News

 

^14th       August 2025

Hempton lift the Hansells Cup

 

Hempton BC ‘A’ lifted the Hansells Cup, sponsored by Howden Insurance at Wymondham Dell Saturday following comprehensive wins over Shipdham BC in the semi-final and against Dickleburgh BC, who overcame RG Carter Group BC in the other semi-final.

 

For Hempton it ended a great first year following their return to County League after a number of years absence, winning the West 2 Zone and capping the season by lifting the Hansells Cup play-off title

 

Results

 

Semi-finals

Shipdham BC 32 Hempton BC ‘A’ 82 (0-5)

M.Staggles 11 D. Cawthorne 19

T. Rudling 12 M. King 28

B. George 9 S. King 35

 

Dickleburgh BC 48 RG Carter Group BC 42 (4-1)

A. Green 16 P. Glover 8

S. Bartrum 20 P. Webb 12

D. Shimell 12 J. Groves 22

 

Final

Hempton BC ‘A’ 78 Dickleburgh BC 32 (5-0)

S. King 20 A. Green 10

M. King 32 D. Shimell 14

D. Cawthorne 26 S. Bartrum 8

 

Wymondham dell win the Baker Cup

Wymondham win WP Baker Cup and return to the Premier League

 

Wymondham Dell, winners of Central Zone, were crowned Howden Insurance County League WP Baker Cup champions on Sunday and thus return to the Premier League in 2026 after one year’s absence.

 

In the final they beat Zone East 1 winners Martham by 71 shots to 40 (5-0) having, in the earlier semi-final beat Kings Lynn, West 1 Zone winners, in close encounter by 49 shots to 45 (4-1). In the preliminary round played earlier in the week the Dell beat Cawston, from North Zone, 63 – 51(4 ½ - ½)

 

Martham reached the finally by comfortably overcoming, South Zone winners Gissing by 67 shots to 51 (3-2) in the semi-final.

 

Match results

Preliminary round

Wymondham Dell 63 Cawston 51 (4 ½ - ½)

 

Semi-finals

Wymondham Dell 49 Kings Lynn 45

Kings Lynn BC					v	Wymondham Dell
Skip	5	10	15	18	Rink	18	15	10	5	Skip
G. Bunwick	0	6	8	11	1	19	19	12	10	P. Roseblade
A. Coulson	7	12	16	19	2	14	13	7	5	G. Oakley
L. Scott	5	13	15	15	3	16	12	8	8	A. Stevenson
Total Score	12	31	39	45		49	44	27	23
Points			1			4

 

Martham 67 Gissing 51

Martham BC					v	Gissing
Skip	5	10	15	18	Rink	18	15	10	5	Skip
G. Hewitt	10	22	31	35	4	13	10	6	5	P. Forster
P. Dowe	4	4	13	17	5	18	13	13	6	S. Thompson
E. Lambert	2	10	14	15	6	20	16	12	9	M. Coe
Total Score	16	36	58	67		51	39	31	20
Points			3			2

 

 

Final

Wymondham Dell 71 Martham 40

Martham BC							v	Wymondham Dell
Skip		5		10	15	18	Rink	18	15	10	5		Skip
G. Hewitt		7		9	13	16	4	25	24	15	7		P. Roseblade
E. Lambert		5		9	15	15	5	17	10	8	3		A. Stevenson
P. Dowe		2		5	8	9	6	29	27	17	9		G. Oakley
Total Score		14		23	36	40		71	61	40	19
Points					0			5

 

 

Norfolk BC win the Bakes Cup 

Norfolk BC are the 2025 Bales Cup champions following a highly competitive, close and hard fought final against Acle St Edmunds, with Norfolk BC winning 57-54.

 

This is the 14^th time they have lifted the trophy and by winning have once again claimed the Premier League & Bales Cup double

 

8^th       August 2025

Acle win the Jermy cup

Acle St. Edmunds BC are the 2025 Jermy Cup champions taking the title with a single shot victory against Norfolk BC, the defending champions and winners of the title for the past 5 years.

 

For Acle it is the 3^rd time they have taken the title, the others being in 1999 & 2007.

 

In the semi-final Acle beat St. Lawrence BC, whilst Norfolk BC beat Gorleston Links BC

 

Results

Semi-finals

Acle St Edmunds BC 49 St. Lawrence BC 33

Norfolk BC 83 Gorleston Links BC 28

 

Final

Acle St. Edmunds BC 49 Norfolk BC 48

 

Defeat for Norfolk in the over 60 mixed inter-county

Norfolk’s run in the Bowls National Over-60 Mixed Inter-County competition has ended following defeat to Northamptonshire in the quarter finals, with the County losing 86 – 108. Hence, Northamptonshire go forward to the semi-finals at Leamington Spa later in the month.

 

 

Rink scores:

John Colcombe, Sue Frost, Jackie Devitt & Ian Wones 6 J. Haines 24

Christine Webb, Sandra Curtis, Mick Brown & Brian Taylor 13 T. O’Leary 13

Jenny Kirby, Barbara Meeks, Gary Oakley & Mark Turner 17 N. Gould 21

Christine Johnson, Marie Morton, Paul Webb & Peter Boldero 15 S. Norman 20

Rachel Stevenson, Brenda Whitehead, Adrian Field & Bernie Perrett 23 V. Geary 11

Jo Ashmore, Debra Wright, Gary Goodrum & Richard Haydon 12 A. Ashby 19

 

 

3^rd      August 2025

Bales Cup semi-final results and final details

orfolk BC will meet Acle St. Edmunds in the final of Bales Cup following victories in the semi-finals over Freethorpe & Shipdham respectively.

 

Results

Norfolk BC 70 Freethorpe BC 38

Acle St. Edmunds BC 60 Shipdham BC 41

 

The final will be played on Friday 8^th August at Thorpe Recreation BC starting at 6.00pm

 

 

 

Premier League Champions & League Baker & Hansells Cup play-off details

remier League

Now that the regular season has ended, Norfolk BC has been crowned Premier League Champions for the 13^th time and for the 3^rd year in succession.

 

WP Baker Cup

The Regional Zone winners go forward to WP Baker Cup play-offs with a place in the Premier League at stake for the winners. The play-off matches are:-

 

Preliminary Round to be played on Wednesday 6^th August at County Arts starting at 6.15pm (per League rule 8):

Wymondham Dell BC -v- Cawston BC

 

Semi-final & final (to be played at Thorpe Recreation BC on Sunday 10^th August – semi-finals at 10.00am and final at 2.00pm

Martham BC –v- Gissing BC

Kings Lynn BC –v- Preliminary round winner

 

Hansells Cup

The play off matches for Zone 2 winners and the best runners-up from the other Zones are:-

 

Preliminary Round to be played on Wednesday 6^th August at County Arts starting at 6.15pm (per League rule 8:

Hempton BC ‘A’ -v- Norfolk BC ‘C’

 

The semi-finals and final will be played on Saturday 23^rd August and details will be confirmed in due course but the draws are:-

Shipdham BC -v- Preliminary round winner

Dickleburgh BC -v RG Carter Group BC

 

 

27^th     July 2025

County Championship Finals-Results

 

Norfolk Bowls Association

Men’s 2025 County Championship Finals

RESULTS

 

The finals of the County Championships were held on 26^th/27^th July with the results below.

