Ladies  Into National Quarter Finals

The  Ladies Mason Team  Played  Huntingdon for a place in the National Quarter final.

At  home  Sheila Stacey, Gwyn Xuereb, Marie Morton and Jenny Kirby  fresh from their good win in the last round were in a good positive frame of mind.  By  5 ends they were   9-0 up  and by 10  16-1, now dominating  and  a large audience watching the game on the cameras they  romped home 26-5.  Taking the long journey away  was Joy Pearson, Jenny Ramsbottom, Barbara Meeks and Geraldine and on a difficult  surface they dropped a 5 on the 3rd end  but by 11 ends came back to 9 each , keeping  the opposition poor the  game finished 11-20.

Result  37 – 25  and  now play County Arts  in the National Quarter Final in 3 weeks.

The Ladies A Team Away to Diss in the Final  game of the season were hoping to finish in the top three. Sue Moore,Jude Ward  and Mel Haylett scored a  6 on the 3rd end , a 5 on the 7th  but dropped 7 on the 12th  but won 20-13. Tia Linford, Andrea Morton and Geraldine Reeve scored a 5 on the 6th , were 12 each at 10  but won 19-16. Sheila Stacey,Jess Murison and Elaine Cole were 5-12 down with 4 ends left but drew 13 each. Jenny Kirby’s block dropped a 6 on the 4th came back to be 12 each playing the final end but lost 12-15.

Result 64 – 57  and  6 ½ - 1 ½  pts.

Up  against  Norfolk Bowling Club A  in the Mason Trophy was a daunting task and would need  a little piece of magic to go forward into the 5th round. At  home was Sheila Stacey, Gwyn Xuereb, Marie Morton  and  Jenny Kirby and they got off with a flyer going 7-0 up at 5 ends,  5 on the 8th made it 14-0,  all  four in top form by 12  ends it was 21-0 and the game conceded  at 16ends with the score 25-3. Away  Joy Pearson, Jenny Ramsbottom Barbara Meeks and Mel Haylett went 6-1 up at 5  ends, then 11-6 at 10 and 16-12 at 15.With  the total  score at 41-15 the white flag was raised  by Bowling Club as Acle  Girls  progressed in to round 5  with  a place in the National Quarter Final to play for.

Away to N. Walsham the Ladies A  Team knew it was  imperative to return with  points to  still  be in the chase  for the County Title.  Tia Linford, Andrea  Morton  and Geraldine Reeve were 9-7 up at 7 ends and with both front players on top form  they  went 17-7  and won 24-7. Sandra Faircloth, Jude Ward and  Mel Haylett were 6-2 at 5 ends , 9-6 at 10 and in a good game  won 10-9. Jenny Ramsbottom, Jess Murison  and Jenny Kirby were 6-1 at 5, 10-6 at 10 and only losing 5 ends won 15-9. Marie  Morton’s block scored 6 n  the 3rd but by 10 were 9-16  down and finished losing 12-26.

Result 61-51 and 7-1  pts     A result  that   keeps  them top at moment with one game to play.

At  home to N.Walsham  the Ladies A considered this a Banana skin game and it proved to be despite last minute drama. Lynne Cannell, Sue Moore  and Elaine Cole scored a 7 on the second end and by 5 were 14-1up . At 11 ends it was 17-9  but then scored 10 shots over the final 3  ends to win 27-9  and  set  up a grandstand finish to  the game. Geraldine Reeve’s block won 6 ends , lost 6 ends and lost 7-14, Sheila Stacey’s block dropped a 5 on the 3rd  and  lost 8-15. Jenny Kirby’s block were 5 each at 5 , 8-9 at 10 and 10-13 with one end to play . After a delay on one rink it eventually left  Acle 52 – 51  up, the last end was critical  and  despite a valiant effort by Jenny  it finished 52-53.

Result 52-53  and  1-7 pts.

The Next  day away  to Gallows  another  Banana  Skin was  prevalent . Sandra Faircloth, Jess Murrison and Jenny Kirby went 7-2 at 5 ends, 10-7 at 10 and won 16-9. Elaine Cole’s block lost 6-21, Barbara Meek’s 6-20  and Geraldine Reeve’s 9-28.

Result 37-78  and 1-7pts   and  the league  championship back in the melting Pot.

