Former runner-up Gwen Burke went one better this time to claim the Southend Ladies Open Bowls title.

After going close two years ago, she got her hands on the trophy on a sweltering afternoon at Priory Park with a hard-fough win over Jill Liebermann.

The Ramsgate bowler squeezed past Shoebury's Liebermann 21-19 in front of 50-plus spectators who enjoyed contest which was neck and neck until the tenth end.

Battle royale : Jill Lieberman (left) and Gwen Burke had an epic encouter Pictures: MAXINE CLARKE

Liebermann then got her nose in front, but the Kent bowler fought back to snatch victory.

Published Tuesday, August 5, 2003

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