KEN MARSH added another highlight to his outstanding season by winning the Southampton Open singles title on Saturday.

The former policeman was a revelation when recalled to Hampshire's Middleton Cup side this year skipping his rink to five victories out five (three cup, two friendlies) and he reproduced that form to beat Barry Bendall 21-16 in a quality match at Atherley.

Marsh and Bendall know each other well as both bowl at Banister Park, but though they are indoor regulars there, Marsh plays under the Hants Police banner outdoors.

Bendall had enjoyed his moment of glory earlier in the day teaming up with former Banister Park member Mike Philpott (Esso) to gain a tense 16-15 pairs triumph over rising Hampshire starlets Matthew Marchant and Paul May from Civil Service Portsmouth and Pyestock respectively.

Bendall's stamina had to be admired. The singles was his seventh match inside two days, six at the Open plus a club pairs, and he chalked up half-a-dozen victories.

But it was Marsh who was in seventh heaven after their singles confrontation.

Bendall, who had got the better of Marsh and his partner Don King in the pairs semi-final, trailed 11-5 to Marchant and skip May at 10 ends and did not edge in front until the 16th end.

For Philpott and his skip their success was a repeat of their 1991 win.

Although Kent Middleton Cup star Martyn Sekjer was not available for the final, Chummy Poree (Jersey) and Richard Shelley (Sports Centre) called up Richard's father Norman as a substitute and together they took the triples 15-14 to deny Jim Heard, Brian Buckle and Bill Groves.

The Fleming Park trio were never been behind until after the final end.

Anna Cox, wife of Southampton and District BA and tournament president Peter Cox, made a rousing comeback with her Friary colleagues Bernard Quartly and Laddie Maskell in the mixed triples.

They wiped out an 11-1 deficit to level at 14-14 on the penultimate end but then dropped a three to Wendy Rivers, Pat Rivers and Tony Field (Banister Park).

Kerry Clements (Sports Centre) and Mark Badger (Atherley) took the consolation pairs 22-15 after trailing 6-0 to Jersey duo Peter Mavity and Dick Allen.

Prizes were presented by Peter and Anna Cox as well as Clive and Judy Matthews on behalf of funeral directors B Matthews, the tournament sponsors.