A MAJOR surprise at the Eaton Socon Bowls Club Open Trophy saw the novice team of Graham and Christine Goodwin and Alma Pramanick lift the trophy. The Goodwins, from Buckden Bowls Club, and Pramanick, from Eaton Socon, triumphed 12-6 to take the title aga

A MAJOR surprise at the Eaton Socon Bowls Club Open Trophy saw the novice team of Graham and Christine Goodwin and Alma Pramanick lift the trophy.

The Goodwins, from Buckden Bowls Club, and Pramanick, from Eaton Socon, triumphed 12-6 to take the title against a St Neots/Eaton Socon mix.

The competition attracted 24 teams from four counties who were divided into two leagues with the top two teams moving into a knockout final.

The other finalists were skipped by Mick Woodburn backed by his wife Yvonne and Bob Whitbread. Both teams had battled the way to the final with an unbeaten record and this showed with the quality of the bowling in the early ends of the final.

Both leads were putting their woods on the jack but with Pramanick showing more consistency, and despite their lack of experience, the Buckden duo showed few nerves and continued to put their opponents under pressure with some top class deliveries.

By the fifth end they held an 8-1 lead but Mick Woodburn's skill brought it back to 8-4. The novices hit back and took an 11-5 lead with two ends to go and ran out comfortable winners.

Christine Goodwin said after the match: "It is our first year playing outdoor bowls and I cannot believe we have won against these teams. The trophy will take pride of place in our house".

Eaton Socon president Terry Walford said: "We had a great day with top class bowls from the 24 teams. The winners were a surprise but they really deserved their success as they played with determination and skill all day.