And Kevin Wall, of Willows, emerged as the star performer by winning both the Singles, in which he defeated Craig Cooper, of Hexham Elvaston, and the Pairs titles.

Kevin's partner in the latter was Kevin Bone, who was less fortunate as skipper of the runners-up in the Fours, going down to a Gosforth squad skipped by Neil Harris.

The Triples trophy was won by Karl Jameson's St George's trio who defeated Ian Chisholm, of Willows, and with all finalists qualifying to represent the county in the national championships at Worthing next month the Willows club have achieved a rare feat in being involved in all four competitions at that level.

The two-bowl championship was won by George Batey, of Alnwick, in a cliff-hanging finale to a match in which he beat reigning champion Barry Nicol (High Heaton) 21-20, taking the lead for the first time at the last end.

A splendid day's bowling was completed by Colin Boyle, of Portland, capturing the Champion of Champions trophy for the second time, his consistent accuracy gradually wearing down Rory Adamson, of Health and Security.

The under-25 final a week previously brought together the last two winners with the holder, Robert Chisholm, of Willows, defeating Chris Yeomans (Benfield).

The under-18 title went to Gosforth in the person of Dane Ross who overcame stiff resistance from Chris Lewars, of Walker.

At a slightly more mundane level, Tynemouth Bowling Club appear to have established an unassailable lead in the Daglish Cup competition.

With only six matches left they have opened up a 39-point gap at the top of the table and look set to gain compensation for last year, when they were caught on the line by Wallsend.

Things are much tighter in the Knott Cup with only five points covering Forth, Wallsend Borough and Crawford Park.