 

Congratulations to all the winners and those that go on to represent Norfolk in the Aviva Bowls England National Finals at Victoria Park Leamington Spa in August

 

SINGLES

Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 20 Tom Cooper (Norfolk BC) 21

 

PAIRS

Karl Brooks & Matthew Carter (Norfolk BC) 21

Barry Flatt & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell BC) 9

 

TRIPLES

John Tufts, Richard Summers & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 20

Jon High, Mark Turner & Andy Siely (Acle St. Edmunds BC) 5

 

FOURS

John Tufts, Richard Summers, Ian Catchpole & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 15

Jon High, Darren Rowsell, Mark Turner & Andy Siely (Acle St Edmunds BC) 17

 

TWO BOWL SINGLES

Tom Baker (Wootton Park BC) 10 Ian Catchpole (Norfolk BC) 16

 

SENIOR FOURS

Keven Brooks, Anthony Hancock, David Willgress & Andrew Brooks

(Upwell BC) 14

Colin Starkings, Bob Robson, Stan Paddington & Ken Trivett

(Martham BC) 12

 

JUNIOR PAIRS SEMI-FINALS

Josh Finch & Leo Cook 17 Ryan Fox & Robert Brooks 12

Tom & Daniel Codman 22 Matthew Mills & Christopher Barker 18

 

JUNIOR PAIRS FINAL

Josh Finch & Leo Cook 18 Tom & Daniel Codman 17

 

JUNIOR SINGLES SEMI-FINALS

Daniel Codman (Hempton BC) 8 Owen Frosdick (Scole & District BC) 21

Ryan Fox (Acle St Edmunds BC) 5 Leo Cook (Gorleston Links BC) 21

 

JUNIOR SINGLES FINAL

Owen Frosdick (Scole & District BC) 8 Leo Cook (Gorleston Links BC) 21

 

 

 

 

 

Many thanks to Thorpe Recreation BC, their officers & members for putting their excellent facilities at the disposal of the County Association and for all their help and assistance over the weekend

 

25^th     July 2025

Bales Cup semi-finals

 

The Bales Cup has reached the semi-final stage which will be played on Friday 1^st August at RG Carter Group BC, starting at 6.30pm.

 

Premier League leaders, Norfolk BC play fellow Premier League club Freethorpe, whilst Shipdham, who lead County League Central Zone going into the last round of league fixtures also face Premier League opposition in Acle St. Edmunds.

 

The final will be played on Friday 8^th August with the venue decided once the finalists are known

 

19^th     July 2025

County Championship Finals Programme (26/27^th July 2025)

Norfolk Bowls Association

Men’s 2025 County Championship Finals

at Thorpe Recreation BC

 

The programme for the Men’s County Finals on 26^th/27^th July has been confirmed as below.

 

The weekend should be a feast of bowling with many of our top bowlers represented as well as others who have come through the gruelling early rounds all seeking prestigious County titles so please come along to Thorpe Recreation BC to support all the players.

 

SATURDAY 26^th JULY at 10.00am

 

PAIRS

Karl Brooks & Matthew Carter (Norfolk BC) -v-

Barry Flatt & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell BC)

 

TRIPLES

John Tufts, Richard Summers & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) -v-

John High, Mark Turner & Andy Siely (Acle St. Edmunds BC)

 

TWO BOWL SINGLES

Tom Baker (Wootton Park BC) -v- Ian Catchpole (Norfolk BC)

 

SENIOR FOURS

Keven Brooks, Anthony Hancock, David Willgress & Andrew Brooks

(Upwell BC) -v- Colin Starkings, Bob Robson, Stan Paddington & Ken Trivett

(Martham BC)

 

SATURDAY 26^th JULY at 2.00pm

 

FOURS

John Tufts, Richard Summers, Ian Catchpole & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) -v-

John High, Darren Rowsell, Mark Turner & Andy Siely (Acle St Edmunds BC)

 

JUNIOR PAIRS SEMI FINALS

Leo Cook & Josh Finch -v- Ryan Fox & Robert Brooks

Tom & Daniel Codman –v- Matthew Mills & Christopher Barker

 

JUNIOR PAIRS FINAL

TO FOLLOW SEMI-FINALS AFTER A BREAK

 

SUNDAY 27^th JULY at 10.00am

 

SINGLES

Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) -v- Tom Cooper (Norfolk BC)

 

JUNIOR SINGLES SEMI FINALS

Daniel Codman (Hempton BC) -v- Owen Frosdick (Scole & District BC)

Ryan Fox (Acle St Edmunds BC) -v- Leo Cook (Gorleston Links BC)

 

JUNIOR SINGLES FINAL

TO FOLLOW THE SEMI-FINALS AFTER A BREAK

 

 

 

16^th    July 2025

Victory for Norfolk in National Inter County Mixed Over 60’s

Norfolk progressed to the quarter finals of the National Inter County Mixed Over 60 team competition with victory over Essex at County Arts, winning 117 -100 and on 5 rinks.

 

In the quarter final, they meet Northamptonshire, who overcame Warwickshire, with the match to be played on Tuesday 5^th August with the venue to be confirmed.

 

Victory in the quarter finals will take the County through to the Bowls England Aviva National finals at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa in August.   

 

Rink scores:-

John Colcombe, Christine Rednall, Jackie Devitt & Ian Wones won 24-11

Christine Webb, Sandra Curtis, Mick Brown & Brian Taylor won 25-18

Jenny Kirby, Barbara Meeks, Gary Oakley & Mark Turner won 24-15

Christine Johnson, Marie Morton, Paul Webb & Peter Boldero lost 9-27

Rachel Stevenson, Brenda Whitehead, Adrian Field & Bernie Perrett won 13-12

Jo Ashmore, Debra Wright,

14^th    July 2025

Defeat for Norfolk in Middleton Cup

Norfolk slipped to their 3^rd defeat in their final Middleton Cup match against Suffolk at Felixstowe on Saturday losing by 5 shots (103-108) despite winning on 3 rinks and drawing on another.

 

Suffolk’s victory was not enough to give them group honours and it is Essex who take their place in the quarter finals

 

This ended a disappointing season, which started with high hopes of success following the performance of the County Balcomb Trophy team last year but with the talent available and coming through and winning the Eastern Counties League, Norfolk will be aiming for success in 2026.

 

Rink scores

John Tufts, Steve Winter, Jack Wells, Wayne Willgress 21 Joe Sims 14

Jack Larter, Ian Wones, Mark Riches Sam King 18 Mark Royal 17

Max Harrison, Richie Bly, Chris Rowe, Peter Boldero 21 Eliot Last17

Tom Baker, Tom Cooper, Richard Summers, David Smith 17 Phil. Last 18

Adrian Field, Matt Warnes, Matt Carter Aaron Johnson 16 Dan Ramsbottom 16

Jon High, Ryan Hudson, Mark Turner, Andy Siely 10 Richard Leeder 26

 

 

 

12^th    July 2025

County Singles Semi final Results

 

Norfolk Bowls Association

Men’s County Championships 2025

 

 

SINGLES SEMI FINAL RESULTS

 

Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 21 Alan Willer (Wymondham Dell BC) 9

 

Tom Cooper (Norfolk BC) 21 Max Harrison (Downham Market BC) 15

 

 

 

The final will be played over the weekend of 26/27^th July 2025 at Thorpe Recreation BC with the programme for this and the other finals published in due course

 

 

 

11^th    July 2025

County Pairs Semi final Results

 

 

Norfolk Bowls Association

Men’s County Championships 2025

 

 

PAIRS SEMI FINAL RESULTS

 

Karl Brooks & Matthew Carter (Norfolk BC) 18

Tom Baker & Adrian Folker (Wootton Park BC) 15

 

Barry Flatt & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell BC) 21

Matt Fox & Andy Hailes (St. Lawrence BC) 15

 

 

 

The final will be played over the weekend of 26/27^th July 2025 at Thorpe Recreation BC with the programme for this and the other finals published in due course

 

 

 

^10th    July 2025

County Triples Semi-final results.

 

Norfolk Bowls Association

Men’s County Championships 2025

 

TRIPLES SEMI FINAL RESULTS

 

TRIPLES

Matt Warnes, Regan Simper & Rob Parker (Downham Market BC) 7

John Tufts, Richard Summers & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 20

 

Max Harrison, Jack Wells & Peter Boldero (Downham Market BC) 13

John High, Mark Turner & Andy Siely (Acle St. Edmunds BC) 15

 

 

 

The final will be played over the weekend of 26/27^th July 2025 at Thorpe Recreation BC with the programme for this and the other finals published in due course

 

 

County Fours Semi-final results.

