VIDEO Ipswich Town fans have had extra incentive to improve the accuracy of their golf swing in the lead up to this Sunday's East Anglian derby after three Norwich City themed mannequins emerged on the driving range of Bramford Golf Club at Suffolk Water Park.

Stuart Watson

IPSWICH Town fans have had extra incentive to improve the accuracy of their golf swing in the lead up to this Sunday's East Anglian derby after three Norwich City themed mannequins emerged on the driving range of Bramford Golf Club at Suffolk Water Park.

Town fans have clearly taken great delight in firing balls at the yellow and green painted dummies, which are positioned at 50 and 75 yards, as one has already been severely decapitated.

The golf club's retail manager Chris Collins, who himself is a Norwich fan, explained: “We've become known for having quirky targets to aim at on our range.

“During the World Cup two years ago we had a couple of clapped out old cars, the roofs of which we painted with the flag of England's opposition, while we also did a similar thing with big metal shields.

“Recently I came up with the idea of using some redundant mannequins from the club shop and then my Ipswich supporting manager insisted we paint them up in Norwich colours. Unfortunately she's the boss so I couldn't really complain much!”

The club's owner and resident professional Sarah Wilson said: “Not only is Chris a Norwich fan but, by coincidence, many of the women I coach on my EWGA (English Women's Golf Association) squad are from Norfolk and support Norwich too.

“Once the mannequin idea was suggested I thought it was too good an opportunity not to wind them all up by painting them yellow and green, but they've all taken it as good fun and have even been having a go themselves.”

Wilson, a season ticket holder at Portman Road until her coaching commitments took over this year, added: “Everybody has been having a whack at them. One of the poor girls, because they are female mannequins if you look closely, has been absolutely obliterated from the waist up.”

What do you think? Do you know of any other East Anglian derby rivalries? Write to Sports Desk, Evening Star, 30 Lowerr Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or email starsport@eveningstar.co.uk. Please include your full name and address.