Willgress and Ottaway star in bowls awards

Mulbarton's rising bowls star Wayne Willgress topped the honours list at this year's Hansells Solicitors Norfolk County EBA presentation lunch held recently.

Twenty-one-year-old Wayne, an U25 international, won both the county open singles and U25 singles title – and repeated the feat in the Eastern Counties competitions.

'Wayne's success was all the sweeter for me because he plays for Norfolk Bowling Club, which is also my home club,' said Norfolk president Brian Howes.

'Wayne has certainly got a big future in bowls.'

Runner-up in the singles was John Ottaway of Wymondham Dell.

The county pairs title fell to Norfolk Bowling Club duo Charlie Boon from Pulham St Mary and Philip Day of Hethersett.

Norfolk Bowling Club also won the fours title (Wayne Willgress, Wayne's father Chris, Charles West and David Naunton) and were runners-up in the club championship and the mixed fours championship.

Wayne is one of six bowlers from the county's U25 ranks who played in this year's Middleton Cup team.

Hansells managing partner Roger Holden said: 'It was a pleasure to see another of England's finest bowls players, Wymondham Dell's John Ottaway, being given an award for 25 years of wonderful service to his country.

'John is a real sporting gentleman who has been a fantastic ambassador for bowls.'

Also pictured above are (middle) pairs winners Charlie Boon (left) from Pulham St Mary and Philip Day from Hethersett and Wayne Willgress receiving his trophies from Brian Howes.

Pictures: NEWSMAKERS PR