Mason Trophy  the Ups and Downs

In  the Mason Trophy  the Ladies A   and B  had a Mixed  result. The B Team playing Bowling Club A drew  away 18 each  but at  home  lost 7-30 and bowed  out of the competition 25-48. The  A Team however played Bowling Club B  and  away Joy Pearson, Jenny Ramsbottom, Geraldine Reeve and Mel Haylett were 15-2 up  at 10 ends and went on to win 28-9. At home  Sheila Stacey, Jackie Smith, Marie Morton and Jenny Kirby were level at 10 ends  at 10 each but a 6 on the 13th put them in charge and finished winning    21-16. They  now play  Bowling Club A in the 4th round.

Ladies A Team away  to Bowling club A  in the league had Brenda Cole, Elaine Cole  and Geraldine Reeve came back from 3-7 down to win 17-14 with the help of a 5 on the 12th. Gwen Fletton, Jess  Murrison  and Mel Haylett only lost on 3 ends and won 13-5. Marie Morton’s block  lost 11-23  and Jenny Kirby’s block 9-18. A disappointing result but keeps them top  of the table with  83pts.

Result 41-60 and 2-6 pts.

At  home to  the Dell  the Ladies A  Team  were intent  on continuing  their winning form to keep top of the table.Brenda Cole, Marie Morton and  Jenny Kirby scored a 7  on the 5th end and by 10 ends were 23-3 up, going on to a big win 32-3.  Sheila  Stacey, Sue Moore  and Geraldine Reeve scored 8 shots in 3 ends to go 11-3 up and went on to win 18-6. Mel Haylett’s Block lost 8-17  while Elaine Cole’s block went from 11-3 up to eventually lose 13-14.

Result 61-40 and  6 – 2 pts

National Top Club  Big  Win

Playing Kingsthorpe  in the National Top Club Competition  at Chesterton was  a daunting task but spirits  and confidence was  high .In the   Ladies Singles Sheila Stacey  cruised into  a 13-3  lead  and  won 21-4. Mark Elliott  lost Mens singles 16-21. Jenny  Kirby  with George Tubby  won the Pairs 19-11. Jenny  Ramsbottom, Barbara Meeks , Simon Elliott  and Rob Parker won the 4’s 16-9 and  Lynn Cannell, Paul Webb  and Roger Barnbrook  lost triples  5-32.

Result 10-6   win

On Saturday,  the Ladies A played Hunstanton and Judith Ward, Gywn Xuereb and Barbara Meeks went 7-3 up , 11-7  and a 5 on the 12th helped them to a 22-7 win. Gwen Fletton, Andrea Morton  and Elaine Cole were 7-1, 11-5  and won 16-8. Tia Linford , Jenny Ramsbottom,  and Mel Haylett were  8-3, 13-6  and won 17-8. Jenny Kirby’s block were 9-7 up then dropped a 6 and finished losing 14-17.

Result  69- 40   and   7-1 pts

Ladies A   played Ladies B in the top division and  the result  when with the form book. Tia Linford, Lillian Barber and Jenny Kirby were  10-0 up at 5 ends Playing Elaine Donovan   then 17-4 at 10 and went on to win 25-7. Joy Pearson, Andrea Morton and  Geraldine Reeve  10-3 up at 5, 16-6 at 10   won 22-8.  Sandra  Faircloth, Marie Morton and Barbara Meeks  were 10 each at 10 and won  14-10.  The tables were reversed  however  when Jean Claxton, Leslie Hall and Julia Crosby played Mel Haylett’s trio as they went 6-2  at 5  and won the final 3 ends to finish 11-10.

Result  71-36  and  7-1 pts

On Thursday away to County Arts  the Ladies A had some players unavailable and lost on all  rinks, but the following day  at home to Diss they  bounced back to keep top of the league. Sandra Faircloth, Elaine Cole, and Geraldine Reeve picked up a 7 on the 5th end, then a 5 on the 11th and  won 22-11. Gwen Fletton, Gwyn Xuereb and  Mel Haylett  were  7-2 up at 5 , 14-8 at 10 and won 16-9.Sheila Stacey, Sue Moore and Barbara Meeks went  8-2 up at 5  and romped home 14-8. Lynne Cannell, Jes Ward and Jenny Kirby scored a 5 on the 9th and finished 17-6.

