A couple who began their bowling career at Nailsea around 25 years ago have become National Champions after being part of Torquay that won the Tony Allcock Trophy at Leamington Spa in the Bowls England finals recently.

Tim Lock and Liz Lock played skip and three on the same rink as victories over Devon sides Bitton Park, Kings, Plymouth Sir Francis Drake and Crediton to set up a clash with Falmouth at Launceston. 

A convincing victory then saw them face Yeovil at Feniton for a place at the finals and another comfortable win was achieved. 

Gloucestershire side Cam Mills were their quarter-final opponents, followed by Leicester BC duly disposed of to set up a final with Old Coulsdon from Surrey, who had emphatically defeated Norfolk Lions in their semi-final.

The final could not have got off to a worse start for Torquay as, after only four ends, they were 17-1 down across the two rinks but they dug deep to win on both rinks for a 43-39 victory. 

Tim made his first appearance at the National Finals and had played Nailsea CC for over 30 years and Nailsea & Backwell RFC while Liz had already been a winner with Devon in the Johns Trophy emulating her mum Jean Reed who was victorious with Somerset in 1996 and is a life member at Nailsea Bowls Club.