 

Norfolk Bowls Association

Men’s County Championships 2025

 

FOURS SEMI FINAL RESULTS

 

John Tufts, Richard Summers, Ian Catchpole & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 23

Paul King, Richie Bly, Rob Parker & Chris Rowe (Downham Market BC) 15

 

Ollie Allen, Adrian Fox, Garry Oakley & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell BC) 19

Jon High, Darren Rowsell, Mark Turner & Andy Siely (Acle St Edmunds BC) 25

 

 

 

The final will be played over the weekend of 26/27^th July 2025 at Thorpe Recreation BC with the programme for this and the other finals published in due course

 

 

 

Norfolk Bowls Association

Men’s County Championships 2025

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI FINALS

 

SINGLES SEMI-FINALS - FRIDAY 11^th JULY AT COUNTY ARTS BC STARTING AT 6.30PM

 

Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) –v- Alan Willer (Wymondham Dell BC)

 

Tom Cooper (Norfolk BC) –v- Max Harrison (Downham Market BC)

 

PAIRS SEMI-FINALS - THURSDAY 10^TH JULY AT COUNTY ARTS BC STARTING AT 6.30PM

 

Karl Brooks & Matthew Carter (Norfolk BC) -v-

Tom Baker & Adrian Folker (Wootton Park BC)

 

Barry Flatt & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell BC) -v-

Matt Fox & Andy Hailes (St. Lawrence BC)

 

TRIPLES SEMI-FINALS - TUESDAY 8^TH JULY AT COUNTY ARTS BC STARTING AT 6.30PM

 

Matt Warnes, Regan Simper & Rob Parker (Downham Market BC) -v-

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

 

Max Harrison, Jack Wells & Peter Boldero (Downham Market BC) -v-

John High, Mark Turner & Andy Siely (Acle St. Edmunds BC)

 

 

FOURS SEMI FINALS ON MONDAY 7^th JULY AT THORPE RECREATION BC STARTING AT 6.30PM

 

John Tufts, Richard Summers, Ian Catchpole & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) -v-

Paul King, Richie Bly, Rob Parker & Chris Rowe (Downham Market BC)

 

Ollie Allen, Adrian Fox, Gary Goodrum & Richard Haydon (Wymondham Dell BC) v-

Jonathan High, Darren Rowsell, Mark Turner & Andy Siely (Acle St Edmunds BC)

 

 

^7th    July 2025

County Singles Quarter Results & Semi-Final details

 

 

Norfolk Bowls Association

Men’s County Championships 2025

SINGLES QUARTER FINAL RESULTS

 

 

John Tufts (Norfolk BC) 12 Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 21

Matt Warnes (Downham Market BC) 20 Alan Willer (Wymondham Dell BC) 21

Alistair Stevenson (Wymondham Dell BC) 19 Tom Cooper (Norfolk BC) 21

Tom Baker (Wootton Park BC) 12 Max Harrison (Downham Market BC) 21

 

 

=================================================

 

THE SEMI-FINALS WILL BE PLAYED ON FRIDAY 11^th JULY AT COUNTY ARTS BC STARTING AT 6.30PM

 

Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) -v- Alan Willer (Wymondham Dell BC)

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

 

==================================================

 

The winners progress to the County Finals to be played on either

Saturday 26^th July or Sunday 27^th July at Thorpe Recreation BC.

 

Both finalists qualify for the Bowls England Aviva National Championships to be held at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa in August

 

 

County Championship Semi-Final details’

 

 

 

Norfolk crowned Eastern Counties League Champions’

 

Norfolk crowned Eastern Counties League Champions

 

Norfolk are the 2015 Eastern Counties League Champions following a comprehensive victory over Cambridgeshire at County Arts on Saturday.

 

Needing a victory to secure their first title since 20015, Norfolk were in control from the start and went on to win on all rinks with a final winning margin of  55 shots  (123 – 68).

 

To cap a great day, the Over 60/Officers also lifted this rink’s title, having gone through the season winning all five games.

 

Congratulations to all players over the season and in particular Manager, Mark Turner.

 

Rink scores:-

Jude Smith, Leo Cook, Paul Wilson & Jack Larter – won 21-18

John High, Ryan Fox, Steve Johnson & David Lamb – won 19-13

Aaron Lindford, Karl Smith, Mark Turner & Andy Siely – won 30-7

John Tufts, Chris Willgress, Jack Wells & Wayne Willgress – won 30-13

Chris Reynalds, Gary Goodrum, Chris Rowe & Peter Boldero – won 23-17

 

^5th    July 2025

 

Norfolk Bowls Association

 

Men’s County Championships 2025

PAIRS QUARTER FINAL RESULTS

 

 

Mike Seppings & Mick Brown(sub) (County Arts BC) 8

Karl Brooks & Matthew Carter (Norfolk BC) 16

 

Nick Gooch & Nathan Watson (Mundford Village BC) 17

Tom Baker & Adrian Folker (Wootton Park BC) 19

 

Richie Bly & Chris Rowe (Downham Market BC) 15

Barry Flatt & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell BC) 19

 

Ian Groves & Jack Larter (County Arts BC) 13

Matt Fox & Andy Hailes (St. Lawrence BC) 14

 

=================================================

 

 

THE SEMI-FINALS WILL BE PLAYED ON THURSDAY 10^TH JULY AT COUNTY ARTS BC STARTING AT 6.30PM

 

Karl Brooks & Matthew Carter (Norfolk BC)

-v-

Tom Baker & Adrian Folker (Wootton Park BC)

 

Barry Flatt & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell BC)

-v-

Matt Fox & Andy Hailes (St. Lawrence BC)

 

 

=============================================

 

 

The winners progress to the County Finals to be played on either

Saturday 26^th July or Sunday 27^th July at Thorpe Recreation BC.

 

Both finalists qualify for the Bowls England Aviva National Championships to be held at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa in August

Teams selected for Middleton Cup & Inter County Mixed Over 60s

 

Middleton Cup

 

The following have been selected for the final Group match in the Middleton Cup against Suffolk at Felixstowe & Suffolk BC on Saturday 12^th July 2025.

 

With Norfolk now longer having a chance of reaching the Quarter finals, Manager Mark Turner has taken the opportunity to experiment with rink combinations as Norfolk look to end their Middleton Cup campaign on a high note.

 

John Tufts, Steve Winter, Jack Wells & Wayne Willgress

Jack Larter, Ian Wones, Mark Riches & Sam King

Max Harrison, Richie Bly, Chris Rowe & Peter Boldero

Tom Baker, Karl Brooks, Richard Summers & David Smith

Adrian Field, Matt Warnes, Matthew Carter & Aaron Johnson

Ryan Hudson, Tom Cooper, Andy Siely & Ian Catchpole

 

Inter-County Mixed Over-60 Team

 

Following a comprehensive victory over Cambridgeshire in the last round, Norfolk entertain Essex on Tuesday 15^th July at County Arts BC starting at 11.00am. Victory will take Norfolk into the Quarter finals and one step away from the Bowls England Aviva National Championships finals at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa in August.