Result 69 - 34  and all  8 pts

At  home to Bowling Club in the National Top Club Trophy it was  expected to be a difficult  and a tension filled  game. However  with all  players intent  of proving their  ability  the games were  action packed. Sheila Stacey  21 – 16 and Mark Elliott 21-18  both Winning their  singles, Jenny Kirby  with George Tubby  10 up in the pairs , the fours  Jenny Ramsbottom, Barbara Meeks Josh Baxter and Simon Elliott 1 up and the triples Lynne Cannell, Paul Webb and Roger Barnbrook 3 up  Acle were over  20 shots  up   and there were  smiles all round as  Bowling  Club  conceded,

Mason Magic

In the Mason Trophy  the Ladies A Team played Beccles and Acle Girls  put on a magical  performance with Sheila Stacey, Edna Land, Marie Morton  and Jenny Kirby  winning 38-5 while Gwen Fletton, Jenny Ramsbottom, Geraldine Reeve and Mel Haylett won away     22-18.  The Mason B Team played  N.Walsham  and  Sal  Davis, Julia Crosby, Elaine Donovan and Lillian Barber won  15-10 and away  Lynne Cannell ,Sue Moore, Sandra Faircloth  and Elaine Cole  won 23-10.   With  both Teams  going into the Next round.

Away  to Hunstanton the Ladies A  long Journey to the seaside was  bringing  back memories of last years heavy defeat but hoping  for a change of fortune. Sandra Faircloth , Jess Murison  and Marie Morton  were 1-5 down but  an exceptional 8  on the 6th turned the tide  as they  strolled home  21-8. Joy Pearson , Sue Moore and Mel Haylett went 8-1 up and won well  14-7. Sheila Stacey, Andrea Morton  and Barbara Meeks went from 5-2 up at 5 to 15-2 at 10 and won 20-7. Jenny Kirby’s block  were 7 each at 8 but a lean spell meant they lost 9-15.

Result  64 – 37  and  7 – 1 pts

Away to Roundwood the Ladies A were looking for  another , win. Gwen Fletton  Sue  Moore and Geraldine Reeve  were 4-8 down at 8 ends but they  turned it all round scoring  14 shots in the final 5 ends  to win 20-9.  Sandra Faircloth, Jess Murison and Mel Haylett went 8-3 up  and only lost 5 ends  to win 12-8. Brenda Cole, Lillian Barber  and Barbara Meeks went 10-4 up dropped a 5 on the penultimate end  to be 12 each but won 13-12. Marie Morton’s block dropped a 6 on the 6th  and never recovered and lost 6-18.

Result 51-47  and 7-1 pts

Mason Magic

Playing Beccles A  the Mason B  Team  were  going to have to  play well  for a positive result. At home Sally Davis , Julia Crosby, Elaine Donovan and Lillian Barber were  7-8 at 10  ends but 5 ends later had moved to 16-11 up  and finished winning 17-13. Away  Lynne Cannell, Sandra Faircloth, Sue Moore and Elaine Cole found the weight  difficult and were 3-13  down after 10 ends so the game score was 10-21. At 15  ends the away team were   8-17 but now in the ascendency  and scored 6 shots without reply to finish 14-17.

Result 31-30 and into the next round.

Ladies  A  win Away

Top  Club

Playing Essex County  on a neutral  green at Ipswich in the National  Top Club Championship  was  a  good challenge. Sheila Stacey  won her singles 21-17 and Jenny Ramsbottom, Barbara Meeks, Barney Wymer  and Simon Elliott  won the fours 31-10. Graham Punchards triple lost 15-20 and Mark Elliott  lost the Mens Singles 15-21. Jenny  Kirby with George Tubby  were the last to finish  in the pairs and what looked like  the impossible shot  was  needed  to win. Needing 2  to draw  George pulled it off to finish 21 each  and win the game by shots difference.

