Chalk’s rink winning 27-12.

Scores:-

Semi finals

Acle St Edmunds 34 St Lawrence 65

M. Sparrow, R. Himpleman. J. Sparrow & D. Rowsell 13 N. Parnell, K.Rippon, S. Peach & A. Hailes 16

M. Elliott, I. Anderson, S. Elliott & A. Siely 17 C. Wright, M. White, J. Fox & M. Chapman 13

J. High, B. Downie, D. Goodley & W. Willimott 4 S. Engledow, C. Humphries, M. Fox & R. Allen 36

Cawston 46 Mundford 67

A.Deal, R. Craske, N. Seager & J. Harvey 17 D. Ayms, T. Stratful, M. Monic & M. Gooch 23

E. Haywood, J. Tuddenham, C. Harmer & R. Dungar 12 D. Wright, T. Sharman, D. Hensby & J. Chalk 27

S. Hollingsworth, K. Kemp, N. Coverdale & S. Adcock 17 K. Ayer,M. Legge, K. Wilson & A. Malster 17

Final

St Lawrence 55 Mundford 53

N. Parnell, K.Rippon, S. Peach & A. Hailes 14 D. Wright, T. Sharman, D. Hensby & J. Chalk 18

S. Engledow, C. Humphries, M. Fox & R. Allen 26 K. Ayer, M. Legge, K. Wilson & A. Malster 10

C. Wright, M. White, J. Fox & M. Chapman 15 D. Ayms, T. Stratful, M. Monic & M. Gooch 25

Winners photo

04 Aug 2019 Latest News

County Arts lifted the Lord Fermoy Cup County two fours championship when they beat Norfolk BC by 36 shots to 30 in the final played at Thorpe Rec BC. The Arts last won the title in 2010 and this was their 15^th title since the championship began in 1955.

The regular County League season has now ended with Norfolk BC once again crowned Premier League champions and they have now lifted the title for the last 8 seasons. The winners of the 5 Regional Zones are Cawston, St Lawrence, Acle St Edmunds, Gissing & Mundford who now play off for the WP Baker Cup and a place in the Premier League for the 2020 season.

In the North Zone, Cawston & RG Carter Group finished level on both points and shots difference but Cawston won the title by virtue of having better head to head results in the matches between the two clubs. St Lawrence took the West title beating rivals Castle Acre Coronation in their last match. In Central, the title was in doubt until the last round of matches and it was Mundford who took the honours from Ashill. Acle St Edmunds won the East zone and have the chance to return to the Premier League following their relegation in 2018. Gissing took the honours in South following a close run battle with GW Staniforth.

The preliminary round match is between Cawston & Gissing is on Wednesday 7^th August at County Arts BC with the semi-finals and final to be played on Sunday 11^th August at Thorpe Rec BC. In the semi-finals, which start at 10.00am, the preliminary round winners meet Mundford whilst Acle St Edmunds play St. Lawrence. The final follows at 2.00pm.

The winners of the Regional Zone 2 play-off for the Hansells Cup on Saturday 31^st August at Wymondham Dell BC and sees Wortwell play Great Plumstead & Swaffham Town play Shipdham.

02 Aug 2019 Men’s 2019 Annual Luncheon & Prize Presentation

This year’s Men’s Luncheon & Prize Presentation will be held on Sunday 6^th October 2019 at the Holiday Inn Hotel at Norwich Airport. Presentation Notice

This has been a popular event for the last few years as it provides one of the few the opportunities for us to meet socially and for all bowlers & supporters to get together to celebrate the season and to present the various trophies that have been won during the season and all Competition and League winners are encouraged to attend.

Details are attached and if you are attending, then please place your order, including menu choices with your Club Secretary or alternatively with the County Secretary, John Ottaway by 12^th September 2019

At the luncheon, we hold a raffle and any raffle prizes from Clubs or members would be very much appreciated.

28 July 2019 County Comps Latest News

Max Harrison is the new County Singles Champion. The Downham Market bowler took the 2019 title for the first time with victory over the 2017 champion Norfolk BC’s Tom Segolo in a high quality encounter Harrison won 21-18 scoring the required 3 shots for victory with the scores tied at 18 all.

Segolo’s disappointment in not taking this prestigious title was tempered by him taking both the Fours & Junior Singles crowns. In the Fours alongside his Norfolk BC colleagues, he beat the quartet from RG Carter Group skipped by Ken Breame 19-14. Norfolk BC, skipped by Wayne Willgress were always in front and although Carters rallied, Norfolk BC ran out comfortable winners.

In the Junior Singles final, Segolo met Dan Mills the defending & current National Junior Singles champion and raced into a 13-0 lead. Although Mills fought back over the latter stages, Segolo got home a worthy winner by 21-13.

Segolo also featured in the final of the Pairs alongside his twin brother James where they met the experienced County Arts duo of Peter Wilkinson & Philip Barr. The twins started well leading by 8 shots to 1 but County Arts then took control to open a lead which they held on to winning 24-17. For Barr it was his first Pairs title since 2002.

Peter Wilkinson also retained the two bowl Singles title beating Wootton Park’s Tom Baker 15-9. There was however delight for Baker in the Triples final where playing with Vernon Hudson and his grandson Ryan they beat Kevin Baker’s Diss & District triple 17-15.

In the Senior Fours there was success for the host Club for the finals, Wymondham Dell, when Gary Goodrum’s four beat the defending champions County Arts skipped by Brain Taylor. The Arts seemed to have the advantage early on but the Dell finished the match strongly to win 23-15.

The last of the finals was that for the Junior Pairs and it was Alex Deal & Jack Larter from County Arts who took the crown beating the Diss & District/County Arts pairing of Aaron Stimson & Dan Mills. The Stimson/Mills combination started well but with Larter in great form got the better of them to win narrowly by 15 shots to 14.