 

An unchanged team has been selected and is:-

John Colcombe, Christine Rednall, Jackie Devitt & Ian Wones

Christine Webb, Sandra Curtis, Mick Brown & Brian Taylor

Jenny Kirby, Barbara Meeks, Gary Oakley & Mark Turner

Christine Johnson, Marie Morton, Paul Webb & Peter Boldero

Rachel Stevenson, Brenda Whitehead, Adrian Field & Bernie Perrett

Jo Ashmore, Debra Wright, Gary Goodrum & Richard Haydon

 

 

^2nd     July 2025

     

Norfolk Bowls Association

Men’s County Championships 2025

TRIPLES QUARTER FINAL RESULTS

 

Simon Turner, George Wright & Terry Frost (Dereham St. Nicholas BC) 9

Matt Warnes, Regan Simper & Rob Parker (Downham Market BC) 21

 

John Tufts, Richard Summers & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC) 16

Ian Groves, Mike Steppings & Jack Larter (County Arts BC) 4

Max Harrison, Jack Wells & Peter Boldero (Downham Market BC) 23

Paul King, Richie Bly & Chris Rowe (Downham Market BC) 4

 

Roger Rudling, Trevor Rudling & Dean Rudling (Shipdham BC) 10

John High, Mark Turner & Andy Siely (Acle St. Edmunds BC) 19

 

=================================================

 

THE SEMI-FINALS WILL BE PLAYED ON TUESDAY 8^TH JULY AT COUNTY ARTS BC STARTING AT 6.30PM

 

Matt Warnes, Regan Simper & Rob Parker (Downham Market BC)

-v-

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

 

Max Harrison, Jack Wells & Peter Boldero (Downham Market BC)

-v-

John High, Mark Turner & Andy Siely (Acle St. Edmunds BC)

 

=================================================

 

The winners progress to the County Finals to be played on either

Saturday 26^th July or Sunday 27^th July at Thorpe Recreation BC.

 

Both finalists qualify for the Bowls England Aviva National Championships to be held at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa in August

 

^1st      July 2025

 

Norfolk Bowls Association

Men’s County Championships 2025

FOURS QUARTER FINAL RESULTS

 

James Browse (sub), Ashley Smith, Ben Goff & Antonio Bracaliello

(County Arts BC) 19

John Tufts, Richard Summers, James Segolo (sub) & Wayne Willgress

(Norfolk BC) 21

 

Paul King, Richie Bly, Rob Parker & Chris Rowe (Downham Market BC) 18

Mick Gooch, John Chalk, Nathan Watson & Daniel Noble (Mundford Village BC) 12

 

Keven Brooks, Anthony Hancock, David Willgress & Andrew Brooks

(Upwell BC) 8

Ollie Allen, Adrian Fox, Gary Goodrum & Garry Oakley (sub)

(Wymondham Dell BC) 19

 

Jonathan High, Darren Rowsell, Mark Turner & Andy Siely

(Acle St Edmunds BC) 15

Max Harrison, Matthew Warnes, Jack Wells & Peter Boldero

(Downham Market BC) 11

 

THE SEMI-FINALS WILL BE PLAYED ON MONDAY 7^th JULY AT THORPE RECREATION BC STARTING AT 6.30PM

 

John Tufts, Richard Summers, Ian Catchpole & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)

-v-

Paul King, Richie Bly, Rob Parker & Chris Rowe (Downham Market BC)

 

Ollie Allen, Adrian Fox, Gary Goodrum & Richard Haydon (Wymondham Dell BC) -v-

Jonathan High, Darren Rowsell, Mark Turner & Andy Siely (Acle St Edmunds BC)

 

********************************

The winners progress to the County Finals to be played on either

Saturday 26^th July or Sunday 27^th July at Thorpe Recreation BC.

 

Both finalists qualify for the Bowls England Aviva National Championships to be held at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa in August

 

Norfolk’s winning run continues in the Eastern Counties League with League title in sight

 

Norfolk maintained their challenge for the Eastern Counties League title with victory over Bedfordshire at Thorpe Rec. BC, winning 104-90 and taking 18 points.

 

With one match to play, against Cambridgeshire at County Arts on Saturday 5th July, Norfolk need 13 points to take the League title for the first time since 2015

 

In addition victory by the Over 60/Officer rink will also see Norfolk take this title

 

Rink scores

John High, Paul Crisp Steve Johnson & Mark Riches 18 Andrew Manning 28

Jude Smith, Paul Wilson, Matt Carter & Jack Larter 20 Steve Muir 14

John Colcombe, Ryan Fox, Mark Turner & Bernie Perrett 28 Jim Allen 18

Aaron Lindford, Leo Cook, David Lamb & Andy Siely 17 Stuart Proctor 16

Over 60/Officers rink:-

Chris Reynalds, Chris Carter, Gary Goodrum & Richard Haydon 21 Mike Bertrand 14

 

LEAGUE & OVER 60/OFFICER STANDINGS

COUNTY	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Shots For	Shots Against	Shot Diff	Points
Suffolk	5	4	0	1	496	465	31	69
Norfolk	4	3	0	1	411	367	44	57
Hertfordshire	5	3	0	2	488	462	26	54
Essex	4	1	0	3	369	403	-34	27
Bedfordshire	3	1	0	2	301	305	-4	22
Cambridgeshire	3	0	0	3	249	312	-63	11

 

COUNTY	Shots For	Shots Against	Shot Diff	Points
Suffolk	88	117	81	8
Norfolk	85	59	45	8
Hertfordshire	98	85	13	4
Bedfordshire	52	63	-11	2
Essex	58	91	-33	2
Cambridgeshire	42	73	-31	0

 

 

 

 

Norfolk slip to defeat to Cambridgeshire in Middleton Cup

 

 

Norfolk’s disappointing season in the Middleton Cup continued when they fell to defeat in the Middleton Cup to Cambridgeshire, losing 114 shots to 131 and taking only 4 points. The defeat means Norfolk’s can no longer reach the quarter finals. In their final Group match they travel to Felixstowe on 12^th July to meet Suffolk who will need a big win in an attempt to overtake unbeaten Group leaders Essex

 

Rink scores

Jack Larter, Ian Wones, Mark Riches, Sam King 30 J. Baker 10

Adrian Field, Tom Cooper, Matthew Carter, David Smith 18 S. Kirby 28

John Tufts, Steve Winter, Jack wells, Wayne Willgress 23 T. Hall 17

Tom Baker, Karl Brooks, Matthew Fox, Chris Rowe 16 A. Barker 27

Max Harrison, Matthew Warnes, Richie Bly, Peter Boldero 10 S. Walton 29

John Colcombe, Mark Turner, Andy Siely, Ian Catchpole 17 R. Barker 20

 

Current standings

Pos	Team	Played	Win	Draw	Loss	For	Against	Points
1	Essex	2	2	0	0	233	217	35
2	Suffolk	2	1	0	1	228	206	24
3	Cambridgeshire	2	1	0	1	224	239	20
4	Norfolk	2	0	0	2	228	251	9

 

 

 

County Compet

27^th      June 2025

 

 

County Competition Quarter finals

Norfolk Bowls Association

 

Men’s County Championships 2025

 

The 2025 County Championship SINGLES has now reached the quarter final stage which will be played on

FRIDAY 4^th JULY at ALDISS PARK BC starting at 6.30pm

 

 

QUARTER FINALS

 

John Tufts (Norfolk BC) -v- Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)

                                                      OR Richard Summers (Norfolk BC) *

 

Matt Warnes (Downham Market BC) -v- Alan Willer (Wymondham Dell BC)

 

Alistair Stevenson (Wymondham Dell BC) -v- Tom Cooper (Norfolk BC)

 

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

 

 

Dress code Club dress or whites

 

 

* Previous round delayed due to Wayne Willgress representing England in the British Bowls International Series

 

The winners progress to the semi-finals to be played on

Friday 11^th July at County Arts BC OR Norfolk BC

 

Men’s County Championships 2025

 

The 2025 County Championship PAIRS has now reached the quarter final stage which will be played on

THURSDAY 3^rd JULY at ALDISS PARK BC starting at 6.30pm

 

 

QUARTER FINALS

 

Mike Seppings & Ian McEwan (County Arts BC)

-v-

Karl Brooks & Matthew Carter (Norfolk BC)

 

Nick Gooch & Nathan Watson (Mundford Village BC)

-v-

Tom Baker & Adrian Folker (Wootton Park BC)

 

Richie Bly & Chris Rowe (Downham Market BC)

-v-

Barry Flatt & Gary Goodrum (Wymondham Dell BC)

 

Ian Groves & Jack Larter (County Arts BC)

-v-

Matt Fox & Andy Hailes (St. Lawrence BC)

 

Dress code Club dress or whites

 