Away to the Dell the  Acle Ladies A  were  looking for another win in the county league  despite Captain Barbara being  unable to play. Lynne Cannell, Gwyn Xuereb and Geraldine Reeve  soared into a 11-0 lead after just 5 ends,   by 10 ends it was 13-10  but  a determined  trio won 15-12. Sandra Faircloth, Jenny Ramsbottom  and Jenny Kirby went from 4-5  down to 13-6 up  and finished 15-12. Sheila Stacey, Jude Ward and Elaine Cole were 6-4 up scored a 5 on the 9th  and went on to a convincing win 19-11. Gwen Fletton , Lillian Barber, Marie Morton were 9-1 at  5 then 9-7 at 9, and went on to win 16-10.

Result  65 – 45 and all 8 pts.

Yetton Exit  in Final 3 ends

Playing Bowling  Club in the Yetton Trophy was not going to be easy for Acle Ladies . at home  Mel Haylett’s rink came back from 4-8 after dropping a 6  to 15 each at 15 but dropped a 4 on the final to lose 18-26. Barbara Meek’s rink were 12-11 at 10, 17 each at 18 and lost 18-19 .Away Geraldine reeves rink were  in top form going 16-4 at 10 ends , 24-7 at 18 and won 26-12. Jenny Kirby’s rink found the opposition too  strong  as they went from 6-14 at 10  and 12-24 at 18  and lost 15-24. At  18 ends Acle were 69-67 up  but over the final 3 ends scored 8 shots to Bowling Clubs 14 and lost.

Result 77-81.

At home to Roundwood  Acle A Ladies  were  intent of keeping at the top of the table with a good  win. Sheila Stacey, Jessica Murison and Mel  Haylett were  9-1 up when they dropped   a 5  but the next end Scored a 5  and   won 21-9. Sandra Faircloth , Judith Ward  and Barbara Meeks Scored a 5 on the 3rd and were 12-8 at going on to win 19-8. Gwen Fletton, Jenny Ramsbottom  and Elaine Cole were 12-2 up after just 5  ends , 14-6 at 10  and won 24-7. Edna Land, Sue Moore  and Jenny Kirby scored a 6 on the 7th to go 11-5  and finished with a 5 to win 18-10.

Result  82-34 and all 8  pts

On  Saturday  the Ladies A  were at home  to second in the table  County Arts and  it went to the final ends. Lynne Cannell , Sue Moore and Barbara Meeks scored a super 7  on the 2nd  and were 12-1 at 5 , 18-3 at and won 21-11. Brenda Cole,  Marie Morton and  Jenny Kirby werte 7-2 at 5, then a 5 on the 9th  made it 12-5 and won 17 – 6. Geraldine Reeves block  were  10-3 up at 8 but  failed  to score any more losing 10-13. Mel Hayletts  block had a  knightmare as they lost 8-31.

Result   56 – 61  and 2-6 pts.

Yetton  Yo-Yo

Acle  Ladies playing County Arts in the Yetton Trophy realised it was always going to be a close game and needed to be on form to progress into the next round. At  home  Sandra Faircloth,Gwyn Xureb, Elaine Cole  and Barbara Meeks found themselves 4-12  down at 11 ends but then scored a 6  and by 17 were 14 each, now in the ascendency  they  turned their game round and  won 20-16.  Lynne Cannell, Sue Moore,  Judith Ward and Mel Haylett were  0-10  down at 5 ends then 8-18 at 15 and finished 14-21. Away  Sheila Stacey, Edna Land, Marie Morton  and Jenny Kirby  went 9-1 up at 5 ends, 20 – 15 at 15, a  magical 5 on the 19th helped them to a 28-17 win.   Joy Pearson, Jenny Ramsbottom, Andrea  Morton  and Geraldine Reeve  went 12-3 up at 10  ends , 12-11 at 15 and finished 16-18. The game  had swung up and down but the final 3 ends were vital scoring a total of 17 shots  to Arts 4 and securing a deserved win.

Result  78-72 and into the next round.

Yetton Delight

Playing Beccles in the Yetton Trophy the Acle  girls were expecting a tough game so needed to be on top  form. At  Acle  Sandra Faircloth, Gwyn Xuereb, Elaine Cole  and Barbara Meeks  cruised to a 16-4 lead at 10  ends and went on to an emphatic win  29-12. Lynne Cannell, Sue Moore, Lillian  Barber  and Mel Haylett were 11 each at 10, 16 each at 15  and  drew 20 each.Away  Sheila Stacey, Edna Land, Marie Morton  and Jenny Kirby went 14-4 at  10 , 23-9 at 15  and won 28-12. Joy Pearson , Jenny Ramsbottom, andrea Morton  and Geraldine Reeve were 13-5 at 10, 19-11 at 15 and won 27-18.

