Gallow juniors catch the eye

Again the Gallow Indoor Bowls Club junior section was in action at the Norfolk Bowling Club.

Having restarted the winter sessions, entries were made in the annual Norfolk Bowling Club under-16s pairs competition.

The age range permitted one or two 11-year-olds to enter, and the standard at which they, and all of the other competitors was impressive.

Two Gallow teams (pictured) were involved in the 16-pair event, in which they competed against teams entered from around the county.

Daniel Cawthorne and Alicia Segasby won all three of their 'round robin' matches to qualify for the semi-finals, while Curtis Walters and Shane Walker won convincingly enough in two of their games to reach the semi-finals on shot difference.

Shane was in his first competition, a semi-final place was a very good result for him.

The draw for the semi-final matches was perhaps a little unkind in that the Gallow teams were drawn against each other, although that arrangement did guarantee a Gallow presence in the final.

In a hard-fought semi, Daniel and Alicia came out in front, and progressed to the final against Ellie Pinder and Rhys Lloyd from North Walsham Bowling Club.

After impressive scores in earlier rounds however, the Gallow pair could not repeat the accuracy of the earlier games, and although they achieved a respectable score they lost to the pair from North Walsham.

The senior county leagues are now in full swing. The men's B team have selected up to four junior players in their ranks, and they have bowled with great confidence.

Daniel Cawthorne has also played for the men's A team.

Many of the juniors play in the evening leagues and are quickly assimilated into the mainstream club events as their skills improve.

Up to 15 juniors attend the coaching sessions, and any young people wanting to join for a bit of fun would be most welcome. Contact the Fakenham Sports Centre for details.

Pictured, left to right, are Alicia, Daniel, Curtis and Shane.