SINGLE-minded Carter wins first title as weather smiles on Finals

WELFORD on Avon BC was again the host venue for the Warwickshire County Competition Finals.

- By ALAN JACKSON

With a brief rain spell just as the morning session finished the weather cooperated in providing a great environment for an excellent day of bowls.

The County Singles final was an all Rugby event as Jacob Mills took on Craig Carter, both looking to claim their first singles crown.

The more experienced Carter made the early running, building a 10-2 lead, Mills then spurred into action, moving to within one of Carter. The duo exchanged singles and doubles before Carter again broke away to lead 17-12.

Mills also had a good three-end spell, levelling the game 17-17, Carter took a couple of singles to move within touching distance of the title only for Mills to take a treble to move ahead for the first time, leading 20-19. A brilliant end saw Carter take the two shots he needed to win 21-20.

The County Pairs saw a clash of the Smiths, father and son Steve and Harry (Nuneaton) taking on brothers Adam and Mark (Avenue Leamington).

A third-end four and ninth-end five for Harry and Steve saw them leading by seven midway through.

With four ends to go Mark and Adam still trailed by five but scored a pair of doubles either side of a treble to move ahead by two shots heading into the final end. A tense final end saw the head alter multiple times and when all the bowls had been delivered the Nuneaton Smiths held one with a tight measure for a second.