Result 104 – 62 and into next round.

The  internal  fight between the  ladies A  and B was  a good humoured affair but  it was the  A Team  who had the last  laugh.  Sheila  Stacey, Gwyn Xuereb  and  Mel Haylett were in relentless mode as they scored three  4’s   and two  5’s  on their way   to a  32-3 win against Jackie Smiths block.  Lynne Cannell, Elaine Cole and Jenny Kirby were  close at 6 each after 8  ends  playing Elaine Donavan ‘s block but the A team  Trio then dominated and won 17-8. Jenny Ramsbottom , Geraldine Reeve  and Barbara Meeks  played Rose Yaxley’s block and found themselves 4-7  down with 3 ends to play but turned the tables scoring 10 shots and won 14-7.  The final game was a nail biter  with Caroline Goodhand, Anne Tickner  and  Julia Crosby for the B Team playing Marie Morton’s  block and it went 6 each, 9 each and 14 each playing the final end but here the B team won 15-14.

Result  Acle A 77  - Acle B  33   and 7-1 pts

 At home  to Bowling Club  A the Ladies A  were  intent  on starting the season at  home  well and in a  close encounter the  Acle Girls finished  with a smile. Joy  Pearson, Sue Moore  and captain Barbara Meeks went 6 – 2 up at 5  ends and  went on to,  only lose 4 ends and won 13-6. Sheila Stacey, Lillian Barber  and Jenny Kirby went from 5 each at 5 to 12-8 at 10, then 12 each playing the final end, Jenny  drew shot bowl to win 13-12. Gwen Fletton, Edna Land and Mel Haylett were  7-6 up then 10 each  playing the final end  and  2 shots gave them a 12-10 win. Geraldine Reeve’s block fought back  from 1-10 to finish  8-14.

Result  46-42  and  7-1  pts.

At home  to Gallows the Ladies A  Team  were  intent on starting the season with a win and it turned out to be an emphatic  victory .Lynne Cannell, Jess Ward and Barbara Meeks went from 3-6 down to 12-6 up and won 20-7.Sandra Faircloth, Brenda Cole and Mel Haylett  started  well  going 9-0 up and went on to win 16-7. Joy Pearson, Gwyn Xuereb  and Jenny Kirby were 9-7  at 8  ends then stormed home finishing with a 5 to win 22-7. Jenny Ramsbottom, Andrea  Morton, and Elaine Cole were 9 each at 9  ends but here also a 5 changed the game as they won 19-11.

Result  79- 34  and 8-0 pts

It’s  All   Over  Now

Norfolk  County Indoor Bowls League  have decided  to Suspend the League Programme due to Coronavirus as  from 15th March,

The Mens B Team  travelled  to play Woodlands A Team in what was going to be a vital game on a very difficult  green. Brian Grint’s  rink were  10-14 after 16 ends but chasing for shots went on to lose 12-24  while Peter  Hurren’s  rink  came back from    5-17  but lost 11-26. Wyn Willimott’s rink  were  1-12 then recovered to 13-18  but lost 13-29  and Matthew Sparrows  rink were  3-14 and finished 7-25. A disappointing result in a fight for promotion but against a good team.

Result 43-104 and 0-7 pts.

Mens B Keep Second Spot

Away to County Arts B the Mens B were it was not a happy hunting ground  but was determined to change the tradition. Malcolm French,  Ian Wilson, Vic Moore  and Peter Hurren  Picked up  a 5 on the 10th to go 16-3 up by  15 they had coasted to 21-7 and went on to win 33-7. Roy Turner, Will Jeffries, John and Matthew Sparrow went 3-7 down at 6 ends but then scored a 5 and a 4 which changed the whole game. On the 15th end they were 23-9 up and went on to a good win 31-12. Ken Squire, Chris Brister, Bill Downie  and Brian Grint went 2-10 down at 8 ends and 8-15 at 17 but playing well turned the game round scoring 9 shots to win 17-15. Wyn Willimott’s rink were 2-10 down at 8, came back to 12-15 finished well but lost 16-19.

