Clitheroe bowler Eric Wallace lifted the pairs trophy for the second consecutive year in the vets section at the Newton Hall Indoor Bowling club Blackpool.

Partnered by retired police officer David Almond from Fleetwood the pair secured the title after beating Derek Mills from Blackpool and Preston’s John Mease – but only after the tightest of finishes as they came from behind on the final end.

Going into the final end, after two hours of a very close encounter, Eric and David found themselves two shots down at 11-13 but managed to score two shots and level the score at 13-13 which took the game into an extra end decider.

With only one ball of the extra end remaining their opponents held two scoring shots but with an accurate strike Eric killed the end which meant that the deciding end had to be replayed.

With nerves jangling, and spectators on the edge of their seats, Eric and David held themselves together and, counting a two, retained the title for the second year.