Results

Singles

Max Harrison (Downham Market BC) 21

Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC) 18

Pairs

Tom Segolo & James Segolo (Norfolk BC) 17

Peter Wilkinson & Philip Barr (County Arts BC) 24

Triples

Ryan Hudson, Tom Baker & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park BC) 17

Ollie Allen, Aaron Stimson & Kevin Baker (Diss & District BC) 15

Fours

John Hunter, Michael Hunter, Paul Webb & Ken Breame (RG Carter Group BC) 14

John Tufts, Tom Segolo, Richard Summers & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 19

Two bowl Singles

Tom Baker (Wootton Park BC) 9

Peter Wilkinson (County Arts BC) 15

Senior Fours

Peter Richmond, Barry Flatt, Garry Oakley & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell BC) 23

Gary Mallett, Malcolm Nicholson, Mick Brown & Brian Taylor (County Arts BC) 15

Junior Singles

Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC) 21

Dan Mills (County Arts BC) 13

Pairs

Tom Segolo & James Segolo (Norfolk BC) 17

Peter Wilkinson & Philip Barr (County Arts BC) 24

Junior Pairs

Alex Deal & Jack Larter (County Arts BC) 15

Dan Mills & Aaron Stimson (County Arts BC/Diss & District BC) 14

Norfolk BC are the new Club Champions, lifting the Bales Cup by beating Downham Market 76-60 in the final. Norfolk BC were always in charge and although Downham did reduce the lead to single figures, Norfolk BC ran out deserved winners. Earlier in week, Norfolk BC also retained the Premier League title and next Thursday have the chance to achieve the treble when they meet County Arts in the final of Lord Fermoy Cup double fours championship at Thorpe Recreation BC.

22 July 2019 County Comps Latest News

The semi-finals of the Norfolk Bowls Association championships were played over the past week with Norfolk BC’s Tom Segolo the star of the show having reached the final in the Singles, Pairs, Fours & Junior Singles. Wootton Park’s Tom Baker has reached 2 finals, Two bowl Singles & Triples and Peter Wilkinson of County Arts is in the final of the Pairs & Two bowl Singles.

The blue riband Singles will be between Tom Segolo who will be looking to regain the title he won in 2017 and Max Harrison of Downham Market who will be seeking his first County Singles title. In the semi-finals, Segolo survived a strong fightback from Gino Gallent of Martham whilst Harrison proved too strong for Tom Baker.

Peter Wilkinson will meet Tom Baker in the 2 bowl Singles final with both having comfortable semi-final victories over Alan Willer of Ashill and Aaron Johnson of Norfolk BC

In Pairs, Segolo & his twin brother, James meet the experienced County Art’s due of Peter Wilkinson & Philip Barr with both finalists having comfortable semi-final victories over pairs from Wymondham Dell & Dereham St. Nicholas.

Kevin Baker’s Diss & District trio will meet those from Wootton Park in the Triples. Baker endured a few nervy moments to beat Andy Siely’s Acle triple in the semi-final whilst Hudson after building up a good lead just held off the challenge of Peter Roseblade’s Wymondham threesome.

RG Carters four skipped by Ken Breame, winners of the title in 2011, will be looking to lift the fours title again when they meet Wayne Willgress’s quartet from Norfolk BC. In the semi-finals Norfolk BC were far too strong for Northwold’s foursome skipped by Roger Preston whilst RG Carter’s came through a tight encounter against Mervyn Chapman’s four from St Lawrence.

Dan Mills, the current National Junior Singles champion will be looking to retain the County Junior Singles title when he meets Tom Segolo in the final. Mills will also feature in the final of the Junior Pairs along with Aaron Stimson. In the semi-final they had a single shot victory over the Segolo twins & in the final they will meet the County Arts duo of Adam Hunt & Jack Larter who overcame Rhys Morgan & Dan Cawthorne also by a single shot.

Last year’s winners of the Senior Fours, County Arts are on course to retain the title and they will face the challenge of host club Wymondham Dell, skipped by Gary Goodrum in the final.

The finalists of all competitions will represent Norfolk in the Bowls England National Championships at Leamington Spa in August apart from the Junior Singles & Senior Fours where only the winners qualify.

The County finals will be played at Wymondham Dell on Saturday 27^th & Sunday 28^th July when all spectators are welcome to what should be a great couple of days of bowls & the programme of matches is:-

Final programme Final Notice

Saturday 27^th July 2019 at 10.00 am

Fours

Paul Webb, John Hunter, Michael Hunter & Ken Breame (RG Carter Group BC) -v- John Tufts, Tom Segolo, Richard Summers & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)

Triples

Lee Seppings, Tom Baker & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park BC) -v- Ollie Allen, Aaron Stimson & Kevin Baker (Diss & District BC)

Saturday 27^th July at 2.00pm

Singles

Max Harrison (Downham Market BC) -v- Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC)

Two bowl Singles

Tom Baker (Wootton Park BC) -v- Peter Wilkinson (County Arts BC)

Senior Fours

Peter Richmond, Barry Flatt, Garry Oakley & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell BC) -v- Gary Mallett, Malcolm Nicholson, Mick Brown & Brian Taylor (County Arts BC)

Sunday 28^th July 2019 at 10.00 am

Junior Singles

Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC) -v- Dan Mills (County Arts BC)

Sunday 28^th July 2019 at 1.00pm

Pairs

Tom Segolo & James Segolo (Norfolk BC) -v- Peter Wilkinson & Philip Barr (County Arts BC)

Junior Pairs

Adam Hunt & Jack Larter (County Arts BC) -v- Dan Mills & Aaron Stimson (County Arts BC/Diss & District BC)

The final of the County Club Championship for the Bales Cup between Norfolk BC & Downham Market takes place on Friday 26^th July at Wymondham Dell. Norfolk BC has won this prestigious title on 9 occasions, the last time in 2013 whilst Downham Market will be looking for their 5^th title & their first since 2001.

County Championship semi-final results

Fours

Chris Wright, Simon Peach, Andy Hailes & Mervyn Chapman (St Lawrence) 17 Stephen Reynolds, John Hunter, Michael Hunter & Kenny Breame (RG Carter Group) 18

John Tufts, Tom Segolo, Richard Summers & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 39 Abe Merrick, Steve Bedingfield, Luke Preston & Roger Preston (Northwold) 5

Triples

Lee Seppings, Tom Baker & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park) 18 Geoff Batley, Roger Guy & Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell) 14

John Colcombe, Darren Rowsell & Andy Siely (Acle St Edmund) 10 Brian Earyee (sub), Aaron Stimson & Kevin Baker (Diss & District) 20

Pairs

Roger Guy & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) 9 James Segolo & Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC) 26

Simon Turner & Terry Frost (Dereham St. Nicholas) 9 Philip Barr & Peter Wilkinson (County Arts) 24

Singles

Max Harrison (Downham Market) 21 Tom Baker (Wootton Park) 4

Gino Gallent (Martham) 17 Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC) 21