 

The winners progress to the semi-finals to be played on

Thursday 10^th July at County Arts BC OR Norfolk BC

Men’s County Championships 2025

 

The 2025 County Championship TRIPLES has now reached the quarter final stage which will be played on

TUESDAY 1^st JULY at ALDISS PARK BC starting at 6.30pm

 

 

QUARTER FINALS

 

Simon Turner, George Wright & Terry Frost (Dereham St. Nicholas BC)

-v-

Matt Warnes, Regan Simper & Rob Parker (Downham Market BC)

 

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

-v-

Ian Groves, Mike Steppings & Jack Larter (County Arts BC

Max Harrison, Jack Wells & Peter Boldero (Downham Market BC)

-v-

Paul King, Richie Bly & Chris Rowe (Downham Market BC)

 

Roger Rudling, Trevor Rudling & Dean Rudling (Shipdham BC)

-v-

John High, Mark Turner & Andy Siely (Acle St. Edmunds BC)

 

Dress code Club dress or whites

 

 

 

The winners progress to the semi-finals to be played on

Tuesday 8^th July at County Arts BC OR Norfolk BC

Men’s County Championships 2025

 

The 2025 County Championship FOURS has now reached the quarter final stage which will be played on

MONDAY 30^th JUNE at ALDISS PARK BC starting at 6.30pm

 

 

QUARTER FINALS

 

Jude Smith, Ashley Smith, Ben Goff & Antonio Bracaliello (County Arts BC)

-v-

John Tufts, Richard Summers, Ian Catchpole & Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)

 

Paul King, Richie Bly, Rob Parker & Chris Rowe (Downham Market BC)

-v-

Mick Gooch, John Chalk, Nathan Watson & Daniel Noble (Mundford Village BC)

 

Keven Brooks, Anthony Hancock, David Willgress & Andrew Brooks (Upwell BC)

-v-

Ollie Allen, Adrian Fox, Gary Goodrum & Richard Haydon (Wymondham Dell BC)

 

Jonathan High, Darren Rowsell, Mark Turner & Andy Siely (Acle St Edmunds BC)

-v-

Max Harrison, Matthew Warnes, Jack Wells & Peter Boldero (Downham Market BC)

 

Dress code Club dress or whites

 

 

The winners progress to the semi-finals to be played on

Monday 7^th July at Thorpe Recreation BC

Quarter final & Semi-final RESULTS

 

Quarter finals

 

Graham Keeley (Wootton Park BC) 8 Carl Walker (Wymondham Dell BC) 15

Nick Slater (Martham BC) 11 Tom Baker (Wootton Park BC) 16

Ian Catchpole (Norfolk BC) 16 Paul King (Downham Market BC) 14

Alistair Stevenson (Wymondham Dell BC) 16 Tony Bispham (Suffield Park BC) 15

 

 

Semi-finals

Carl Walker (Wymondham Dell BC) 9 Tom Baker (Wootton Park BC) 16

Ian Catchpole (Norfolk BC) 15 Alistair Stevenson (Wymondham Dell) 10

 

 

The final will be played over the weekend of 26^th/27^th July at Thorpe Rec BC. Both finalists progress to the Bowls England Aviva National Championships in August

Quarter final & Semi-final RESULTS

 

Quarter finals

Keven Brooks, Anthony Hancock, David Willgress & Andrew Brooks

(Upwell BC) 18

Alan Chamberlain, David Futter, Peter Scarffe & John Griffiths

(Swaffham Town BC) 9

 

Simon Turner, George Wright, Duncan Fletcher & Terry Frost

(Dereham St. Nicholas BC) 10

Martyn Ellis, Philip Richards, David Staff & Stephen Wells

(Norfolk BC) 19

 

Gary Mallett, Clive Derry, Mick Brown & Brian Taylor

(County Arts BC) 11

Colin Starkings, Bob Robson, Stan Paddington & Ken Trivett

(Martham BC) 19

 

Louis Garner, Richard Scott, Peter Lunt & Colin Bix

(Shouldham BC) 23

Barry Flatt, Peter Roseblade, Gary Goodrum & Richard Haydon (Wymondham Dell BC) 3

 

Semi-finals

Keven Brooks, Anthony Hancock, David Willgress & Andrew Brooks

(Upwell BC) 19

Martyn Ellis, Philip Richards, David Staff & Stephen Wells

(Norfolk BC) 12

 

Colin Starkings, Bob Robson, Stan Paddington & Ken Trivett

(Martham BC) 19

Louis Garner, Richard Scott, Peter Lunt & Colin Bix

(Shouldham BC) 11

 

The final will be played over the weekend of 26^th/27^th July at Thorpe Rec BC with the winners progressing to the Bowls England Aviva National Championships in August

 

Norfolk defeat reigning championship Suffolk in the Eastern Counties League

Norfolk gained their 2^nd successive victory in the Eastern Counties League by defeating reigning champions and previously unbeaten Suffolk by 112 shots to 96 at Marlborough BC (Ipswich) taking 16 of the 20 points available with Jack Wells leading the way with a 20 shot victory.

 

The win means Norfolk are well placed to challenge for the League Championship, with home matches against Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire to come.

 

Rink scores:

Ryan Fox, Stanley Turner, Regan simper Jack Wells 32 Elliott Last 12

Jude Smith, Tom Cooper, Matt Carter, Jack Larter 16 Kyle Leeks 21

Chris Reynalds, Chris Carter, Mark Turner, Richard Haydon 22 John Rednall 19

Aaron Lindford, Karl Smith, Paul Wilson, Andy Siely 23 Jamie Gill 20

Jon High, Leo Cook, Steve Johnson, David Lamb 19 Richard Leeder 24

 

 

Attention now turns back to the Middleton Cup where next Saturday at 11.00am (21^st June) Norfolk entertain Cambridgeshire at County Arts BC with Norfolk needing a convincing win to keep alive their chances of qualifying for the quarter finals. Spectators are welcome and are much appreciated by the team

 

 

 

Wayne Willgress selected for Bowls England Senior International team

Congratulations to Wayne Willgress of Norfolk BC on his selection in the Senior International Team for the British Bowls Championships international team.

 

The International Series will be held at Llandrindod Wells BC, Wales, from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 June inclusive. For full details please go to the Welsh Bowls website or click here

 

Bowls England Men’s International Team 2025

·      Lewis Baker - Brampton BC Huntingdonshire

·      Nick Brett - Brampton BC Huntingdonshire

·      Joseph Dawson - Kingscroft BC Leicestershire

·      Harry Goodwin - ppleyard BC Kent

·      James Hampton - Kings BC Devon

·      Kevin Harrison - Aspatria BC Cumbria

·      Tom McGuinness - Gerrards Cross BC Buckinghamshire

·      Dominic McVittie - Royal Mail Cart BC Lincolnshire

·      Edward Morris - Essex County BC Essex

·      Tristan Morton - Parkway BC Huntingdonshire

·      Louis Ridout - Ilminster BC Somerset

·      Sam Tolchard - Kings BC Devon

·      Jamie Walker - Culm Vale BC Devon

·      Andrew Walters - Welford-on-Avon BC Warwickshire

·      Ryan Whitlock - Kings BC Devon

·      Wayne Willgress - Norfolk BC Norfolk

 

Non-Travelling Reserves:

·      Jack Emmerson - Newark Northern BC Nottinghamshire

·      Tom Holmes - Cheltenham BC Gloucestershire

 

·      Team Manager: Kirk Smith (Gerrards Cross BC, Buckinghamshire)

·      Captain: Sam Tolchard (Kings BC, Devon)

 

9^th      June 2025

Defeat to Essex in Middleton Cup

Norfolk opened their Middleton Cup campaign with a disappointing defeat to a strong Essex team at County Arts, losing by 6 shots and taking only 5 of the 22 points available. In the other Group game Suffolk beat Cambridgeshire taking 20 points so in the next round of games on 21^st June Norfolk must beat Cambridgeshire to take the Group honours and a place in the quarter finals to the final match on 12^th July.

