NEIL HOPE'S rink were victorious in the area final in the national fours competition. In the all-Westlecot affair, played on Sunday afternoon at the Swindon club, they defeated Neil Smith's quartet 23-13.

Hope's team of Mel Biggs, Jamie Titcombe and Mark Dyer raced out of the blocks with counts of 2, 4 and 5 to lead 11-0 after only three ends.

Their advantage was cut to 12-7 after nine ends by John Thomas, Mike Jackson, Graham Hatherall and Smith, But they quelled the comeback moving 19-10 in front at 15 ends and sealed a 23-13 victory on the 20th end.

Hope's rink now move forward to the last 32 and national fours finals at Melton Mowbray on April 9.

Despite the loss in the fours Smith, Hatherall and Jackson all have hopes of booking a place in the English national finals in Melton Mowbray.

They are still involved in the area finals in the other three main events which will be staged at Clarrie Dunbar (Frome) this coming Saturday.

Smith plays in the singles final against Ryan Collier (Bristol) while in the other morning match Jackson and Hatherall are joined by Ian Jefferies for the triples final against Paul Bryant (Thornbury).

In late afternoon Jackson and Hatherall then face Richard Turvey (Whitchurch) and his partner in the pairs final.