Clevedon's Branfield guides England to international bowls tournament success

Clevedon's Pip Branfield, in his role of England's team manager, was proud to collect the men's overall team trophy in the Atlantic bowls championships in Johannesburg at the weekend.

"It's been a long time since we won anything of significance on the international stage, so the result was highly satisfying," said Branfield.

"Our team played magnificently throughout, and, although we didn't strike gold in individual events, we were so consistent that we came top of the team table," he added.

Wiltshire's Graham Shadwell had to settle for silver when Robert Newman's England quartet lost to South Africa in the fours final, while Devon teenager Sam Tolchard, who was hotly-tipped to win the men's singles title, was denied in the final by the host country's Gerry Baker, who beat him 21-19.

Somerset's Edna Bessell was part of the England team that finished second behind Wales in the women's team table, and was delighted with her silver medal in the pairs championship.