In what has been a barren season for County bowls it was great to hear of a challenge match for the Norbeds Trophy between Norfolk and Bedfordshire on the “interesting” greens at Great Yarmouth which has hardly been played on all year.
The Competition had been arranged by close friends Malcolm Nicholson (Norfolk) who provided the trophy and our own Rollie Cawdell.
The Bedfordshire team was
Rollie Cawdell, Tom Cawdell, Daniel “Smalls” Hall (all Luton Town)
John Winter, Charlie Evans and Norman “Taff” Owens (all Houghton Regis)
The Competition was a “Ryder Cup format” with 2 triples, 3 pairs and 6 singles being played over three days.
Tuesday saw Charlie, Rollie and Tom lose while Taff, Smalls and John won. Points now 1-1
Wednesday saw wins for Smalls & Tom and Charlie & John while Rollie and Taff lost. Points now 3-2
Thursday saw the six singles played John, Smalls, Tom and Rollie won their singles while Charlie and Taff lost.
The highlight was a topnotch game between John Winters and Mick Harvey the recently crowned champion of Stalham BC. which John managed to sneak by one shot.
So the lads became the first winners of the Norbeds Trophy by 7 points to 4.
Our on scene reporter tells me that the Competition drew a crowd of spectators who appreciated some sport on the greens in this Covid hit season.
It is hoped that a return match will be played somewhere in Bedfordshire in 2021.