 

The result of the match against Essex was in effect determined over the first 5 ends with Norfolk starting slowly with Essex opening a 24 shot lead. Whilst Essex maintained this advantage over the middle period Norfolk showed a fighting spirit and continued to battle and though reducing the final deficit to 6 shots, Essex ran out worthy winners.

 

Rink scores:-

John Tufts, Steve Winter, Jack Wells & Wayne Willgress 19 Andrew Squire 19

Tom Baker, Karl Brooks, Aaron Johnson & Richard Summers 17 Ed Morris 22

Max Harrison, Richie Bly, Chris Rowe & Peter Boldero 18 Dom Warren 22

John Colcombe, Mark Turner, Andy Siely & Ian Catchpole 15 Jamie Holmes 13

Jack Larter, Ian Wones, Mark Riches & Sam King 23 Jack Butcher 15

Adrian Field, Matthew Carter, Rob Parker & David Smith 22 Mark Nullmyers 29

 

 

3^rd    June 2025

Norfolk battle hard in the White Rose Trophy

 

Despite valiant efforts Norfolk failed to progress through the Regional Finals of the Bowls England White Rose Trophy held at Hadleigh BC where Norfolk fielded two team of 5 players against teams from Suffolk & Essex.

 

The Norfolk A team comprising Ryan Fox, Jude Smith, Leo Cook Matt Mills & Stanley Turner, started brightly winning their first two matches and collecting 39 points then following defeat to a much more experienced Suffolk team and victory over the Norfolk B Team, Norfolk A went into their final match against Essex A with an outside chance of qualifying for the National Finals. The experience of the Essex team shone through and it was the Essex team which came out on top to claim their place in the finals

 

The Norfolk B team of Sam Gowler, Tom Codman, Dan Codman, Chris Harwood, Chris Barker & Owen Frosdick were the youngest and least experienced team in the event and battled hard throughout against much stronger opponents securing victory over Essex B but defeat in other matches.

 

All players were great ambassadors for the County and will have gained much valuable experience which bodes well for the future.

 

For full results, please visit the Bowls England website or CLICK HERE

 

 

27^th   MAY 2025

Inter-County Over-60 Team selected

 

Bowls England has introduced a new mixed inter-county team competition for players aged over 60 and in the first round Norfolk entertain Cambridgeshire with the match being played on Tuesday 17^th June at County Arts BC starting at 11.00am

 

The team selected by the joint managers, Mark Turner & Christine Webb is:-

 

John Colcombe, Christine Rednall, Jackie Devitt & Ian Wones

Christine Webb, Sandra Curtis, Mick Brown & Brian Taylor

Jenny Kirby, Barbara Meeks, Gary Oakley & Mark Turner

Christine Johnson, Marie Morton, Paul Webb & Peter Boldero

Rachel Stevenson, Brenda Whitehead, Adrian Field & Bernie Perrett

Jo Ashmore, Debra Wright, Gary Goodrum & Richard Haydon

 

Norfolk begin quest for Middleton Cup crown

 

Norfolk begin the quest for the Middleton Cup when they entertain Essex at County Arts BC on Saturday 7^th June, starting at 11.00am.

 

The County will be looking to build on the success of their Balcomb Trophy Team who lifted the national title last August and progress further than the quarter final which they reached last year.

 

The team selected shows a couple of changes from last year and is

 

John Tufts, Steve Winter, Jack Wells & Wayne Willgress

Tom Baker, Karl Brooks, Aaron Johnson & Richard Summers

Max Harrison, Richie Bly, Chris Rowe & Peter Boldero

John Colcombe, Mark Turner, Andy Siely & Ian Catchpole

Jack Larter, Ian Wones, Mark Riches & Sam King

Adrian Field, Matthew Carter, Rob Parker & David Smith

(Reserve – Matthew Fox)

 

Following the match against Essex, Norfolk entertain Cambridgeshire on 21^st June before travelling to Suffolk for their final Group match on 12^th July with the final Group winners progressing to the quarter final

 

 

Victory for Norfolk in Eastern Counties League

 

Norfolk was back to winning ways in their 2^nd match in the Eastern Counties League with victory over Essex at County Arts on Saturday by 102 shots 84 winning on 3 rinks and drawing on another so took 17 of the 20 points. Essex led at the halfway stage but a strong performance in the latter stages, particularly by Senior Vice President Chris Rowe’s rink, led Norfolk to a deserved victory.

 

Rink scores:

Adrian Field, Steve Johnson, Ian Wones, Aaron Johnson 26 Steve Dunn 19

Glenn Harwood, Ryan Hudson, Jack Larter, Richard Haydon 13 Andy Squire 22

Jude Smith, Richie Bly, Rob Parker, Chris Rowe 24 Peter Halliday 13

Tom Baker, Matthew Carter, Mark Riches, Richard Summers 18 Luke Barnes 18

John Colcombe, Chris Reynalds, Mick Brown, Brian Taylor 21 John Tully 12

 

Attention now turns to the prestigious Middleton Cup which gets underway on Saturday 7^th June when Norfolk entertain Essex at County Arts and there then follows a further home match against Cambridgeshire on 21^st June before the final Group match away to Suffolk on 12^th July.

 

 

 

22^nd  MAY 2025

Cawston lift the 2024 Hansells Cup

 

Cawston BC has won the 2024 Hansells Cup

 

In the final played, which was postponed in August due to bad weather, they defeated Swaffham Town BC by 63 shots to 51 at Aldiss Park BC.

 

Rink scores (Cawston names first):-

G.Waits, L. Sheen, S. Wilson, S. Adcock 25

N.Baber, D. Futter, M. Hammond, T. McCelland 15

 

E.Hayward, G. Durrant, A. Hardesty, D Page 18

A. Chamberlain, K. Shepard, G. Lathwell, P. Scarffe 11

 

C. Sharp, R. Adcock, J. Neale, J. McCann 20

J. Lovick, A. Heinson, D. Dawson, J. Griffiths 25

20^th MAY 2025

Norfolk lose in defence of Balcomb Trophy National title

 

Norfolk’s defence of their Balcomb Trophy title is over.

 

In the newly formatted Championship, the County team travelled to Brampton Institute BC over the weekend for the Regional Finals in a round robin contest against Huntingdonshire, Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire with a place for the overall winners in the National Finals at stake.

 

A disappointing opening defeat against Huntingdonshire and then with results of other matches meant that victory in the 2^nd match against Bedfordshire was critical if Norfolk were to have a chance of reaching the National Final in the their final game. Having looked in control for most of the match against Bedfordshire, Norfolk fell away over the closing ends and slipped to a disappointing defeat. The final match against Cambridgeshire could not affect the overall position and once again, Norfolk slipped to defeat.

 

So, it was a hugely disappointing weekend for the players and Manager who will will now re-group with even greater determination in readiness for the Middleton Cup campaign which begins in June.

 

For full details of all Balcomb Trophy results, please go to https://www.bowlsenglandcomps.com/home/balcomb-trophy

 

 

 

Norfolk young bowlers ready for White Rose Trophy challenge

 

Norfolk travel Hadleigh BC in Suffolk on 31^st May & 1^st June in the Regional Finals of the White Rose Trophy looking to qualify for a place in the National Finals to be held at Leamington Spa in August

 

The format has been changed this year with matches played in Singles, Pairs, Triples & Fours in sets on a round robin basis and against Suffolk & Essex

 

Norfolk and the other 2 Counties have both entered 2 teams and the playing schedules may be accessed via https://www.bowlsenglandcomps.com/home/white-rose-trophy  and then click on the link where shown

 

 

The Norfolk teams will comprise the following players:-

 

Jude Smith

Ryan Fox

Matthew Mills

Leo Cook

Stanley Turner

Sam Gowler

Owen Frostick

Daniel Codman

Tom Codman

Christopher Lea Harwood

Christopher Barker

 

 

 

 

Bowls England 2025 National Championships

County representatives in each Championship event now confirmed

 

Bowls England have now confirmed the number of representative each County will have in the 2025 Bowls England Men’s National Championship Finals with the number being decided on the total number of entries for each County.