Senior Fours

Peter Richmond, Barry Flatt, Garry Oakley & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell) 18 Chris Wright, Andy Hailes, Robert Allen & Mervyn Chapman (St. Lawrence) 15

Gary Mallett, Malcolm Nicholson, Mick Brown & Brian Taylor (County Arts) 23 Steve Webb, Alan Daviss, Shu Kapoor & Paul King (Bradwell)19

Two Bowl Singles

Aaron Johnson (Norfolk BC) 10 Tom Baker (Wootton Park) 14

Peter Wilkinson (County Arts) 16 Alan Willer (Ashill) 10

Junior Singles

Dan Mills (County Arts) 21 Matthew Warnes (Fakenham Town) 13

Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC) 21 Jack Larter (County Arts) 15

Junior Pairs

Dan Mills & Aaron Stimson (County Arts/Diss & District) 17 James & Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC) 16

Adam Hunt & Jack Larter (County Arts) 18 Rhys Morgan & Dan Cawthorne (Downham Market/Wootton Park) 17

14 July 2019 County Comps Latest News

Following the quarter finals the Norfolk County bowls championships have now reached the semi-finals which will be played over the coming week at various locations across the county

Once again, there are several players in more than one event, notably Tom Baker of Wootton Park in both Singles as well as the Triples & Tom Segolo of Norfolk BC in the Junior Singles, Singles, Pairs & Fours. There are also several players who have reached the semi-finals for the first time including Gino Gallent of Martham in the Singles along with Dereham St Nicholas’s Simon Turner & Terry Frost in the Pairs.

As well as progressing to the County finals which will be held at Wymondham Dell on Saturday 27^th July, the semi-final winners of all events also qualify for the Bowls England National Championships apart from the Junior Pairs & Senior Fours where only the County winners qualify. The National Championships are held at Victoria Park, Leamington Spa in from 3^rd August to 1^st September

Semi-final programme Semi-Final Notice

Monday 15^th July at GW Staniforth BC

Fours

Chris Wright, Simon Peach, Andy Hailes & Mervyn Chapman (St Lawrence) -v- Stephen Reynolds, John Hunter, Michael Hunter & Kenny Breame (RG Carter Group)

John Tufts, Tom Segolo, Richard Coverdale & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)-v- Abe Merrick, Steve Bedingfield, Luke Preston & Roger Preston (Northwold)

Two bowls Singles

Aaron Johnson (Norfolk BC) -v- Tom Baker (Wootton Park)

Peter Wilkinson (County Arts) -v- Alan Willer (Ashill)

Tuesday 16th July at Swaffham Town BC

Triples

Lee Seppings, Tom Baker & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park) -v- Geoff Batley, Roger Guy & Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell)

John Colcombe, Darren Rowsell & Andy Siely (Acle St Edmund) -v- Ollie Allen, Aaron Stimson & Kevin Baker (Diss & District)

Thursday 18th July at Aldiss Park BC

Pairs

Roger Guy & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) -v- James Segolo & Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC)

Simon Turner & Terry Frost (Dereham St. Nicholas) -v- Philip Barr & Peter Wilkinson (County Arts)

Friday 19th July at GW Staniforth BC

Singles

Max Harrison (Downham Market) -v- Tom Baker (Wootton Park)

Gino Gallent (Martham) -v- Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC)

Sunday 21^st July at Wymondham Dell (at 10.00am)

Junior Pairs

James Segolo & Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC) -v- Dan Mills & Aaron Stimson (County Arts/Diss & District)

Adam Hunt & Jack Larter (County Arts) -v- Rhys Morgan & Dan Cawthorne (Downham Market/Wootton Park)

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Quarter final results

Fours

Chris Wright, Simon Peach, Andy Hailes & Mervyn Chapman (St Lawrence) 27

Geoff Batley, Garry Oakley, John Ottaway & Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell) 20

Stephen Reynolds, John Hunter, Michael Hunter & Kenny Breame (RG Carter Group) 20

Alan Skinner, John Sewell, David Coates & Allan Covell (Downham Market) 16

Ollie Allen, Aaron Stimpson, Kevin Baker & Erroll Feaveayear (Diss & District) 12

John Tufts, Tom Segolo, Richard Coverdale & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 30

Bernard Harris, Barney Wymer, Graham Punchard & David Lamb (Caister) 16

Roger Preston, Steve Bedingfield, Luke Preston & Abe Merrick (Northwold) 18

Triples

Lee Seppings, Tom Baker & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park) 17 Max Harrison, Jack Wells & Peter Boldero (Downham Market) 13

Geoff Batley, Roger Guy & Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell) 21 Bernie Perrett, Andy Weir & Jake Willgress (Norfolk BC) 5

Jake Leslie, Tom Segolo & James Segolo 8 John Colcombe, Darren Rowsell & Andy Siely (Acle St Edmund) 19

Ollie Allen, Aaron Stimson & Kevin Baker (Diss & District) 24 Ken Green, Richard Scott & Keith Brand (Swaffham Town) 12

Pairs

Roger Guy & John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) 21 Max Harrison & Peter Boldero (Downham Market) 14

Simon Turner & Terry Frost (Dereham St. Nicholas) 17 Lee Seppings & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park) 15

Philip Barr & Peter Wilkinson (County Arts) 23 Matt Flatman & Andy Weir (Norfolk BC) 22

Chris Wright & Andy Hailes (St Lawrence) 9 Tom Segolo & James Segolo (Norfolk BC) 21

Two Bowl Singles

Aaron Johnson (Norfolk BC) 17 Chris Jones (Shouldham) 8

Tom Baker (Wootton Park) 18 Bob Hall (Ashill) 3

Tony Seabourne (Freethorpe) conceded to Peter Wilkinson (County Arts)

Alan Willer (Ashill) 17 Brian Thompson (West Winch) 8

Singles

John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) 15 Max Harrison (Downham Market) 21

Tom Baker (Wootton Park) 21 Andy Siely (Acle St Edmund) 19

Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell) 20 Gino Gallent (Martham) 21

Rocky Lewis (Downham Market) 8 Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC) 21

Junior Singles

Rhys Morgan (Downham Market) conceded Jack Larter (County Arts)

Luke Preston (Northwold) 20 Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC) 21

Dan Mills (County Arts) 21 James Segolo (Norfolk BC) 11

Alex Deal (Cawston) conceded to Matthew Warnes (Fakenham Town)

The semi-finals have already been played and the results are:-

Dan Mills 21 Matthew Warnes 15

Jack Larter 15 Tom Segolo 21

Junior Pairs

Ryan Hudson & Wes Hudson (Wootton Park) conceded to James Segolo & Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC)

Bradley George & Aaron Johnson (Norfolk BC) 10 Dan Mills & Aaron Stimson (County Arts/Diss & District) 23

George Cass & Tom Cass (Norfolk BC) 12 Adam Hunt & Jack Larter (County Arts) 20

Rhys Morgan & Dan Cawthorne (Downham Market/Wootton Park) 21 Tom Cooper & Dean Rudling (Freethorpe/Shipdham) 11

07 July 2019 County Comps Latest News

There is a full programme of County Championship quarter final matches over the coming week with players striving to lift County title as well as qualifying for the Bowls England national Championships to be held at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa in August.

