Last week saw the debut of Hopton’s new Potter’s East Coast Triples and Pairs indoor bowls competition, as teams from four counties competed for the silverware.

Entrants came from Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Kent to bowl on the hallowed ground that also hosts the annual World Championships. Local heroes Richard Stevens, Debbie Phillips and Jon Sparham of Wymondham rolled their way to first place in the triples event, while Margaret Hastings and Bob Cousins of Ipswich won the pairs.

Audience favourite Geoff Hall made two incredible bowls in the pairs final, but this was not enough to halt the momentum of Ipswich’s winning team.

With the local counties performing so well, it’s no wonder that Hopton has become the focal point of the indoor bowls world. Next year’s competition is certain to be tough, as the visiting teams will have a lot to prove.