The best short-mat bowler in Essex is aged just 16.

Craig Burgess has won the Essex Championships singles title after a gruelling five-month tournament.

The Brentwood teenager, who plays for East Hanningfield bowls club, beat Alan Jones from Canvey's Royal British Legion Club in a close fought match at Basildon College sports hall.

Craig will now represent Essex in the National Championships at Kettering in April, as will all the winners and runners-up.

He already plays at county level and has twice been chosen to play in the England squad.

Last year's singles champion, Corringham's Stuart Lowe, was knocked out of the singles at an earlier stage but went on to be a runner-up in the pairs.

The Essex Championships finals in February were dominated by players from south east Essex clubs.

Craig Burgess

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