Martham win county bowls cup

Great Yarmouth And District Federation Bowls

THE Division One title is yet to be confirmed.

Martham A still need a few points to take the honours, but they had to settle for a brace of points playing at Gorleston Conservatives 72-80 (2-5) but then fared better at Rollesby winning 90-65 (5�-1�).

With Rollesby needing the points just as badly to get away from the drop zone they did much better at Gorleston EBF, winning six points. Halvergate Top Green are also involved in the survival stakes but had two good home wins playing Rollesby 96-54 (7-0) and then Gorleston EBF 88-68 (6-1). Northgate managed to hold off Rollesby 74-71 (5-2) for a home win.

Gorleston Conservatives again took all seven points 104-48 playing Gorleston EBF on the Cliff Greens, whilst Woodbastwick finished on a high at home to Fleggburgh Private 93-48 (7-0).

IN Division Two, two teams are in the frame.

Ormesby had an excellent win at Hickling 92-52 (6-1) then at Ludham lost 73-75 (1�-5�). Caister A moved closer with a home win against Ludham 86-69 (5-2).

Filby A finished with a fine home win against Repps 97-65 (6-1) but just short of a few points in the title race. Filby B, got only two points at Caister B 67-73, then had two home wins 82-59 (7-0) against Repps and 92-59 (5-2) against Winterton but at Martham B lost 54-112 (0 7). Whilst Martham B were having a breather, Caister B popped in and took a 100-77 (6-1) win.

Martham were soon back on song when Repps arrived and an 89-58 (7-0) win was the result. Caister B had a fruitless trip to Winterton and could only settle for 61-84 (1-6).

Martham BC

THE County Cup comes to Martham with a two, three, four, five win. For Martham the County Cup has always proved elusive, despite the fact that at Hall Road they had on occasion reached the semi-finals stage and won the Subsidiary Cup, so the atmosphere amongst their supporters was tense and expectant as Martham A faced Cawston A in the final at Mundesley Haig.

After five ends Martham were only one shot up and level at 10 - but by 15 ends they had opened up a lead of 13 shots, which increased to 19 at 18 ends and they ultimately ran out winners at 80-66.

The four rinks won by two, three, four and five shots with final scores of P Randell, T Sewell and Syd Siely 17-15; L Nicholson, G Harrison and John Hudson 19-16, J Dyball, Sheena Siely and T Punchard 21-17 and G Hewitt, D Nichols and M Fisher, 23-18. The cup was presented by the NCBA President, Frank Haverson.

MARTHAM A played Rollesby away winning 65-90 (1�-5�).

Rollesby BC

ROLLESBY wrapped up their league matches for the season with a home match against Stalham in the Broadland League where they won comfortably 83-62, points 6-1. J Palmer, M Thomas and A Palmer 21-13, J Mason, T Wilkin and B Catchpole 21-20, F Walker, R Blunden and J Avery 23-17.

In the Yarmouth League Rollesby travelled to Gorleston EBF keen to reverse the home defeat suffered in the recent fixture. A valiant effort by E Taylor, T Wright and G Curtis, taking eight shots without reply in the last five ends wasn't enough to prevent a narrow 20-22 defeat but the visitors enjoyed much better fortunes on the remaining three rinks.

Wins by J Palmer, M Thomas and B Catchpole 19-14, F Walker, J Mason and J Catchpole 24-12 and a comprehensive 29-6 victory by J Avery, A Palmer and T Avery resulted in a 92-54 win with points 6-1. Always nice to finish with a win but far too many points dropped in recent matches to guarantee their place in this division next year.

Rollesby held their open three-wood pairs competition on Sunday sponsored by the King's Head, Ormesby. In brilliant late summer sunshine, the prize money was keenly contested and the victorious couple were Hilary and Stuart Elliott from Hickling Bowls Club who finished the day unbeaten with a plus 19-shot difference.

Bradwell BC

ON Saturday, Bradwell Bowling Club held its Silver Jubilee event. This is the 25th season since the club was re-formed. Mr E Howlett, chairman of Bradwell Parish Council, spoke in praise of the club.

A celebration cake was made by members Beverley and Colin Deverill. Thirty-six bowlers then took part in the drive which was won by an invited guest, Barry Chapman. Alan Collins and Colin Deverill were runners-up.

After the drive members and guests competed in eight different bowling challenges. The winner was again Barry Chapman with Jean North second. George Coxsey came third and Stan Hopwood fourth.

A buffet followed. In addition to the outdoor activities there was, in the pavilion, an exhibition of photographs, press cuttings and memorabilia.

Bradwell played away to Sparrow's Nest in the Lowestoft and District League. Terry Gallant, Peter King and Thelma Bradnum 18-10; Ivan Rudge, Alan Collins and Charles Hutcheson 18-17. The other two rinks faced strong opposition and Bradwell lost overall.

In the Lothingland League, away to Sunfield, Bradwell had two wins and a draw. Tom Hall, Derek Patterson and Paul Vincent 27-10; Terry Gallant, Alan Collins and Joan Bayfield 18-17; Bryan Vincent, Peter King and Thelma Bradnum 22-22. The fourth rink gave good team support with 17-25.

In the same league, at home to Hopton, Keith Baker, Dahlia Macdonald and Colin Deverill dominated 23-7; Paul Lown, Bryan Vincent and Hugh Clifton 23-16; Tom Hall, Ken Hall and Jean Moore 18-17.

At home to Kessingland in the Sunshine League Bradwell bowlers had a disappointing evening. The best result was 15-18 recorded by Roger Driver, George Coxsey and Michael O'Keefe after they had drawn level on the 18th. Stan Hopwood, Jean Collins and Ken Hall scored six over their last three ends but had to accept 16-21.

At home to Aldeby, also in the Sunshine League, Rita Ellis, Diane Purnell and Andy Cameron, from 15-all on the 16th, achieved a very creditable 23-16. Kath Brown, Wally Bean and Ken Saward appeared to coast to their 19-9. The third rink, however, despite opening with three shots, suffered a negative result.

Pauline Taylor