GWYN GUY has been playing bowls for more than half a century but even the 79-year-old Atherley maestro was astonished by the twist and turns of his national pairs match against clubmates Kerry Clements and Gordon Smith.

Guy, who has gained winners' medals with Hampshire in both the Middleton Cup and Liberty Trophy in the 1970s, looked set for a convincing victory when he and Pete Gange built a 20-6 lead at 12 ends.

However, they conceded 15 shots over the next five ends - including a seven - to trail 21-20 going into the final end. At one stage on that last end the Guy-Gange duo were five down but they eventually drew the shot - and then grabbed a single on the extra end to inch through 22-21.