Flying start to Newton Trophy campaign

Norfolk's Federation county teams traveled to Hunts for the opening games of the season in the Adams Trophy and Newton Trophy inter-county competitions.

Pride of place went to the Newton Trophy team, who pulled off a 45 shot win to pick up 18 points at St Ives BC. The Norfolk team led by six after five and 10 ends but by 15 had opened an 81-62 advantage. The lead continued to grow before a strong finish saw Norfolk home by 173 shots to 128.

Rink scores: D Smith, M Bird & P Forster 26-19; P Cox, B Grint & R Meeks 20-26; A Tallent, P Glover & K Breame 39-22; K Howlett, D Mower & E Clapham 28-24; S Bunton, R Bailey & P Randell 38-13; R Lloyd, J Hudson & C Bailey 22-24.

The next game is on Saturday at R G Carters BC (2pm), when the opponents will be Northants. Captain Trevor Hardingham has named an unchanged team.

The Adams Trophy team lost by one shot to pick up only four points. The game was close throughout with Norfolk taking a three shot lead at five ends, Hunts ahead by six at ten ends and everything all square at 15. Things were looking good for Norfolk until the last two ends, when a strong finish by Hunts saw them home 155 shots 154.

Rink scores: J Groves, J Cook & A Manson 23-27; A Sayer, D Cole & B Sadler 28-22; T Elvin, N Patrick & P Webb 22-27; R Greef, G Hewitt & C Lawrence 24-26; R Bunton, M Chapman & N Blyth 32-27; S Reynolds, G Todhunter & C Woodcock 25-26.

There is one enforced change for Saturday's match against Northants at Hingham Rectory BC (2pm) with J Moore replacing N Blyth.