Full details are as follows

Fours at Swaffham Town BC on Monday 8^th July

Chris Wright, Simon Peach, Andy Hailes & Mervyn Chapman (St Lawrence) -v- Geoff Batley, Garry Oakley, John Ottaway & Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell)

Steve Reynolds, John Hunter, Michael Hunter & Kenny Breame (RG Carter Group) -v- Alan Skinner, John Sewell, David Coates & Allan Covell (Downham Market)

Ollie Allen, Aaron Stimpson, Kevin Baker & Erroll Feaveayear (Diss & District) -v- John Tufts, Tom Segolo, Richard Coverdale & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)

Bernard Harris, Barney Wymer, Graham Punchard & David Lamb (Caister) -v- Roger Preston, Steve Bedingfield, Luke Preston & Abe Merrick (Northwold)

Triples at Thorpe Recreation BC on Tuesday 9^th July

Ryan Hudson, Tom Baker & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park) -v- Max Harrison, Jack Wells & Peter Boldero (Downham Market)

Geoff Batley, Roger Guy & Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell) -v- Bernie Perrett, Andy Weir & Jake Willgress (Norfolk BC)

Jake Leslie, Tom Segolo & James Segolo -v- John Colcombe, Darren Rowsell & Andy Siely (Acle St Edmund)

Ollie Allen, Aaron Stimson & Kevin Baker (Diss & District) -v- Ken Green, Richard Scott & Keith Brand (Swaffham Town)

Pairs at GW Staniforth BC on Thursday 11^th July

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

Chris Wright & Andy Hailes (St Lawrence) -v- Tom Segolo & James Segolo (Norfolk BC)

Pairs at Wymondham Dell BC on Thursday 11^th July

Philip Barr & Peter Wilkinson (County Arts) -v- Matt Flatman & Andy Weir (Norfolk BC)

Simon Turner & Terry Frost (Dereham St. Nicholas) -v- Lee Steppings & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park)

Two bowl singles at Swaffham Town BC on Monday 8^th July

Aaron Johnson (Norfolk BC) -v- Chris Jones (Shouldham)

Tom Baker (Wootton Park) -v- Bob Hall (Ashill)

Tony Seabourne (Freethorpe) -v- Peter Wilkinson (County Arts)

Alan Willer (Ashill) -v- Brian Thompson (West Winch)

Singles at Aldiss Park BC on Friday 12^th July

John Ottaway (Wymondham Dell) -v- Max Harrison (Downham Market)

Tom Baker (Wootton Park) -v- Andy Siely (Acle St Edmund)

Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell) -v- Gino Gallent (Martham)

Junior Singles at Wymondham Dell on Sunday 14^th July at 10.00am (to be followed by the semi-finals)

Luke Preston (Northwold) -v- Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC)

Dan Mills (County Arts) -v- James Segolo (Norfolk BC

Alex Deal (Cawston) -v- Matthew Warnes (Fakenham Town)

The quarter finals & semi-finals of the Senior Fours have already been played and the holders County Arts, skipped by Brain Taylor will meet Gary Goodrum’s Wymondham Dell quartet in the final.

In the semi-finals, Taylor was involved in a last end thriller against Paul King’s Bradwell four whilst Gary Goodrum squeezed home against St Lawrence skipped by Mervyn Chapman.

Semi-final results

Peter Richmond, Barry Flatt, Garry Oakley & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell) 18 Chris Wright, Andy Hailes, Robert Allen & Mervyn Chapman (St. Lawrence) 15

Gary Mallett, Malcolm Nicholson, Mick Brown & Brian Taylor (County Arts) 23 Steve Webb, Alan Daviss, Shu Kapoor & Paul King (Bradwell)19

The final will be played at Wymondham Dell on Saturday 27^th July along with the other finals.

The Club Championship final on 26^th July will be between Norfolk BC and Downham Market. In the semi-finals, Downham Market beat Wymondham Dell on the last end whilst Norfolk BC recovered from an early deficit to record a comfortable win over GW Staniforth.

Semi-final results

Downham Market 56 Wymondham Dell 55

Norfolk BC 68 GW Staniforth 41

01 July 2019 Jermy Cup & County Comps

The first silverware of the County season was decided at the weekend with Norfolk BC lifting the Jermy Cup at RG Carter Group BC. In the semi-final, they overcame Acle St Edmund 62-55 and then in the final beat Downham Market 66-48. Downham reached the final by beating Kings Lynn 67-40 in the other semi-final. Winners photo

The individual County Championships are now reaching the final stages with the quarter finals to be played from 6^th July and the full programme is:-

Saturday 6^th July 2019 at Aldiss Park BC at 10.00am

Quarter finals - Junior Pairs

James Segolo & Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC) -v- Wes Hudson & Ryan Hudson (Wootton Park)

Ryan Garman & Aaron Johnson (Freethorpe/Norfolk BC) -v- Aaron Stimson & Dan Mills (Diss & District/County Arts)

Tom Cass & George Cass (Norfolk BC) -v- Adam Hunt & & Jack Larter (County Arts)

Result of match already played

Rhys Morgan & Dan Cawthorne (Downham Market/Wootton Park) 21 Tom Cooper & Dean Rudling (Freethorpe/Shipdham) 11

Monday 8^th July 2019 at Swaffham Town BC at 6.30pm

Quarter finals - Fours

Chris Wright, Simon Peach, Andy Hailes & Mervyn Chapman (St Lawrence) -v- Geoff Batley, Garry Oakley, John Ottaway & Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell)

