Record entry for Mick Owens Trophy

Arecord entry of nearly 100 bowlers took part in the annual Mick Owens Trophy Tournament at the Stamford and District Indoor Club sponsored by the brewery Molson Coors. The £ 120 first prize went to the husband and wife rink of Carol and Bob Warters and Christine and Alan Barnes. Runners- up were Joyce Foster, Ken Rawlins, Connie Cox and Glenys Edwards. Stamford IBC president Nina Rawlins is pictured presenting the trophy to, from the left, Christine and Alan Barnes, Carol and Bob Warters. Popular Pole Norbert Kosciuch is on his way back to Panthers – and club bosses are backing him to keep on improving. The 28 year- old returns for a fourth successive season in city colours after becoming the fourth member of their 2013 team.

Kosciuch was originally drafted into British speedway by Panthers midway through the 2010 campaign and did enough to earn a return the following year.

He was initially overlooked for a place in the Panthers’ lineup last season but, along with countryman Krzysztof Buczkowski, made a big impact whenintroduced in early June.

Kosciuch put more than half- a- point on his average after his return while racking up some huge hauls of points - mostly at reserve - andthat was enough to convince team manager Jan Staechmann to hand him a starting berth for next season.

AndStaechmannhastipped Kosciuch to continue that improvementandensurehisaverage keeps rising.

Staechmann said: “Norbi is immensely popular with the Peterborough faithful for his never- say- die attitude.

“Norbi is one of those riders who just goes about his busi- ness. He gives you 100 per cent come hell or high water and I like that.

“I don’t think many people realised just how much pain and discomfort he was in for the last few meetings with his injuredshoulder, buthewasdetermined to beout there racing for his team- matesandhisfans.

“Norbi is his own biggest criticandyoucanseehowmuch it bothers him if things aren’t goingaccordingtoplan, butlike I said, you can always expect he will give it his all and that is all anyone can ever ask.

“I feel Norbi improved a great deal last season when he put over half a point on his average, and I think he can better that even further in 2013.”

Kosciuch joins Swedishstar Linus Sundstromandloancaptures Kenni Larsen and Ryan Fisher in the Panthers fold.

Staechmannadded:“Hewill fit in well with the three other lads we have signed and will contribute to our team spirit with his good sense of humour.

“Norbi is an important cog in our machinery. He is a joy to workwithandIamverypleased that he is back for another full season with Panthers.”

Panthers need a number one and two reserves to complete their line- up.