WEOBLEY'S Alan Rudland came out at the head of a 12-man field when Bowls Herefordshire held their annual Champion of Champions competition at Bulmers Bowling Club.

Rudland had a tough battle in the first round before easing past Castle Green's John Rosser 21-17 and then won through to the semi-final with a victory by the same score against Bodenham's Colin Walters.

In the other quarter-finals, Lance Anson (St Martins) beat David Bithell (Kington) 21-9 while Ashley Edwards (Brimfield) went down 21-8 to Glyn Williams (Ross-on-Wye) who enjoyed an excellent spell after leading just 9-7 after eight ends.

Bob Loveridge (Eastnor) was 14-15 down after 20 ends against John Farndon (Eardisland) and looked down and out when he dropped a two and three to go 14-20 before winning the next five ends for a 21-20 victory.

In the semi-finals Rudland trailed 17-16 after 21 ends before rallying to win 22-17.

Williams started well to lead 8-5 against Loveridge who came through strongly to win 21-13.

The final saw Loveridge take a 5-0 lead before Rudland fought back for a 13-6 advantage. Loveridge recovered to 18-15 but Rudland held his nerve for a 21-15 win.

Results, first round: David Bithell (Kington) beat Neil Macklin (Bulmers) 21-6, Lance Anson (St Martin's) beat Fred Williams (Kingsland) 21-14, Alan Rudland (Weobley) beat John Rosser (Castle Green) 21-17, Colin Walters (Bodenham) beat Tom Holmes (Ledbury) 21-9.

Quarter-final: Anson beat Bithell 21-9, Rudland beat Walters 21-17, Glyn Williams (Ross) beat Ashley Edwards (Brimfield) 21-8, Bob Loveridge (Eastnor) beat John Farndon (Eardisland) 21-20.

Semi-final: Rudland beat Anson 22-17, Loveridge beat Williams 21-13.

Final: Rudland beat Loveridge 21-15.