Indoor bowler Richard Hart was on cloud nine after being crowned Essex's singles champion.

It is the ninth time Hart has taken the title and his latest success came with a 21-19 win over Falcon's David Gildersleve.

Hart -- a member of Essex County indoor bowls club in Imperial Avenue, Westcliff -- took on Gildersleve in the Champion of Champions Singles final at the showdonw at Latchingdon's Jacks Centre.

Gildersleve took an early 15-5 lead but Hart pulled it back to 18-17 after 20 ends.

The Falcon bowler then went two shots ahead before Hart pulled out the stops in the final three ends to take the county championship.

Published Thursday, April 10, 2003

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