Steve Reynolds, John Hunter, Michael Hunter & Kenny Breame (RG Carter Group)

-v- Alan Skinner, John Sewell, David Coates & Allan Covell (Downham Market)

Ollie Allen, Aaron Stimpson, Kevin Baker & Erroll Feaveayear (Diss & District) -v- John Tufts, Tom Segolo, Richard Coverdale & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)

Bernard Harris, Barney Wymer, Graham Punchard & David Lamb (Caister) -v- Roger Preston, Steve Bedingfield, Luke Preston & Abe Merrick (Northwold)

Quarter finals - Two bowl Singles

at 6.30pm:-

Aaron Johnson (Norfolk BC) -v- Chris Jones (Shouldham)

Tom Baker (Wootton Park) -v- Bob Hall (Ashill)

at 7.30pm

Tony Seabourne (Freethorpe) -v- Peter Wilkinson (County Arts)

Alan Willer (Ashill) -v- Brian Thompson (West Winch)

Tuesday 9th July 2019 at Thorpe Rec BC at 6.30pm

Quarter finals - Triples

Ryan Hudson, Tom Baker & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park) -v- Max Harrison, Jack Wells & Peter Boldero (Downham Market)

Geoff Batley, Roger Guy & Peter Roseblade (Wymondham Dell) -v- Andy Weir, Bernie Perrett & Jake Willgress (Norfolk BC)

Jake Leslie, Tom Segolo & James Segolo -v- John Colcombe, Darren Rowsell & Andy Siely (Acle St Edmund)

Ollie Allen, Aaron Stimson & Kevin Baker (Diss & District) -v- Ken Green, Richard Scott & Keith Brand (Swaffham Town)

Thursday 11^th July 2019 at GW Staniforth BC at 6.30pm

Quarter finals - Pairs

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

Chris Wright & Andy Hailes (St Lawrence) -v- Tom Segolo & James Segolo (Norfolk BC)

Philip Barr & Peter Wilkinson (County Arts) -v- Matt Flatman & Andy Weir (Norfolk BC)

Simon Turner & Terry Frost (Dereham St. Nicholas) -v- Lee Steeping & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park)

Friday 12th July 2019 at Aldiss Park BC at 6.30pm

Quarter finals - Singles

Details will be known once the Area finals have been played on 2^nd July.

Sunday 14th July 2019 at Wymondham Dell BC at 10.00am

Quarter finals - Junior Singles

Luke Preston (Northwold) -v- Tom Segolo (Norfolk BC)

Dan Mills (County Arts) -v- James Segolo (Norfolk BC

Alex Deal (Cawston) -v- Matthew Warnes (Fakenham Town)

Match already completed

Rhys Morgan (Downham Market) -v- Jack Larter (County Arts) (walkover to Jack Larter)

The semi-finals will follow at approximately 1.30pm

The Quarter finals of the Senior Fours have already been played with the semi-finals to be played on Saturday 6^th July at Aldiss Park BC (at 10.00am)

The remaining semi-finals will follow completion of the other quarter finals during the week commencing 15^th July

28 June 2019 Eastern Counties League

Eastern Counties League match -v- Cambridgeshire CANCELLED

The Eastern Counties League match scheduled for Saturday 29^th June against Cambridgeshire at Thorpe Rec BC has been cancelled due to Cambridgeshire being unable to field a team.

27 June 2019 Bradwell B have withdrawn for East 2

Bradwell B have withdrawn from East 2 and therefore all their results have been expunged from East 2 league.

25 June 2019 Important:- Car Parking at Downham Mkt Bowls Club

The Downham Mkt Club has now been informed by the Car Parking Company who has installed the new system that anyone who has been issued a fine in the last couple of weeks that they need their name and vehicle registration number to be able to cancel the fine.

Please send an email to office.downhamclub@yahoo.co.uk with your details.

Please note as from Monday 1^st July the system will go live and anyone parking on the car park will need to register as soon as they park, please read the signs on the car park as to how to register.

24 June 2019 Middleton Cup & Latest News

Norfolk completed their Middleton Cup programme on Saturday at Fordham with a convincing over Cambridgeshire by 147 shots to 101, taking 20 of the 22 points at stake. Two defeats in their earlier matches mean they have no chance of reaching the quarter finals with holders Leicestershire strong favourites to take group honours. However, the nature of the victory will give Manager Mark Turner optimism and something to build on for next season.

The victory on Saturday never looked in doubt as Norfolk started very strongly to open a 30 shot lead at the 5 end stage led by David Smith’s rink that opened a 16-0 lead after only 3 ends. Norfolk never let this lead slip and ran out worthy winners

Rink scores:-

Dan Mills, Tom Baker, George Tubby & David Smith 34 Ian Miller 22

John Tufts, Matt Flatman, Bernie Perrett & Wayne Willgress 22 Mark Emery 12

Max Harrison, Jack Wells, Mark Riches & Peter Boldero 20 J. Baker 22

Aaron Johnson, Karl Brooks, Mark Turner & Philip Barr 21 Richard Catton 18

John Ottaway, Ben Hunter, Richard Coverdale & Peter Wilkinson 33 Michael Coles 13

Rhys Morgan, Andy Weir, Andy Siely & James Segolo 17 A.Baker 14

The County Championship quarter finals are reaching the quarter final stage and the first of which to be played was the Senior Fours. The holders County Arts, skipped by Brian Taylor overcame Errol Feaveayer’s Diss quartet to reach the semi-final where they will be joined by fours from Wymondham Dell, St. Lawrence & Bradwell. The semi-finals, where County Arts meet Bradwell & St. Lawrence play Wymondham Dell will be played at Aldiss Park BC on Saturday 6^th July at 10.00am together with the quarter finals of the Junior Pairs.

Senior Fours Quarter final results:-

Chris Wright, Andy Hailes, Robert Allen & Mervyn Chapman (St. Lawrence) 17 Richard Lunn, Jim Forest, David Willgress & Nigel Carter (Upwell) 10

Peter Richmond, Barry Flatt, Garry Oakley & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell) 19 John Hunter, Michael Hunter, Paul Webb & Kenny Breame (RG Carter Group) 10

Steve Webb, Alan Davis, Shu Kapoor & Peter King (Bradwell) walkover against Andy Sayer, Michael Smith, Ian Whiley & Vernon Hudson (Wootton Park)

Eric Rawsthorne, Ivan Dunnett, Derek Rookyard & Errol Feaveayer (Diss & District) 13 Gary Mallett, Malcolm Nicholson, Mick Brown & Brian Taylor (County Arts) 17

The quarter finals of the other championships will be played during the week commencing 8^th July with the programme finalised once all early round matches have been played.

