BOWLS: Martham were at home to Burlingham on Saturday in the final of the Donny Pearce Cup. There was strong support from both clubs.At 15 ends Sheena Siely, David Nichols and John Dyball at24-6 were covering Craig Watson, Mike Fisher and Gary Hewitt, who were 5-22 down, but with the rinks skipped by Paul Randell and Les Smith both neck and neck the match was close.

BOWLS: Martham were at home to Burlingham on Saturday in the final of the Donny Pearce Cup. There was strong support from both clubs.

At 15 ends Sheena Siely, David Nichols and John Dyball at24-6 were covering Craig Watson, Mike Fisher and Gary Hewitt, who were 5-22 down, but with the rinks skipped by Paul Randell and Les Smith both neck and neck the match was close.

Paul and Les kept it tight as the Martham bowlers played valiantly over the final ends to close the gap.

John Dyball, playing superbly, increased his rink's lead to finish 32-8 whilst Gary, changing round his rink's positions, pulled back to 17-26.

Paul, with Syd Siely and Terry Sewell won by six shots, 20-14, and John Hudson, Gerald Harrison and Les lost by just one shot, 17-18, giving Martham an 86-66 victory to retain the cup.

The game was followed by a buffet and presentation of the cup to captain David Nichols by Maurice Shreeve, chairman of Great Yarmouth and District Bowls Association.

IN the Malta Cup the A team played Acle A and lost 53-78, getting just one point to finish fourth in the league.

In the Yarmouth League Martham B played Yarmouth at home on Wednesday gaining six points with a 84--73 win.

Two blocks drew and two blacks won with G Gallant, S Faircloth and J Lown being top block 19-13.

On Friday only one block managed to win against Winterton. C Starkings, D Nicholson and B Smith won

24-18 gaining Martham just one point.

In the Norfolk League Martham B were at home to Rollesby, two blocks won to win the game 51-45 (7-2). Top block Sandra Faircloth, Jane Watson and Gary Hewitt 24-9.

On Saturday morning the members of Martham's junior club were delighted to receive a visit from Acle bowler Tim Stone.

Tim, who began playing bowls when he was eight, now plays for England and is 24th in the world indoor rankings.

Taking the time to coach and chat with youngsters as they bowled, he was impressed with their progress and enthusiasm.

The youngsters were encouraged by the visit which was part of the club's summer “Bowls in the Community” project funded by a grant from Great Yarmouth Borough Council's participatory budget scheme in associaion with Martham Parish Council.

Tim presented trophies to award winners Alex Bowgen (Best New Player); Oliver Church (Commitment Award); Lauren Siely (Sportsmanship Award) and Matthew Dawson (Most Improved Player).

Daniel Seabourne was the winner of the junior handicap singles and received the George Dyball Memorial Cup.

President Jane Rush thanked Tim and the club's coaches Susan Moore, Sydney Siely and Edna Land for their commitment and dedication throughout the year.