NEW SEASON, REFRESHED CLUBHOUSE

19th June – Congratulations to both Tom and Dan Codman who are representing Norfolk Under 25’s. The County, with a 100 percent record, has qualified for the National Championship to be held in Skegness in August. In the Triples, both blocks of Mark, Dan and Tom Codman along with Steve Rowson, Brian Money and Tony Lovell have reached the semi-finals of the Norfolk Men’s County Area semi-finals.

The Whissonsett League team has had a change of leadership. Former Chairman Paul Minchin, who stepped down at the AGM, announced after a couple of weeks into the season, that he was not enjoying his bowls and would be leaving the club. We would like to thank Paul for all his efforts whilst in role of chairman and member of the club.

Anita Rowson, Vice Chairman, is the new captain. Her first three games all ended in 10-0 defeats at the hands of Lakeside, Swanton Morley and Hempton. The slide was finally halted with an impressive 8-2 away victory at Mattishall.

Mark Codman’s Dereham League side, played three home fixtures over the period with two maximum 8-0 home victories over Mattishall and Reepham Town. The third ended with a 6-2 win against The Angel.

Mark’s Elmham League side played once, winning 6-2 away at Tittleshall. This included my first view of young Isaac Wells who under the tutelage, of his father Mark, and the experienced Mark Codman had an impressive game. Unfortunately, we had to forfeit the Knockout Cup tie against Bradenham due to the home leg being postponed due to weather. Our congested fixture list prevented us agreeing a new date for the game.

Steve Rowson’s Cawston League team played three games over the period starting with a narrow 6-4 defeat at Holt. They followed this up with two home victories over North Walsham 8-2 and Swanton Abbott 10-0. In the quarter final of the Knockout Cup, we were drawn against North Walsham. Played with two blocks at both venues, we lost at home 30-33 but the blocks at New Road won by 39-33 to give us a 3 shot winning aggregate of 69-66. In the Semi-final we came up against a very good Horsford side who won convincingly to progress to the final.

Darren Cremins, Mid Norfolk League campaign finally started on Monday 10th June with the first leg of the Knockout Cup. At home to Bradenham, they won the first leg by 59-36 shots, taking a defendable lead to Bradenham for the second leg. The following evening, they lost by the narrow margin 47 shots to 41 but took the tie by the aggregate score of 100 to 83 shots in our favour.

Age Concern – Adi Moulding’s results over the period have all been 6-0. Three wins over Kings Head, Swanton Morley and Bintree have only been soured by a solitary defeat to the Angel.

Norfolk County Cup – We entertained Gissing and after two humiliating away defeats in previous years, came close to causing an upset, only losing by two shots 76-74. Our opponents in the Plate competition will be local rivals Bawdeswell.

Having checked the Competitions sheet at the Clubhouse, it is encouraging to see both the Singles and Aussie Pairs competitions are on schedule.

The Club raised a total of £305 from the Cake Stall held at the Gressenhall Village Fete on the 1st of June. Adi would like to thank all her ‘helpers’ for their assistance and everyone who provided cakes for the stall.

Clubhouse refurbishment – I have been asked to give a special mention to one of our members for his help during the work parties. Richard Joscelyne was at the club house every workday. He brought his own tools, completed the woodwork on the front of the kitchen island area, made a cabinet for the electric meter and moved the Trophy Winner boards amongst other things.