THE final Herefordshire Short Mat Bowling Association (HSMBA) county championship competition of the year saw Ross-on-Wye retain the Mixed Fours title.

Elaine George, Ian Roe, Pam Park and Ian Park defeated Ros Dawson of Woolhope, Fownhope's Carole Rowland and Aston Ingham pair Terry Darrington and Rita Hancock.

Having built up a five-shot lead going into the last end of the final, the Ross team simply had to limit any losses, but Hancock was not letting the chance of a second county title in a week to go without a fight, firing the jack off the mat and killing the end when a win was no longer possible.

But Ross secured their win and ensured a third county title following successes in the singles and triples.

Meanwhile, the Ross team of Ali and Ian Roe, Les Williams and Dave Watkins won the annual Macmillan Charity Fours tournament for the second time.

Along with Westbury-on-Severn, Ross were the only team to win all their games, but got their hands on the trophy due to a better shot difference.

A total of £1,900 was raised, with the award for best junior competitor going to Woolhope's Dominic Rogers.

Meanwhile, Brimfield and Little Hereford Bowling Club's Barbara Griffiths Karen Tandler and Jan Williams, of Hereford Bowling Club, have been presented with their National Benevolent Triples trophy.

The trio won the award in October, the first time that Herefordshire ladies have won it in 10 years.