WESTLECOT'S quartet of Jean Bird, Wendy Anderson, Kevin Embling and Dave Snell were beaten 17-13 in the last 16 of the national mixed bowls fours in Northampton, writes DAVE EATON.

They saw their hopes of progress in the national indoor mixed championships disappear on the final end of their second round match against Plymouth.

They had come back from 12-4 down to draw level at 12-12 with five ends to play but trailed 14-13 going into the 21st and final end.

Already holding one shot on the last end Snell drew a second with his last wood for a game count.

But in a thrilling counter, rival Plymouth skip Mike Avent managed to trail the jack with his last wood for a three and clinch victory for his Devon rink.