Result  97-53   and 6 – 1 pts

The Mens B played second in the table Pentney A but were hoping for home advantage. Roy Turner, Will Jeffries, John and Matthew  Sparrow were 14-6 at 10 ends, dropped a 6 on the 13th and a 5 on the 17th  but still dominated to win 29-19. Alan Jones, David Brawn, John Harris  and Wyn Willimott  scored a 5 on the 9th to go 10 each , another 5 on the 15th made it 16-14 and another 5 on the final end made it 26-19. Jim Malcolm, Ian Wilson, Alan Benson-Nutt  and Peter Hurren were 10-6 at 10,12-10 at 15 and in a close game won       16-14. Brian Grint’s rink  were 8 each at 9 ends, 14 each at 15 and 18each playing the final end  but  lost 18-19.

Result  89 – 71  and 6- 1 pts

Away to Shotford A  the Mens B  hit by call off’s due to illness were in determined mode.

Jim Malcolm, Ian Wilson, Alan Benson –Nutt  and Peter Hurren  dropped a 6 on the 5th but bounced back with a 7 on the 9th , by 15 ends it was 18-20  finished with a flourish and won 28-24. Roy Turner, Will Jeffries, John and Matthew Sparrow  scored a 6 and went 10-1 up , as the opposition closed the gap  they scored another 6 , playing the final end it was 23-18 but  it went wrong  and drew 23 each. Brian Grint’s rink were 6 each at 6,  11-14 at 14, last to finish attempts to score a 5 failed as they lost 15-20. Wyn Willimott’s rink were 5-9 at 10. Ends, 6-11 at  15 and lost 11-17. The Rhino boys had dropped 12 shots on the Final end  and it cost them the game.

Result 77-  84   and  1 ½  - 5 ½  pts

Away  to Table Toppers Wymondham Dell  A the Mens  B  were  looking  for any points they could  get.  Malcolm  French, Ian Wilson, Vic Moore  and Peter  Hurren  were 10-6 up at 10, 15-11 at 15 and  gelling well as a rink won 13 ends and won 21-13. Roy Turner, Will Jeffries, John Sparrow and Matthew Sparrow were  8-12 at 10 ends, then a 6 on the 14th changed the game , a 4 on the 17th made it 23-18, winning only 8 ends but won 26-23. Wyn Willmotts rink came back from 6-14  to 15-18 but dropped a 5 on the 19th  and lost  15-26,  Brian Grint’s rink despite playing well found the opposition indestructible losing   7-34  but a good team result putting them second in the league.

Result  69-96  and 2-5 pts

When Mens B  play Mens C you must expect lots of determination and a few fireworks. Roy Turner, Will Jeffries, John and Matthew Sparrow for the B Team cruised to a 14-4  lead at 10 ends, against Colin Starkings rink  19- 9 at 16 and won 23-12. Alan Jones, David Brawn, Dennis Pratt  and Wyn Willimott  played Colin Minns rink and  were 7 each at 9 ends then 9 each at 13, and in a good competitive   game won 16-13.Malcolm French, Ian Wilson, Vic Moore  and Peter Hurren were  14-4  at 10 ends playing John Lettice rink,  then 17-8 at 15, 23-9 at 19, then dropped a 6 but went on to win 23-16.  Brian Grint’s rink played Gordon Ives, Jeff Chegwidden, Brian Hearn  and Mick Askham for the  C team who scored a 5 on the 10th to go 14-8 up, then a magical 6 on the 17th to go 21-16 and in a grand finale won 25-22.

Result Acle B 84 -   Acle C   -66   and   6 – 1  pts.

