HEREFORDSHIRE'S World indoor bowls champion Rob Weale and his partner John Price just missed a place in the semi-finals of the World pairs championships in South Africa.

Representing Wales, they recovered from a poor start in the round robin series to finish joint second with the host country, South Africa, in section B, but failed to make the semi-finals because of an inferior shots difference.

Weale is also number three in the Wales fours team who have started well with by winning their first five matches in the round robin series. On his return,Weale will be contesting the final of the HSBC Open Pairs at Wormelow Indoor Centre. He will partner Phil Holland against Val and Graham Ayres, of the Forest of Dean, this Wednesday, starting at 6.30pm. There is no charge for spectators.