 

As a result, it is now confirmed that for Norfolk the number of representatives in each Championship will be:-

·       Singles x2

·       Pairs x2

·       Triples x2

·       Fours x2

·       2 Bowl Singles x2

·       Junior Singles x1

·       Junior Pairs x1 (as for all Counties)

·       Senior Fours x1 (as for all Counties)

 

Where 2 qualifiers these will be our County Championship Finalists and where 1, the County Champion.

 

14^th MAY 2025

 

Norfolk to defend Balcomb Trophy and other news

Norfolk gear up for defence of Balcomb Trophy National title, success in the ECBA Finals & defeat in the Eastern Counties League

 

Norfolk travel to Brampton Institute BC (Huntingdonshire), next weekend, 17^th & 18^th May to begin their defence of the Balcomb Trophy National title won at Leamington Spa last August.

 

The format has been changed this year with matches played in Singles, Pairs, Triples & Fours on a round robin basis against Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Bedfordshire with the winners progressing to the National Finals at Leamington Spa in August.

 

Norfolk’s matches are

·      Saturday 17^th May at 9.30am –v- Huntingdonshire  

·      Sunday 18^th May at 1.00pm –v- Bedfordshire

·      Sunday 18^th May at 4.00pm –v Cambridgeshire

 

Last year’s successful team forms the bulk of the team for this year:

Wayne Willgress (Norfolk BC)

David Smith (Norfolk BC)

Peter Boldero (Downham Market BC)

Jack Wells (Downham Market BC)

Daniel Seabourne (Norfolk BC)

John Tufts (Norfolk BC)

Ian Catchpole (Norfolk BC)

Max Harrison (Downham Market BC)

Aaron Johnson (Norfolk BC)

Richard Summers (Norfolk BC)

with Mark Turner once again Team Manger

 

The players playing in each of the formats will be announced later

 

================================================================================

Norfolk tasted success in the 2024 Eastern Counties Bowling Association Finals held at Elsenham BC with the Four of Matt Warnes, Chris Rowe, Jack Wells & Peter Boldero of Downham Market BC lifting the title following last end wins in the semi-final against Huntingdonshire and then in the final against Cambridgeshire.

 

There was however disappointment in the Junior Singles and Pairs where Ryan Fox (Acle St. Edmunds BC) and Aaron Johnson/Ian Catchpole (Norfolk BC) had to settle for runners-up following defeats in the final.

 

===============================================================================

Norfolk’s competitive County programme opened on Saturday with the opening match in the Eastern Counties League against Hertfordshire at Hatfield and unfortunately it was a defeat by 4 shots, 93 -97 but with the County winning on 3 of the 5 rinks but losing overall by 6 points to 14.

 

Rink scores

Jude Smith, Glen Harwood, Karl Brooks & Andy Siely 23 A. Harman 14

Regan Simper, Ryan Fox, David Lamb & Jack Larter 21 S. Horwood 15

Matthew Warnes, Harry Cater, Matthew Fox & Jack Wells 9 M. Coles 32

John High, Ryan Hudson, Steve Johnson & Aaron Johnson 19 M. Plume 22

Chris Reynalds, Mark Turner, Chris Rowe & Peter Boldero 21 T. Keeling 14

 

 

 

17^th APRIL 2025

 

Report to Clubs  

Summary report of the Clubs Meeting held on 6th

April 2025

NORFOLK BOWLS ASSOCIATION UPDATE

County Sponsorship

We are delighted to announce the agreement to a sponsorship arrangement with

Howden Insurance based at 1 Surrey St. Norwich which will provide direct

financial benefits to both the County Association and affiliated Clubs.

Howden Insurance will become the headline sponsors of our County League and

have provided branded scorecards which have or is in the process of being

distributed to Clubs and ask that these be used for County League matches

As part of the arrangement, the County will receive a cash payment and for any

Club member who arranges insurance through them the Club will receive a cash

payment to them of £25.00 paid to them on a quarterly basis. When asking for a

quote, they will be asked how they heard of Howdens and provided the cover is

then placed the Club will receive the £25.00.

To advertise the services that Howden’s provide, they are asking Clubs if they

will display one of their advertising boards and if you are willing to do so then

please liaise initially with David Naunton, who is managing the arrangement. It

is appreciated that some Clubs already have local sponsorship deals with other

insurance brokers which may create a conflict of interest and prevent such

advertising being displayed

Howden’s cover over 100 types of insurance business and to see details please

go their website https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/norwich where the

Manager is Neil Carver.

Please do share this information with your membership and make them aware of

the potential benefits to both them and your Club.

County handbooks & Howden Insurance branded scorecards

These have or will be distributed to all Clubs. The contact for any issues is John

George.

Clubs

Newly affiliated Clubs for 2025:-

· Wellesley BC (Great Yarmouth)

· Hempton BC

· Aylsham (Ladies) BC

 Unfortunately, Saxon BC has decided not to re-affiliate in 2025 and GW

Staniforth has closed.

2025 County Championships & Bowls England National Finals

Draws for our County Championships have been made and published including

the inter-Club events

The Group Competition Secretaries are

· Group1 /2 Ian Groves

· Group 3 Malcolm Struthers

· Group 4 Malcolm Struthers

John George looks after inter-clubs competitions (Bales Cup, Lord Fermoy Cup &

Jermy Cup)

The programme for the 2025 Bowls England National Finals has been published

and is on the Bowls England website. The number of qualifiers we have for each

Championship will be confirmed when received from Bowls England.

County dress

We have agreed to introduce a new playing shirt with black shorts/trousers for

National Inter County events for 2025.

The design is the same as adopted by our Ladies Section so we have a dress

code covering both genders which we see as a way forward and integration

across the whole County.

Additional kit will be available including a hoodie and training top and these too

will be available. Going forward we may extend the kit range to include rain &

shower proof tops.

Members will be able to purchase all kit direct from the Suppliers but we will

hold some stock but there will be a lead in time of up to 5 weeks.

Full details will be circulated in due course

2024 AGM

Rules updates

At the AGM in December, motions were passed to change various rules and

these have been incorporated into the current rules and regulations, namely:

· County League to 18 ends including WP Baker & Hansells Cups

· County League changed to open to allow lady members (for any ladies

that play they MUST be affiliated and affiliation fees paid)

Please ensure your Team Captains are aware of these changes

The new League Secretary is Ian Groves - contact details:

· Email – leaguesec64@outlook.com

· Phone - 07584 287456

In addition, the 2024 Hansells Cup final between Swaffham Town & Cawston was

postponed last year due to bad weather. This will now be played on at 10am on

Saturday 17 th May at Aldiss Park (under the ‘2024’ rules’).

 

 Teams with more than 1 team in the County League must register 12 players for

their ‘A’ team by 30 th April and the Registration Form has been sent to those

Clubs where this needs to be done.

Officer vacancies

There are vacancies for the following positions should any members be

interested:-

· Junior Vice President

· Press Officer

· Safeguarding Officer - I am covering at present but we a looking to

appoint a permanent officer should anyone be interested

· Disciplinary Officer - with changes to Bowls England Regulation 9 we need

to appoint a County Disciplinary Officer and this is being pursued

Middleton Cup

As last year, this will be a round robin with home matches at County Arts.

Fixture details are on our website

Balcomb Trophy & White Rose Trophy

Changes approved at the 2024 Bowls England AGM have been implemented for

2025 and there will be Regional Finals played for both events under the new

playing formats.

The Balcomb Trophy is at Brampton Institute BC in Huntingdonshire on 17 th/18 th

May where we will start our defence of the title with the White Rose Trophy at

Hadleigh BC in Suffolk on 31 st May/1 st June.

