Visually-impaired bowler secures national gold success

NANCY Cheeseman ensured gold returned to Yeovil by winning her category at the Visually Impaired Bowlers UK Championships.

Four players each from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales battled in Belfast, with Cheeseman topping the ladies B2 singles section.

Cheesman remained unbeaten on her way to glory, being ran closest to defeat in a draw with her England colleague.

Yeovil's Ron Homer and Terry Mathews also represented their country, losing a single game each to scoop silver in their groups.

Overall, England drew with Scotland for the team trophy, with the Scots retaining the prize as defending champions. Dennis Pressley was the Yeovil trio's sighted helper, earning plaudits for his support.

Meanwhile, Ilminster exited the National Denny Cup thanks to a 16-shot defeat to Moonfleet of Weymouth in the third round.

The away rink of Ian Lightfoot, Rod Parkin, Bill Anderson and Mark Denslow earned the only cheer of the contest for Ilminster, beating M Gale 25-16.

The other away rink of Des Maull, Alan Holt, Kevin Hamilton and Matt Hamilton was defeated 16-9 by Moonfleet's 16-9.

Both of Ilminster's home rinks tasted defeat, the first of Brian McCoombes, Barry Sims, Neil Rowe and John Ridout falling 23-14 to W Smith.

Steve McBride, Andy Williams, Rowland Garland and Peter Mattravers slumped 25-16 as Moonfleet eventually booked their place in the next round by winning 80-64.