At  home to Bowling Club B  the Mens  Rhino  B Team  were expecting a close encounter  and it certainly lived up to expectations. Alan Jones, David Brawn, John Harris  and Wyn Willimott  went  6 each  at 7,  12-11 at 13, 18  each at 19, but a magical 6 on the 20th transformed the total game as they went on to win 26-18. Ken Squire, Chris Brister, Bill  Downie  and Brian Grint  Found themselves 6-15 down at 10 ends. This rink has been the in form rink this season and by 15 ends  had turned the tide to go 17-16 up , in the ascendancy they went on to win  25-20. Peter Hurren’ s rink were 4-16 down at 11 ends but here to they  fought back to be 15- 19 at 18  ends but lost 15-23. Matthew Sparrow’s rink  were  4-11 at 9 ends another  resurgence and by 17 it was 12-13, but then dropped a 6.  This was the last rink to finish and all were gathered to watch the final  end  as the game was  level at 81 each, a Bowling Club front Toucher looked ominous but the perfect bowl from John Sparrow  turned it out and a nail biting finish saw them lose 17-20 but the game was won 83-81. At 10 ends the score was  26 – 49 but as they  say a game of two halves was  won  83-81  and 5 – 2 pts.

Away  to Old Hall  the Mens B found  the  cold atmosphere a distinct  disadvantage. Malcolm French, Ian Wilson, Vic Moore and Peter Hurren were 7-6  up at 10  ends and 12 each at 15,  a  controversial  final  end  which  looked like a 6 but agreed  it was a 4  with the game finishing 20 – 17. Arthur Jolliffe, Will Jeffries,  John Sparrow  and Matthew Sparrow were  12-6 up at 10 ends but by 14 it was 13 each, 17 each with  3 ends to play and a good  all round performance  gave them a 20 – 18  victory. Wyn Willimott’s  rink were 8 each at 10 ends , a 5 on the 14th made it 13-14, 18-20 with 2 to play but the rub of the green went against them as they lost 18-23. Brian Grint’s  rink went 5-13 down at  10 ends and   never  recovered losing 12-30.

Result  70 – 88  and  2 – 5 pts

The  Mens C  playing the Mens B  was always  going to be  a highly  competitive game but call  offs for the B  team meant  the Rhinos  needed  to be  on form  to stop the C Team challenge. Pat Beales, Jim Malcolm, Chris Brister and Bill Downie  were  9  each at 12  ends then 13- 14  down at,  15, 20-14  up with 2 ends to play and won 20-17. Alan Jones, David Brawn, John Harris  and Wyn Willimott  were 11-4 up at 10,  15-12 at 15  and fought back a late rally  to win 19-18. Malcolm French, Ian Wilson, Vic Moore  and Peter Hurren were  10-5 at  10 ends , 16-8 at 15 and  here too had to keep their  composure after a late rally and won 17-15.Matthew Sparrow’s  rink playing Mike Harvey, Jeff  Chegwidden, Brian Hearn and Mick Askham  went 6-10  down at 10, then 17-12 with 4 ends to play but  here too  a late rally and lost 17-20. Over  the final 4  ends the B Team only managed 4 shots  to the C Teams  21   but  had held  on to victory  and move up to 3rd  in the Table.

Result  B Team 73 -  C Team 70   And 6 – 1 pts

The Mens  Rhino  B Team played Old Hall  at home and each player was  presented with a  Special  Rhino  Cup  for Christmas. It was  Will Jeffries, Arthur Jolliffe, John and Matthew  Sparrow who  led  the  Rhino charge as they went 12-3 at 10, a 6 and a 5  made it 26-5 at 15 as they went on to win 37-9. Malcolm French, Ian Wilson, Vic Moore and  Peter Hurren were 8-10 down at 12  but  then took the bull by the horns  as they went on to win 28-10.  Alan Jones, David Brawn, John Harris  and Wyn Willimott  with some crucial  saving bowls were 10 each at 11 ends , a 5 on the  16th put them in charge as they went on to win 22-16. Ken Squire, Chris  Brister, Bill Downie  and Brian Grint came from 2-10 down to 9-15 at 14 then 8 shots over the final 4 ends gave them a 19-16 win.

Result 106- 51  and all  7 pts.

The  Mens B Team away  to Wymondham B   had  Malcolm French, Ian Wilson, Vic Moore  and Peter Hurren go from 9 each at 9, 15-16 at 17  and won 22-17. Ken Squire, Chris Brister , Bill Downie  and Brian Grint   were 6-13 at 9 , 13-16 at 16  a 5 on the 20th put them 21-19  but drew 21 each.  John Sparrow’s rink were 9 each at 12,  14- 13  at 18  but lost 15-19 and  Wyn Willimott’s rink  were 8 each at 11 , 11 - 15 at 17  and lost 15-19.