18 June 2019 Car Parking at Downham Mkt Bowls Club

We have been notified that parking fines have been issued to anyone who has parked on their club car park over the last 2 weeks. If you have received one of these we have been told by the Downham Mkt Club to please ignore it and DO NOT pay the fine.

17 June 2019 Middleton Cup & Latest News

Norfolk’s hopes in the Middleton Cup ended on Saturday with defeat to current holders Leicestershire at County Arts. The County lost by 92 shots to 120 taking only 4 of the 22 points at stake. The result means that group honours and a place in quarter finals is now a three way battle between Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Cambridgeshire with Norfolk going into their last game against Cambridgeshire at Fordham on Saturday with only pride at stake.

It has been a year of transition for the County and whilst results have been disappointing, new Manager Mark Turner has introduced several new younger players to the team which should serve the County well for the future.

The match against Leicestershire mirrored Norfolk’s other home match with the County well in the hunt over the first half of the match but as against Northamptonshire, the visitors took control over the second part of the march to run out worthy winners and on this performance look to be well set for group honours and possibly retaining their title.

For Norfolk there was once again a good performance from Wayne Willgress’s rink who retained their 100% record and another rink win by that skipped by Peter Boldero.

Rink scores:-

Dan Mills, Aaron Stimson, Philip Barr & David Smith 14 Alistair Hollis 24

John Tufts, Matt Flatman, James Segolo & Wayne Willgress 24 Chris Rodgers 14

Max Harrison, Jack Wells, Mark Riches & Peter Boldero 18 Shane Hayes 13

John Ottaway, Ben Hunter, Richard Coverdale & Peter Wilkinson 14 Joe Dawson 18

Aaron Johnson. Karl Brooks, Bernie Perrett & Jake Willgress 12 Neil Hope 28

Ryan Garman, Mark Turner, Andy Siely & George Tubby 10 Chris Moore 23

The following team has been selected for the match against Cambridgeshire at Fordham BC on Saturday:-

Dan Mills, Tom Baker, George Tubby & David Smith

John Tufts, Matt Flatman, Philip Barr & Wayne Willgress

Max Harrison, Jack Wells, Mark Riches & Peter Boldero

Aaron Johnson, Karl Brooks, Bernie Perrett & Jake Willgress

John Ottaway, Ben Hunter, Richard Coverdale & Peter Wilkinson

Ryan Garman, Andy Weir, Andy Siely & James Segolo

There was further disappointment for the County on Sunday when their Junior bowlers travelled to Peterborough for the regional finals of the White Rose Trophy with both the County’s rinks performing well but both just missing out on a place in the National Finals.

The rink of Dan Mills, Aaron Stimson, Tom Segolo & James Segolo produce fine performances to overcome Huntingdonshire & Hertfordshire but in the final found Northamptonshire too strong and it was them that deservedly won to reach the National finals.

09 June 2019 Middleton Cup & Latest News

After the disappointment of last week Norfolk returned to winning ways in the Middleton Cup when they narrowly beat Hertfordshire on Saturday at Welwyn Garden City, winning by 2 shots and more importantly taking 18 of the 22 points at stake.

The next match against holders Leicestershire at County Arts BC next Saturday takes on huge importance following Leicestershire’s victory over Northamptonshire. A win for Norfolk will keep them right in contention for group honours whereas defeat will almost certainly make qualification for the quarter finals impossible.

For long periods of the match against Hertfordshire, Norfolk looked like heading for defeat as the home county dominated over the opening stages taking a lead of over 20 shots. Norfolk dug deep and slowly closed the gap to single figures only for Hertfordshire to respond to open what looked like a winning lead as the final ends were played. However, a surge by the Norfolk players gave them a one shot lead as the last end, played by Jake Willgress’s rink began. A well-played end by the Norfolk four saw them win the end to give Norfolk victory by 128 shots to 126.

Rink scores:

Dan Mills, Aaron Stimson, Philip Barr & David Smith 15 S. Lepley 22

John Tufts, Matt Flatman, James Segolo & Wayne Willgress 22 T. Muir 20

Max Harrison, Jack Wells, Mark Riches & Peter Boldero 24 P. Andrews 16

John Ottaway, Ben Hunter, Richard Coverdale & Peter Wilkinson 28 N. Muir 20

Aaron Johnson. Karl Brooks, Bernie Perrett & Jake Willgress 25 P. Russell 19

Ryan Garman, Mick Brown, Mark Turner & George Tubby 14 G. Thompson 29

Group Table at 9^th June

County	Played	Won	Lost	Shots for	Shots Agt	Points
Northamptonshire	2	1	1	239	230	24
Norfolk	2	1	1	216	257	22
Cambridgeshire	1	1	0	120	108	19
Leicestershire	1	1	0	142	108	16
Hertfordshire	2	0	2	234	248	7

For the match against Leicestershire, Andy Siely returns to team as third to George Tubby with Mark Turner moving to second. Otherwise, the team is unchanged.

Norfolk’s young bowlers embark on their quest for national honours in the White Rose Trophy Regional finals to be held at the Parkway club in Peterborough on Sunday 16^th June. A change to the competition now sees this as a single rink and Norfolk will be represented by:

Norfolk Royals: Dan Mills, Aaron Stimson, James Segolo & Tom Segolo

Norfolk Cavaliers: Aaron Johnson, Jack Larter, Dan Cawthorne & Jack Wells

The other competing counties are Suffolk, Leicestershire, Essex, Huntingdonshire, Northamptonshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. In the quarter finals Segolo’s rink as the ‘Norfolk Royals’ take on ‘Huntingdonshire Hawks’ whilst Wells, as the ‘Norfolk Cavaliers’ play ‘Cambridgeshire Eagles’. The competition is split into two groups with the winners of each group qualifying for the National finals in Leamington Spa in September.

