Norfolk began their Middleton Cup campaign at County Arts BC on Saturday with a convincing win over Huntingdonshire by 49 shots and taking 19 of the 22 points at stake.

The result never looked in doubt after a strong start from all rinks over the opening ends with Norfolk taking a 15-shot lead after five ends, a lead that was extended to 24 at the halfway stage. There was to be no comeback from the Huntingdonshire team, which showed a number of changes from last year and Norfolk ran out winners by 136 shots to 87.

Captain Wayne Willgress's rink led the way with a big victory over former international Tristan Morton by 39-5 and the rink skipped by the returning Mervyn King won by 11 shots. There were also wins by Philip Barr's rink and a final end win by Sam King's rink. Peter Boldero's rink suffered a last end defeat and George Tubby's secured a hard earned draw.

In the other group match played Hertfordshire beat Northamptonshire by four shots, taking 14 points with Northamptonshire eight points.

After the match, manager Brian Taylor said: 'It was a brilliant performance by the team who showed great team spirit. It's always important to win the opening game and to get 19 points sets us nicely for the rest of our group matches.'

For Norfolk's next match against Northamptonshire at Kingsthorpe BC on Saturday, June 17 the team sees one change with Max Harrison replacing the unavailable John Ottaway.

Rink scores

Danny Mills, Adrian Folker, Richard Summers & Sam King 18 Robbie Coleman 17

John Tufts, Matt Flatman, James Segolo & Wayne Willgress 39 Tristan Morton 5

John Colcombe, Mark Riches, Andy Siely & Peter Boldero 16 Mike Robertson 18

Tom Baker, Aaron Stimpson, Stephen Winter & Mervyn King 26 Ean Morton 15

John Ottaway, Mick Brown, Peter Wilkinson & Philip Barr 19 Trevor Collins 14

Dan Seabourne, Bernie Perrett, Mark Turner & George Tubby 18 Simon Law 18

With a break in Middleton Cup action next weekend, Norfolk take on Bedfordshire in the Balcomb Trophy National Inter-County Two rink championship. Norfolk will be looking to improve on disappointing performances in recent years for the match which is being played at County Arts BC starting at 11am with the following team selected: Dan Seabourne, George Tubby, Stephen Winter & Sam King; John Tufts, Peter Wilkinson, James Segolo & Wayne Willgress.

Following the Junior International Trial held at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa, Bowls England have announced the team to represent England in the British Isles Junior International Series to be held at Llandrindod Wells on September 9/10, 2017. Freethorpe BC's Dan Seabourne has retained his place in the team that lifted the Championship in Scotland last year with Tom Segolo of Norfolk BC named as travelling reserve.

Bowls England also held their Under 18 Academy trials with Aaron Johnson (Norfolk BC) & Jack Larter (County Arts BC) taking part. The announcement of the selected mixed England to play Wales in a Test match at Clevedon BC in September is expected shortly.