Result  73- 76  and 1 ½  -  5 ½ pts

Away  to Pentney A who are top of the table the Mens B needed to gain any points available. Ian Wilson, Chris Brister, Bill Downie  and Brian Grint went from 9-6 up at  10  to 12-17 down at 16, scored a 5 on the 18th  and went on to win 25-17. Arthur Jolliffe, Alan Benson-Nutt, Matthew Sparrow  and John Sparrow were 8-6 at 10 , 15-10 at 15  and   won 18-15. Wyn Willimott’s  rink were 2-11 down at 7 ends , 7-18 at 14 and lost 16-26 while Peter Hurren’s  rink found it heavy going were 1-24 at 10 and  lost 9-35.

Result  68-93 and  2 – 5 pts

At  home to   top of table Woodlands the  Mens B wanted   to produce a    good win.    Alan Jones, David Brawn, John Harris  and Wyn Willimott were 10-0 up then  14-3 at 10 ends by 15 it was 18-6  and all on form won 27-9.  Malcom French, Roy Turner, Vic Moore  and Peter Hurren  went 12-7 up at 11  then scored a 6 , by 16 ends were 22-8  and  coasted home  25-15.  Arthur Jolliffe, Alan Benson-Nutt  , Matthew Sparrow and  John Sparrow  were 6-10 down at 10 , 12 each at 15 and in a  tight final end drew  16  each.  Brian Grint’s rink  scored a 6 on the 7th to go 11-5  but by 13 were 14 each , 18 each at 16 and 20 each at 18 but lost    21-23 .

Result  89-63  and  5 ½   - 1 ½  pts

Top Ten League

The ‘A’ team Played Pentney in the Top Ten League.  Brian Kirby won the singles 21-19. Johnathan High and John Sparrow  won  the pairs 32-13.  In the Triples Sid Siely, Alan Jones and Wyn Willimott won 20-8 and Robert Brooks, Ian Anderson, Bill Downie  and Matty Sparrow   won the Fours  35-15.   

All 7 points to Acle ‘A’

At  Home  to County  Arts B  the Mens B needed to bounce back from their disappointing result from last week. Jim Malcolm, David Brawn, John Harris  and Wyn Willimott went  from 12-3 at  5 ends to 24-5 at 10, they  got a wake up call when they dropped a 7 on the 12th but dominated as they won 37-13. Malcolm French, Roy Turner, Vic Moore and Peter Hurren  were 9-2 up at 5,  18-6 at 15 and  cruised home 31-10. Arthur Jolliffe, Alan Benson-Nutt, Matthew Sparrow  and John Sparrow were  15-3 at 10 ends and 19-9 at 15 and won 25-15. Ken Squire,Chris Brister, Bill Downie  and Brian Grint went from 4-12 down  at 8 to     16-12 up at 11 , and went on to win 28-19.

Result   121 – 57  and all 7 pts

At  home to old adversaries Shotford A  the Mens B were  hoping for a good start to the season. Ken Squire, Alan Jones , Bill Downie  and Brian Grint started well  going 9-2 up at 5 ends then 16-3 at 10 all  playing well they  swamped the opposition 33 – 8.       Wyn Wilimott’s rink   went  3-13 down at 10,  6 – 17 at 15  recovered  to finish 13-19. Matthew Sparrow’s rink  were 11-5 up  at 10 ends then 12 each at 15 but finished losing  13-25.  Peter Hurren’s rink suffered early on going 1-20 down at 10 ends, 3-24 at 15 and succumbed to a comprehensive defeat 11-28.

Result  70- 80  and  1 – 6 pts.

Top  Ten

In the county Top Ten League Acle A  played Acle B  and  it went with the form book. In the Singles Brian Kirby beat Eddie  Mc Donald 21-7  and Sid Siely with Alan Jones  won 26-14 playing John Spooner and John Stanton in the Pairs. Ken Squires, Ian Anderson, Bill Downie  and  Matty Sparrow  won 22-16  playing Terry Batchelor, Geoff Webb, David Airey  and Colin Starkings. The Triples  was however  a victory  for the B Team as Peter Evans, David Crosby and Colin Minns  won 18-16  playing Kenny Taylor, Alan Benson-Nutt   and Wyn Willimott.