Beccles bowlers ensure successful county title defence

Beccles Indoor Bowls Club defended their Suffolk County League title by beating Sudbury at the final in Ipswich.

Beccles had a strong side out and they needed, it as the Sudbury 16 put up a determined effort in trying to win back the title that Beccles took off them last year.

Beccles got off to a good start but at 14 ends there were only seven shots between the two across four rinks, with Beccles behind on three.

As the tension built over the last five ends Beccles held their nerve and concentration, edging ahead and finally winning by 32 shots, largely contributed to by Shaun Cook's rink that won 29-7 and John Catchpole's rink who at one stage were 17-4 down and fought back to draw 19-19.

In the Individual Championships, Beccles again had success – although not quite on the scale of last year when they nearly had a clean sweep.

This year they won the mixed pairs with Shaun Cook and Kirsty Clarke, and the men's fours with Graham Catchpole, Jon Nixon, Ben Harber and John Catchpole.

Ben Harber reached the mixed pairs and under-25 singles finals, but playing all three matches on the same day contributed largely in him losing his under-25 title by only five shots.

Beccles is one of the most successful clubs in East Anglia. It not only has current county and national champions, it also has two players that are in the England Ladies' Under-25 squad and regularly play in international competitions representing their country. BIBC is keen to welcome new members and will be holding an open day in August.

Bowls is a game for all age groups and if you like a challenge, you will not be disappointed.