The Victoria team of Jill Flaxman and Sue Edwards are through to the final of the pairs competition at the 54th Southend Ladies Open Bowls Tournament after what must surely rank as one of the most sensational results in the competition's history.

The duo looked to be heading for certain defeat in their quarter-final with the highly-experienced Prittlewell line-up of Kathy Cook and Julie Fairbarns when they trailed by six shots with just one rink to go.

However, the never-say-die Victoria Ladies picked up seven shots on that last end to pull off an unlikely 23-22 triumph.

Mrs Flaxman and Mrs Edwards then went on to beat Prittlewell's Myra Coveney and Rene Notley at the semi-final stage to earn a place in next Sunday's final.

Here they will be up against the Prittlewell pairing of defending singles champion Peggy Taylor and Marion Taylor.

Although not related, Peggy and Marion showed an almost telepathic understanding as they won through their semi-final against Ursula Gardiner and competition secretary Margaret Green (Victoria Ladies).

The Taylors had ended the hopes of Rochford's Katie Dawson and Meg Disney at the last eight stage, while Mrs Gardiner and Mrs Green had picked up two shots on the final end to pip another Rochford line-up, Jackie Swan and June Tann, in the quarter-finals.

Despite soaring temperatures throughout the weekend's play, the bowlers were able to keep their cool to produce some outstanding bowling for spectators at Priory Park.

Among the early pairs shocks were the defeat of defending champions, twin sisters Pat and Jean Hough (May and Baker). They lost by one shot to Castle Point's Barbara Overall and Jean Gare.

Carreras' Jean Maginn and Joyce Robertson had a thrilling early win over Castle Point's Mrs Holder and Mrs Roy when skip Mrs Robertson trailed the jack to score three points and win 17-16.

Play was today getting underway in the singles competition, which carries a first prize of £100 and the Henry Channon Challenge Cup.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.