Bowls, with Ian Laird
THE Premier A Cup final was held at Warstock, where Division 1 sides Kings Norton Ex-Service and Stoke Prior lined up on a dry but cool day.
Norton had a dream start as John Newsome and Dan Bowater both won to eight over Roy Bennett and Bob Hale.
Terry Burton hit back best with five shots off Paul Tombs.
After the first four, Norton were in charge by 26 shots.
Prior’s Paul Youster grabbed seven shots from Paul Kelly and Kelvin Wilson nicked three from Ian Hickey, but despite their three winners in the last four, Norton prevailed by 24 shots at the close.
They had still further reasons to celebrate as they found seven winners at home to Woodbourne in a postponed league fixture.
This means they finish runners-up to champs Wythall.
John Newsome starred with his 21-2 win over Adrian Williams and Paul Ward took out Tony Toal 21-12.
Brian Mancell saved the whitewash with one shot off Paul Kelly.
A further postponed match in Division 2 saw West Midland Police winning away at Henley in Arden – just – by six shots.
Best copper was Margaret Brady (21-11) beating David Phillips; Charlie Feeson (21-15) produced the best reply against John Brookes.
In the Over 60s merit, played at British Legion, Beth Richardson from Wythall lifted the title by beating Terry Neild (Warstock) 21-11 in the final.
Beth had beaten husband Phil in the semis – how could you, Beth?
We still have the Premier B Cup and the Consolation Cup finals to come, plus all the up-to-date league tables with details of promotion and relegation in the five divisions.
One further reminder, the Consolation Cup final venue is the Maggies, start time 3pm on September 21. Remember the dress code rules on the day.
See you all there.
