Indoor bowlers are hoping to have delivered a blocking shot over the threatened axing of their rinks.

As Browston Bowls Club prepares to close the Yarmouth club based at the Marina Centre has seen its numbers soar.

It has re-entered the men’s county league with two teams, and also put a team in the Top Ten league for the first time.

The ladies continue to thrive, playing in their own and in the mixed domestic leagues and the Red Team emerged victorious winning promotion to the Premier League.

Chairperson Helen Farrow, said: “All of this positive news must show the council the need for a bowls club in Great Yarmouth, we have proved we are a viable concern, and more to the point, a necessity for the many men and women who love our sport.

“Not only does it provide them with a circle of friends, especially if they are on their own, but the activity keeps them mobile, fit, and healthy and out of our overstretched National Health Service.

“So, please Great Yarmouth Council, include us in your plans for the new build, or find us another suitable venue, so we can continue to play competitive bowls beyond 2020 when the Marina Centre will presumably have been demolished.”

Great Yarmouth Borough Council is looking at options for the Marina Centre site which is dated and depends on a large subsidy.

So far its plans have not included replacement bowling rinks.