READING duo Darren Holder and Alan Symondson held off challengers from as far away as Australia to win the Tilehurst Bowls Club Invitation Pairs competition.

Australian international Gus Hodgetts competed as well as Devon's Sam Tolchard, but it was Tilehurst's own Andy Knapper and Scott Winskill who were defeated in the final.

There was drama in the final, however, as Holder and Symondson required an extra end before securing the £1,000 prize cheque.

“It was a fantastic day with brilliant bowling throughout” said Tilehurst Bowls Club secretary Alan Harding.

“This event adds to the clubs growing reputation and praise goes to the organisers who kept players and spectators happy for the 10 hours of competition play."

TWYFORD eased to a 98-49 (14-0 on league points) Kennet League Division Three East victory at home to Wokingham C and winning all four rinks.

Scores: K.Pope, D.Anderson, D.Johnson, N.Orde 23-15; A.Wrigley, K.Harding, W.Manley, B.Stain 33-10; D.Luscombe, P.Gaskell, P.Hynes, P.Rose 24-12; T.Bardwell, M.Meeks, G.Wheeler, B.Carter 18-12.

Wayne Manley (21-11) and Nick Order (22-17) led their rinks to victory as Twyford beat Great Hollands C 60-45 (9-1) in Division Two Central East of the Kennet LV League.

There was also a draw (17-17) for the rink skipped by Barry Carter.

Holders Twyford lost the Daws Cup – presented in honour of Reg Daws who played for both clubs – to Wargrave after suffering a 104-70 defeat.

Scores: D.Payton, D.Luscombe, J.Walker 13-16; P.Leavey, D.Johnson, G.Wheeler 16-20; A.Wrigley, T.Scherer, D.Anderson 18-19; S.Chamberlain, K.Harding, A.Pope 8-31; K.Pope, J.Walter, P.Rose 15-18.

The ladies lost their triples match at Hurst 22-12 in a game ended after 12 ends due to the heat.

Scores: G.Allum, P.Leavey, A.Pope 5-14; C.Luscombe, T.Scherer, J.Walker 6-8.

In a friendly mixed triples encounter, Twyford lost 77-51 to Great Hollands.

Scores: J.Walter. D.Anderson, R.Orde 12-14; D.Luscombe, A.Pope, B.Carter 9-27; A.Wrigley, K.Pope, P.Gaskell, N.Orde 14-17; M.Wheeler, G.Wheeler, P.Rose 16-19