Norfolk opened their season with an emphatic victory over Huntingdonshire in the Eastern Counties League at Norfolk Bowling Club on Saturday – winning on five of the six rinks and by 151 shots to 100, with Norfolk taking 20 of the 22 points at stake.

The county made a strong start, taking a 22-shot lead at the five-end mark, a lead that was extended over the middle period, and although Hunts rallied, Norfolk ran out worthy winners. The top rink was that skipped by Peter Boldero, who won by 24 shots, closely followed by the Executive rink, skipped by Tony Dunton, who won by 21 shots.

Manager Brian Taylor said: 'The main focus to the season will again be the Middleton Cup, although we will also be looking to do well in the Eastern Counties League. It was a great start today and we will be looking for a similar performance when we play Essex at the end of the month.'

Rink scores: Gary Mallett, Mick Brown, Paul Shackcloth, Mervyn King 19 A Walton 17; John Colcombe, Roger Guy, Chris Gaul, Peter Boldero 32 B Kitto 8; Peter Bird, Derek Talbot, George Hunter, Tony Dunton 31 G Barlow 10; Sam King, Simon Elliott, Rob Parker, Brian Taylor 25 S Harford 26; John Ottaway, James Segolo, Andy Siely, Darren Rowsell 20 S Law 17; Max Harrison, Tom Segolo, Daniel Noble, Wayne Willgress 24 T Morton 22.

Norfolk team for the match, against Essex at Great Dunmow on May 26, is: Ollie Allen, Liam Stevenson, Mark Riches, Tony Dunton; John Tufts, Michael Hunter, Bernie Perrett, Chris Willgress; Robert Hadingham, Andy McNamara, Paul Webb, Stephen Winter; Steffan Adcock, John Hunter, Jason Roope, Philip Barr; George Tubby, Neil Moulton, Peter Wilkinson, Mark Turner; executive rink to be announced. Immediately following the match the team for the opening Middleton Cup match, also against Essex, on June 2, will be selected.