Westcliff indoor bowlers Richard Hart and Nathan Birkett faced heartbreak as Essex crashed in the final of the Liberty Trophy.

The duo were part of the county team that played Kent in the final of the national competition and lost 88-126.

Essex had hoped to lift the trophy for the first time but lost on five of their six rinks, forcing them to concede the final four ends as they were unable to mathematically record a win.

"No praise can be too high for Kent, who played superbly well," said Essex President John Clifford.

"But I am at the same time proud of our Essex team who didn't stop working even when all appeared to be lost.

"They have nothing to be ashamed of and can hold their heads up high. Let there be no mistake about it -- they will be back in the final again very soon."

Published Wednesday, April 16, 2003

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