Essex County's Kevin Watkins continued his Southend Men's Open Bowls Tournament run of form with a fine win in the opening stages of the pairs tournament.

He and partner John Warman stormed into today's third round with victory over Southchurch's Ernie Brent and partner Brian Cue in the best match of the day.

Warman and Watkins were 13-7 down on nine ends, but then won seven in a row to lead 17-13.

Brent and Cue were not going down without a fight and a five on the 19th saw them 20-18 up before Warman and Watkins clinched a 23-20 success with a three and two.

Published Wednesday July 14, 2004

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