02 June 2019 Middleton Cup & Latest News

Norfolk began their Middleton Cup campaign on Saturday with a heavy defeat to Northamptonshire at County Arts losing by 131 shots to 88 and taking only 4 of the 22 points at stake. All looked to be going well during the first half of the match with Norfolk leading by 6 shots at the 10 end mark but a disappointing second half saw them fall away badly, particularly over the closing ends. Norfolk had only two winning rinks, those skipped by Peter Wilkinson & Wayne Willgress and will need convincing wins in their remaining group matches if they are to progress from the group into the quarter finals.

The Northamptonshire match marked George Tubby’s 100^th appearance for the County in the Middleton Cup having made his debut in 1997 and is the 12^th Norfolk player to reach this milestone. Since his debut, George has missed only 4 matches and has been part of the Norfolk team that has lifted the Middleton Cup on 3 occasions.

Rink scores

Dan Mills, Mick Brown, Mark Riches & David Smith 7 Phil Exley 33

John Tufts, Matt Flatman, James Segolo & Wayne Willgress 19 Vernon Geary 14

Max Harrison, Jack Wells, Andy Siely & Peter Boldero 8 Roger Tansley 24

Tom Baker, Ben Hunter, Jake Willgress & Sam King 11 Paul Broderick 23

John Ottaway, Philip Barr, Richard Coverdale & Peter Wilkinson 25 Connor Cinato 11

Aaron Johnson, Bernie Perrett, Mark Turner & George Tubby 18 Andrew Manton 26

Their next match is on Saturday against Hertfordshire at Welwyn & District BC and Manager Mark Turner has made several enforced, positional & other changes including debuts for Ryan Garman of Freethorpe BC & Karl Brooks of Norfolk BC.

The selected team is

Dan Mills, Aaron Stimson, James Segolo & David Smith

John Tufts, Matt Flatman, Darren Rowsell & Wayne Willgress

Max Harrison, Jack Wells, Mark Riches & Peter Boldero

Aaron Johnson, Karl Brooks, Jake Willgress & Sam King

John Ottaway, Philip Barr, Richard Coverdale & Peter Wilkinson

Ryan Garman, Bernie Perrett, Mark Turner & George Tubby

Following the International trial held at Leamington Spa last weekend County Arts Dan Mills has been selected in the England Junior International team to compete in the British Isles Junior International Series to be held at Essex County Bowls Club, Westcliff-on-Sea in September. This caps a great year for Dan who last August lifted the National Junior Singles title at Leamington Spa and at the end of June will compete for the British Isles Junior Singles Championship at Ayr Northfield (Scotland). The England Junior International team includes a total of six new caps and will be looking to regain the title won by Scotland last year.

30 May 2019 Dan Mills selected for England Junior International team

Many congratulations to County Arts Dan Mills who has been selected in the England Junior International team to compete in the British Isles Junior International Series to be held at Essex County Bowls Club, Westcliff-on-Sea on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September 2019.

This caps a great year for Dan who last August lifted the National Junior Singles title at Leamington Spa and at the end of June will compete for the British Isles Junior Singles Championship at Ayr Northfield (Scotland).

The England Junior International team includes a total of six new caps and will be looking to regain the title won by Scotland last year.

Selected team

Tom McGuinness (Buckinghamshire), Liam Harris (Suffolk), Jordan Philpott (Lincolnshire) and Nathan Kitchen (Gloucestershire);

Daniel Mills* (Norfolk), Lee Calver (Suffolk), Sam Moss (Essex) and Charlie Souter (Surrey);

Mark Smith* (Warwickshire), Tom Muir (Hertfordshire), James Hampton* (Devon) and Jamie Barker (Cambridgeshire);

Danny Walker* (Northamptonshire), Tom Holmes (Herefordshire), Edward Elmore (Huntingdonshire) and Connor Cinato (Northamptonshire);

Glen Adams (Middlesex), Adam Pitfield* (Northamptonshire), BJ Byles# (Berkshire) and Lloyd Sabatini (Berkshire);

Daniel Hughes* (Essex), Josh Minto (Northumberland), Harry Goodwin (Devon) and Sam Steel (Somerset)

Captain: Josh Minto

Team Manager: Martyn Sekjer

* New Cap # Recall

Squad Members (listed in alphabetical order):

Anthony Booth‐Young (Lancashire), Ben Coldrick (Gloucestershire), Josh Halcrow (Durham), Ajay Morphett (Sussex), Michael Titcombe (Wiltshire), William Walker (Northamptonshire), Glenn Williams (Hertfordshire), Scott Winskill (Berkshire)

28 May 2019 Norfolk Teams & Latest News

There was double disappointment for Norfolk’s bowlers over the weekend with defeat in both the Eastern Counties League and the National Inter-County Two rink Championship for the Balcomb Trophy.

In the Eastern Counties League Norfolk entertained Essex at County Arts and were looking to build on their opening league win against Huntingdonshire but fell to a 9 shot defeat losing by116 shots to 125 & taking 6 of the 22 points at stake. Despite wins on 3 rinks, skipped by Mark Riches, Wayne Willgress & Sam King this was not sufficient to secure victory.

Rink scores:-

Aaron Stimpson, Jack Larter, Chris Rowe & Philip Barr 12 Mark Welton 21

John Colcombe, Rhys Morgan, Mark Turner & Darren Rowsell 10 Ray Bone 31

Ryan Garman, Jack Wells, Dan Cawthorne & Mark Riches 24 Sam Moss 14

Aaron Johnson, Matt Flatman, James Segolo & Wayne Willgress 28 Jamie Holmes 15

Tom Baker, Ben Hunter, Richard Coverdale & Sam King 19 Russell Harmour 18

John Mason, Mark Elliott, Alan Willer, Brian Taylor 23 John Tully 26

The Balcomb Trophy also played at County Arts saw Norfolk slip to defeat to against Cambridgeshire. Despite taking an early lead, which was held until the halfway stage, Norfolk fell away in the second half of the match to lose by 19 shots so Cambridgeshire progress to the regional finals.

Rink scores:-

Max Harrison, Matt Flatman, James Segolo & Sam King 12 Adam Barker 32

Dan Mills, George Tubby, Peter Wilkinson & David Smith 19 Jamie Barker 18

Attention now turns to the Middleton Cup which begins at County Arts BC next Saturday when Norfolk entertain Northamptonshire. Having reached the quarter finals last year before losing to eventual winners Leicestershire newly appointed manager Mark Turner will be looking to take the team to the final stages this year.

