CIRENCESTER’S father and son combination, Martin and Max Risby, have won the County Pairs bowls title at the expense of hot favourites Mark Perry and Mike Woodbridge of Cheltenham BC.

It was an extra special win for Risby senior, who had been beaten in his two previous appearances in County finals.

“I lost in the Fours final in 2002 and the Singles final three years later, so this meant a lot – especially with Max alongside me,” said Risby.

“Mark and Mike have both had England trials and Mark has played for England U18s so we were definitely the underdogs.

“But I was totally focused and I had my best game of the season."

The comprehensive scoreline was 22-12 and the Risbys were so far clear (ten shots) after the 20th end that their rivals conceded and the final end was not played.

Martin, 53, and Max, 18, now head for the National Bowls Finals in Worthing on August 22 when they play Worcester A in the first round.

Reigning champion Max was unable to make it a double in the County U40s title, going down 21-9 to Ian Curtis of Olveston.

Other finals: Singles: Lee Williamson (Cheltenham) bt Eddie Kavanagh (Tewkesbury) 21-20; Triples: Graham Hudd, Jeff Lowden and Geoff Wilkins (Bristol Greenbank) bt Mark Perry, Nick Holiday and Mike Woodbridge (Cheltenham) 19-13; Fours: Andy Plume, Rob Poulter, Rob Crook, and Dave Howes (Stroud) bt Mark Perry, Paul Nelmes, Lee Williamson and Mike Woodbridge (Cheltenham) 19-14; U25s: Mike Woodbridge (Cheltenham) bt Max Clark (Yate) 21-11; Champion of Champions: Keith Hinder (Dursley) bt Graham Phillips (Barnwood) 21-15.