THE Whiteknights BC mixed four of Morgan Merryweather, Sally Windmill, Simon Jones and Andy Knapper have been crowned national champions.

The quartet held their nerve after taking an early lead to defeat Norfolk BC 18-15 in a dramatic final.

Whiteknights had been pushed even closer in the semi final, entering the final end level at 16-16 against Swale Club, from Kent, only to snatch a 17-16 victory on the first extra end.

Earley-based Whiteknights also disposed of King George Field, from Surrey, 29-9 in the quarter finals, and Ipswich 19-13 in the last 16 on a memorable day.

In a busy week for the club, Whiteknights Ladies slipped to a 79-48 loss against their Past Presidents.

Top rink for the victors was skipped by Joy Holmes with Sylvia Pearce, Ann Stacey and Jean Gardiner. They were plus 16 shots. The equivalent honours for Whiteknights was the team skipped by Edna Orchard with Ann Jennings, Ann-Marie Murray and Linda Robinson, who finished plus three shots.

Whiteknights men were also beaten in a friendly, going down 146-99 at Arun in East Sussex.

Top rink for the Knights – finishing plus seven shots – was skipped by Geoff Mottram with Brian Stain, Bryan Hatcher and Paul Day.

There was success for Whitkenights in their mixed friendly as they beat Southend 136-102.

The star team for Whiteknights was skipped by Lynn Watkins with Norma Curren, Paul Moles and Chris Freeman. They were plus 27 shots.

  • RIVERMEAD BC’s Pat Fowkes showed why she is considered among Berkshire's leading women’s bowlers when she reached the finals of the English Indoor Bowling Association’s over 60s ladies’ singles for a second successive year.

Fowkes overcame Egham’s England international and multi-national champion Doreen Hankin on her way to securing her place in the finals. After tight fought early ends Fowkes ran away from Hankin to finish an impressive 21-10 winner.

She now faces eight of the country’s top bowlers on finals day at Nottingham on April 14-15.