Winning the Group & qualifying for the quarter finals will not be easy with holders Leicestershire also in the group & Northamptonshire will also provide tough opposition along with the other Counties in the Group, Hertfordshire & Cambridgeshire. The Norfolk team selected shows a few changes from last year with new caps being given to Jack Wells, Ben Hunter & Aaron Johnson.

Team:-

Dan Mills, Mick Brown, Mark Riches & David Smith

John Tufts, Matt Flatman, James Segolo & Wayne Willgress

Max Harrison, Jack Wells, Andy Siely & Peter Boldero

Tom Baker, Ben Hunter, Jake Willgress & Sam King

John Ottaway, Philip Barr, Richard Coverdale & Peter Wilkinson

Aaron Johnson, Bernie Perrett, Mark Turner & George Tubby

20 May 2019 Norfolk Teams & Latest News

Having won their opening fixture, Norfolk play their second game in the Eastern Counties League on Saturday 25^th May when they entertain Essex at County Arts BC with the match starting at 10.30am. The Middleton Cup begins on the following Saturday and those selected for the this match will be looking to catch the eye of Mark Turner, the new appointed Team Manager, ahead of selection of the team for the Middleton Cup.

The team selected is:-

Aaron Stimpson, Jack Larter, Chris Rowe & Philip Barr

John Colcombe, Rhys Morgan, Mark Turner & Darren Rowsell

Ryan Garman, Jack Wells, Dan Cawthorne & Mark Riches

Aaron Johnson, Matt Flatman, James Segolo & Wayne Willgress

Tom Baker, Ben Hunter, Richard Coverdale & Sam King

John Mason, Mark Elliott, Alan Willer + 1 other player (Officers rink)

On Sunday Norfolk play Cambridgeshire also at County Arts starting at 11.00am in the first round of the National Inter County Two Rink Championship for the Balcomb Trophy. The winners will progress to Eastern Regional finals to be played on 23^rd June at Maulden BC (Bedfordshire)

The selected team is:-

Max Harrison, Matt Flatman, James Segolo & Sam King

Dan Mills, George Tubby, Peter Wilkinson & David Smith

The weekend also sees the Bowls England Under-18 Academy & Junior International Trial take place at the Bowls England headquarters in Leamington Spa. Freethorpe’s Ryan Garman has been selected as reserve in the Academy & County Arts National Junior Singles Champion, Dan Mills in the Junior International trial.

08 May 2019 Norfolk Bowls Association Sponsorship

Norfolk Bowls Association is delighted to announce a sponsorship deal with East Bilney Garage, an independently owned Renault & Dacia car franchise dealership.

In exchange for financial support of the Association, East Bilney Garage will promote their products & services at certain prestigious events over the forthcoming season.

East Bilney’s Sales Manager Marc Huggins says “as an independent & local company we are delighted with the arrangement we have reached with the Norfolk Bowls Association which we hope will not only support the services we offer but also keep them & their talented bowls at the forefront of bowls in England”.

In a joint statement by Norfolk Men’s & Ladies County Presidents, John Mason & Edna Mayhew have said “we are delighted on behalf of both the Men’s & Ladies sections that East Bilney Garage will be our sponsors for the 2019 season & we are sure the arrangement will be hugely beneficial to both parties. We and our fellow officers look forward to working with Marc & his team over the summer”

Edna Mayhew (Norfolk Bowls Association Ladies President), Marc Huggins (Sales Manager East Bilney Garage) & John Mason (Norfolk Bowls Association Men’s President)

05 May 2019 Norfolk win opening Eastern Counties League match

Norfolk opened their 2019 season with an emphatic win in the Eastern Counties League against Huntingdonshire by 139 shots to 91 taking 20 of the 22 points at stake.

The match was Mark Turner’s first match since his appointment as Middleton Cup manager and the result augurs well for the future.

For the match itself Norfolk started slowly and found themselves behind after 5 ends but from that point took control to open a single shot lead at the halfway stage before storming to victory over the second half of the match. There were wins for the rinks skipped by Peter Boldero, George Tubby, Peter Wilkinson, Bernie Perrett & the Officers rink by John Ottaway and the turnaround in fortunes in the second half of the match was epitomised on Perret’s rink who turned a 10 shot deficit into a 8 shot victory.

The next match in the League is against Essex at County Arts on Saturday 25^th May before the Middleton Cup gets underway on the following Saturday.

Rink scores:-

Max Harrison, Jack Wells, Andy Siely & Peter Boldero 30 Trevor Collins 15

Jack Larter, Ben Hunter, Mick Brown & Peter Wilkinson 22 Barry Kitto 12

Ryan Garman, Karl Brooks, Ian Wones & George Tubby 20 Mike Robertson 16

Dan Mills, Rhys Morgan, Peter Roseblade & Bernie Perrett 25 Stuart Law 17

Tom Baker, Harry Cater, Chris Rowe & Mark Riches 12 Nick Brett 19

John Mason, Don Whyatt, John George & John Ottaway 30 Jim Daniel 12

29 April 2019 New Sponsorship for Norfolk Bowls Association deal agreed

I am delighted to announce a new sponsorship for the Norfolk Bowls Association with East Bilney Garage Ltd, an independently owned Renault and Dacia Franchise Dealership.

The arrangement agreed is for a financial payment to the County in return for us providing product placement, being car displays at certain of our more prestigious events over the summer months as well as advertising opportunities. Precise details of the product placements are now being finalised and I will confirm these in due course.

The payment being made by East Bilney will enable us to continue to maintain our or fees at the current levels & in addition we hope to be able to provide branded scorecards to all our Clubs  & this matter is being progressed.

I would also confirm that this arrangement is jointly with our Ladies so both Men’s & Ladies Sections will benefit.

If you are interested in seeing what East Bilney Garage have to offer then please visit their website www.eastbilneygarage.co.uk

John Ottaway                   

Hon. Men’s Secretary

Norfolk Bowls Association

27 April 2019 Eastern Counties Team & Latest News

Norfolk’s outdoor bowls season gets underway next Saturday with the first match in the Eastern Counties League when the County travel to Brampton Institute to take on Huntingdonshire.

The match marks a new era as its Mark Turner’s first match as Manager following Brian Taylor’s retirement after 14 years in the post & Turner will be looking to build on past successes & bring the coveted Middleton Cup back to Norfolk.

After the opening Eastern Counties League match, there is another match in the League, against Essex on 25th May at County Arts before the Middleton Cup gets underway on 1