HAMPSHIRE bowed out of the Johns Trophy after a titanic tussle with Devon at Gillingham, Dorset.

On their way to last season's final, Hampshire crushed Devon by 24 shots in the group final but the West Country side gained revenge this time, 126-118.

For much of the match Hampshire were playing catch-up and they could never dominate, although the Devon lead rarely extended into double figures.

Hampshire briefly threatened to take charge at the start of the final quarter. Atherley's Wendy Line, playing alongside clubmates Jean Arnaud, Anne Pearce and Jenny McAusland, gained a six on her 15th end while Gill Mitchell's rink down 18-4 at ten ends scored nine shots over three ends, cutting their deficit from 22-8 to 22-17 by the 17th.

That gave a mighty lift to Hampshire but, just when that final push for victory was needed, their efforts foundered. From 18-13 up, Line was brought back to level terms before collecting a final-end single and current England international Mitchell dropped 11 crucial shots on her last four ends to lose by an alarming 33-17.

On the plus side, Kay Kerley, pitched against former British Isles champion Sue Harriott, and Margaret Darkin both led at ten ends and continued to keep the opposition at arm's length.

Allyson Flint trailed 12-8 at halfway and gained singles on the final two ends to lose narrowly as did Margaret Holden who had an intriguing scrap with the formidable Mavis Wellington.

Skips' scores: (Hampshire first) Margaret Darkin (Banister Park) 23 Val Lander 17; Margaret Holden (Alton Social) 15 Mavis Wellington 17; Kay Kerley (Oakley) 25 Sue Harriott 19; Gill Mitchell (Richmond Park) 17 Sharon Parnell 33; Wendy Line (Atherley) 21 Tina Thomas 20; Allyson Flint (Cove) 17 Sue Evans 20.

For David Briers' in-depth look at the local bowls scene, don't miss today's Daily Echo.