HEREFORDSHIRE international bowler Tracey Powell helped England to victory in the Home International Champion-ships at Landrindod Wells.

England made a clean sweep in the competition with victories over four opponents in the six-rink team competition and Powell was in Pat Reynolds' rink who won on each occasion.

The Leominster bowler had been in the same rink when she made her England debut in Ayr last year when England finished third in the championship which were won by Wales.

"In our letter of selection, we were told by the EWBA that last year's third place was not good enough from an England team," said Tracey.

"There were six new caps this year and it worked out well. We were very pleased and the support was absolutely brilliant, especially for the deciding match against Scotland on the last day."

Both England and Scotland had won their previous three matches when they met for the title in a tense, close game.

England emerged 87-80 winners with the rink containing Powell gaining a vital 16-11 victory.

They gained a runaway 28-9 decision in the opening 113-79 victory over Ireland and then won 15-14 against renowned international Betty Morgan to help England to a 99-90 success over defending champions Wales.

A 25-21 win in England's 128-79 victory over Jersey then set up the grandstand finish against Scotland.

It was the last time that the team could win under the EWBA flag as an amalgamation with the men into Bowls England will follow later this year.

Powell is playing in EWBA president Ruth Howes' team, together with Herefordshire officials Jill Baldwin, Jean Smith and Audrey Cade, at Oxford today (Thursday) and at Weobley's new green tomorrow.