As previously announced the playing formats for both these events have

changed in 2025 to:-

· Balcomb – team of 10 playing singles, pairs, triples & fours

· White Rose – teams of 5 playing singles/fours, pairs/triples

Over 60 Inter-County Team Competition

This is a new knock out event for 2025 comprising a team of 12 men & 12 ladies.

We have entered a team with Mark Turner & Christine Webb as joint Managers.

Our first round match is against Cambridgeshire on 17 th June at County Arts.

Eastern Counties League

There have been changes in that the matches will now comprise 4 rinks + a rink

comprising players aged over 60/ County Officers.

There was a risk of the League folding due to lack of support from other

Counties and the above change has meant the League will continue in 2025.

County Friendlies

Application forms for matches have been issued to Clubs for return to the Match

Secretary (Barney Wymer).

The full programme of matches is on our website though the programme is

smaller this year mainly due to the reluctance of some Counties to travel.

County Tour

 The 2025 Tour, hosted by President Chris is to Leicestershire and the

Tour Manager is John Mason

BOWLS ENGLAND UPDATE

Affiliation Fees 2025

Following a change at the 2023 Bowls England AGM, the Bowls England

affiliation fee will increase annually based on the CPI at October.

The Bowls England fee for the 2025 season will be £7.10 per member.

The NBA Affiliation fee remains unchanged at £2.00 per member. However we

are not immune to rising costs and may have to consider an increase at some

time, but we have no plans to increase at present.

The Hon Treasurer (David Naunton) has issued the relevant paperwork to Clubs

with payment of the fees required by 10 th May 2025.

Late Affiliation Fee payment for new members joining after the May affiliation

payments will be requested later in the year.

County Development Programme – Norfolk 2025

Norfolk has been selected as one of 5 Counties to get dedicated support from

the Bowls Development Alliance (BDA) in 2025.

The first stage was a Roadshow held in conjunction with Bowls England at

County Arts in February. More information will be provided by the BDA on how

they can support Clubs and I urge Clubs to consider the help and support that

can be provided to them on many topics.

Details of Club sign-up to the 2025 Norfolk County Development Programme

have been sent to Clubs along with details of a ‘Club Health Checker’ both of

which could provide great support to Clubs and Clubs are urged to consider

these

The contact from the BDA is their East Region Development Officer, Annie

Dunham whose contact details and other useful information may be found on the

BDA website including the County Development Programme & Club Health

Checker.

Safeguarding

Much work has been undertaken to ensure Clubs have an Officer in position by

1 st May, this being a Sport England requirement.

Most Clubs now have or are in the recruitment process but those who have not

are being actively chased.

Clubs with any issues or concerns should contact the Hon. Secretary or the

Bowls England Safeguarding Lead, Juliette Maggs-Bowen

Misconduct/Disciplinary

 Currently this is covered in Bowls England Regulation 9 which all Clubs must

adhere to as a condition of their affiliation.

The current Regulation is complicated and very difficult to adhere to so

Bowls England is undertaking a review of the Regulation and will be making this

simpler and easier to follow. Work is ongoing and when completed Board

approval will be sought and the Regulation implemented with more details given

at that stage.

Fit for Future strategy

The 5 year strategy is on-going and covers such things as

· Bowls Big Weekend

· Bowls Bash

· Play Bowls platform

Full details are the Bowls England website and I would urge Clubs to take a look

to see if any of these are a ‘fit’ for them. Bowls England will provide support &

guidance

Bowls Big Weekend 2025

This is in its 5 th year and many Clubs across the Country have signed up for this

over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.

Bowls England AGM

The AGM was held in February and there is not too much of importance to Clubs

to report but if anyone requires a copy of the minutes these will be provided.

The Annual Awards Night followed and I’m delighted to report that Brian Taylor

of County Awards received the prestigious National Greenkeeper of Year award.

International update/Performance Team Update

Changes have been made to the Performance Team international trial

nominations with a new Performance Team now in place

The Balcomb Trophy & White Rose Trophy Regional finals will now be treated as

a key element of the selection process, particularly for the Senior Team, though

performances in other events will be taken into account.

As for Juniors, some Counties have not entered a team in the White Rose Trophy

so a Junior International Trial as well as an Under 18 training day will be held

and nominations for these are being sought (details are on the BE website).

In addition, Bowls England is planning Regional Under-18 Talent Days followed

up with a National Development Day at Leamington 2025.

Details on the above may be found on the Bowls England website

Another item of news is that Bowls England has expressed interest in hosting the

2027 World Bowls Championships and further news is awaited.

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c:\users\user\documents\my documents from e drive\nba - secretary docs etc\clubs meetings\2025

04\report\report to clubs.docClubs data/Club dashboard

Bowls England hold, on their website, data for all Clubs and are developing this

further to be a ‘one stop shop’ for any one searching for a bowls club and the

bowling & facilities that they provide.

Whilst Bowls England will populate Club information with the details that they

hold and which have been provided, once this is live, responsibility for update

will lie with Clubs.

There are items of information that will be mandatory, including Club

Contact/Secretary but there will be other information that the Club may record

should they think fit, including contact details of other key Club Officers. The

‘site’ is still at the development stage and more details will be provided in due

course.

Bursaries – Safeguarding, Umpiring & Coach Bowls

Bowls England has previously offered bursaries towards the cost of Coaching,

Umpiring & Safeguarding but they have advised that they have currently

suspended payments whilst they undertake a review, which I understand will be

completed very soon.

The Norfolk Bowls Association Coaching bursary (for 50% of the course fee for

Coach Bowls Level 1 for 2 members per Club over a 2 year period) will continue.

John Ottaway

Hon. Men’s Secretary

13 th April 2025

Circulation:-

Norfolk Bowls Association Men’s Club Secretaries

Norfolk Bowls Association Men’s Management Committee

Mark Turner – Middleton Cup Manager

Christine Rednall – Norfolk Bowls Association Ladies Section Secretary

 

24^th February 2025

 

Brian Taylor awarded the Bowls England Greenkeeper of the Year

Photo link

At the Bowls England Annual Awards Night held at Leicester Athena on Saturday, Brian Taylor of County Arts BC was awarded the prestigious ‘Greenkeeper of the Year’, a richly deserved honour for his work and dedication at both his own Club and many other Clubs across the County over many years.

 

The Bowls England citation given stated “Brian’s 30+ years green-keeping transformed County Arts BC into one of Norfolk’s finest. His expertise helped to revive the green after major setbacks and he supports other Clubs as Norfolk’s Greens Maintenance Advisory Officer showcasing unmatched dedication to bowls services”

 

Many congratulations to Brian from the County Association and the many players both in Norfolk & beyond who have had the pleasure of play the greens you have worked on over many years.

 

21^st December 2024

County Comps 2025 now on website and click the link here.

Norfolk Bowls Association League Fixtures 2025 now on website and click the link here  

 

 

15^th November 2024

NOTICE of County League Annual General Meeting on 8^th December 2024

NOTICE OF COUNTY LEAGUE AGM

 

Notice is hereby given that the Norfolk Bowls Association COUNTY LEAGUE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING will take place on Sunday 8^th December 2024 at County Arts Bowls Club, Plumstead Road East, Norwich immediately following the Men

 

 Attached is the Agenda together with:-

·      Agenda item 3 - Minutes of the AGM held on 3^rd December 2023

·      Agenda item 6

·      Agenda item 8 - League format for 2025 but this is still dependent on league entries received and which do not close until 15^th November and if you have not yet submitted your Club

 

Please note the two motions that have been submitted which are shown in Agenda item 5 & explained in the Appendix, namely:-

·      Change from 21 ends to 18 ends

·      Change to an

 

If you have any queries or comments prior to the Meeting then please address these to the Hon. League Secretary - Mark Elliott (email: markelliott1962@outlook.com).

 

Links to following

1.   Agenda 8^th December 2024

2.   Minutes of last AGM held on 3^rd December 2023

3.   League format for 2025

4.   League Secretary Report