Desborough edged out by County Durham in Champion of Champions final

Desborough's Champions of Champions national final against County Durham ended in agonising fashion this week, with the Berkshire side losing the game on an extra end.

In a tense, competitive final, the two teams couldn’t be separated, however – with the scores locked at 9-9 after the final end – Durham held their nerve to seal a narrow victory on an additional end.

It was harsh on Russell Dale, Mark Peachey, Keith Roper and Mark Essex who’d played so well to come through regional qualifying before matching their opponents in the final, but only one team could lift the trophy and on this occasion, it went the way of their rivals from the North East.

The team has vowed to return next season to try and win the competition.

Elsewhere, more than 64 players competed for a top prize of £1,000 in the Open Singles Circuit competition which was staged at Desborough’s Green Lane.

Not only did the event prove an excellent showcase for the club's facilities, but the hosts also had high hopes of one of their players walking away with the cash prize.

Andrew Essex came the closest, but he was knocked out after a narrow semi-final defeat. In the end, the final was contested between Scott Edwards of Westlecot and Lee Harris from Bromley, with Edwards edging another extremely close encounter on a tie-break.

Two Desborough teams also faced each other in the National Women's Over 50s Triples competition with Nicola Jones, Sarah Wooley and Jacinta Monteiro claiming the club bragging rights with a 16-10 victory over Helen Jones, Lorraine Woodley and Mary Price.