The Southend Ladies Open Bowling Tournament mixed pairs final saw Jean Durrant (Victoria) and her husband Ken (Essex County) narrowly defeat Gwen Burke (Ramsgate) and Clive Jones (Shoebury Park).

Burke , singles runner-up two years ago, and Jones did not really settle at first and trailed 10-1 at six ends.

Winners - Ken and Jean Durrant Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

They then hauled themselves back to lead on the 11th end but the Durrants won through 21-19 win after a thrilling battle.

Ken bowled the winning shot with Burke and Jones holding two on the 20th end.

"We feel quite elated," said the Durrants after their win. They have been playing together for four years and this is their first win.

Results -- Quarter-finals: Jarvis/Strickland bt Thorpe/Thorpe 23-20; Burke/Jones bt James/James 21-12; Adams/Adams bt Woolward/Woolward 20-14; Durrant/Durrant bt Tillet/Savage 28-21. Semi-finals: Burke/Jones bt Jarvis/Strickland 25-13; Durrant/Durrant bt Adams/Adams 17-16. Final: Durrant/Durrant bt Burke/Jones 21-19

Published Friday, August 1, 2003

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