'IT WAS without doubt the best competition yet,' said a beaming Keith Whitting, chairman of Bere Alston Bowling Club, as the club's fifth mixed fours open ended on Sunday.

His sentiments were echoed by winning skip, Mike Hibbitt, of Plymstock BC. 'It was the most testing and exciting competition,' he said. 'We are surprised and delighted to have won'. And West Country Television's Jacquie Bird, who presented the prizes, agreed: 'It was wonderful, worth giving up the hoovering for!'

Twenty-eight teams from Devon and Cornwall took part in the event which saw the first wood bowled at 10am and the winning shot at 8.10pm.

Plymstock, the victors, beat a side from Devonport Park in the final. They stamped their authority early on and clinched an impressive 12-5 victory to carry off the championship shield and a cheque for £100.

The runners-up received individual trophies and £60 while Civil Service, Plymouth, who beat Liskeard into third place, received £40.

Teams from Tavistock BC, Okehampton and Yelverton achieved creditable performances but Bere Alston, with a single win, finished last, prompting one of the organisers to quip: 'I think we were only there to make up the numbers!'