Groundsman to castle's rescue

Two days of almost continuous rain nearly caused the cancellation of the annual invitation fours tournament at Framlingham Castle Bowls Club but, due to much hard work by groundsman Bryan Stannard and the warm sunshine on Sunday, the event went ahead.

A total of 28 rinks from all parts of Suffolk and Norfolk took part with some high quality bowling throughout the day.

The final was particularly closely contested with Mark Stannard (Melton), Mark Denny, Roger Denny (Halesworth) and Alf Chambers (Eye) beating Ian Meikle, Elliott Last, Len Fordham (Felixstowe and Suffolk) and Des Cook (Marlborough) by a single shot.

In the play-off for third and fourth places Eileen Gridley, Dave Williams, Bob Prentice (Ipswich) and David Knights (Bramford) beat Beryl Last (Otley), Linda Nunn, Mike Nunn (Waldringfield) and Mick Amos (Otley).

The event was jointly sponsored by National Veterinary Services and Animal Health Supplies (Framlingham).