The Norfolk bowls team have won their opening Eastern Counties League match of 2008 with a 22-shot win in Norwich.

They beat Hertfordshire 137-115 at the County Arts green on Saturday, with Jamie Chestney's young quartet the top performers, returning a 27-15 card.

Other winning rinks were skipped by Malcolm Nicholson, Brian Taylor and Bob Thacker, with a draw for Trevor Webb.

"What was really impressive was the spirit to come back from 20 down after five ends," said manager Brian Taylor.

Norfolk 137 Hertfordshire 115 Bird, Godsafe, Windsor & Malcolm Nicholson 24 - 16 Aves, Ward, Potter & Brian Taylor 22 - 18 Mallett, Brown, Shackcloth & Mervyn King 17 - 23 Page, Harlow, Riches & Trevor Webb 20 - 20 Ottaway, Hunter, Perrett & Bob Thacker 27 - 23 Howlett, Elliott, Willgress & Jamie Chestney 27 - 15

A slow start saw Norfolk 20 shots behind, but this deficit was gradually reduced to nine shots at 10 ends and to only one shot at 15 ends.

An impressive finish saw Norfolk finally overhaul the visitors and take 19 of the 22 points at stake.

Norfolk's team for the opening national inter county Middleton Cup match against Hertfordshire on 31 May will be selected after they meet Essex at Thorpe-le-Soken on 24 May.