The first two disciplines in the Herefordshire Short Mat Bowling county championships were played at John Kyrle High School last weekend with 78 entrants competing over the two days. In the Singles competition John Clapson of Weston-under-Penyard Short Mat Bowls Club overcame Phil Rogers of Woolhope SMBC in a thrilling final which was tied 9-9 after the regulation 10 ends and had to be resolved by a deciding 11th end which John secured by a single shot.

In the Pairs competition the following day, two pairs from Ross Bowling Club contested the final with Dave Watkins and Les Williams taking an early lead which proved too much for Ali and Ian Roe, winning 9-7.

For the full story please see this week's Ross Gazette.