National title for Ryedale bowlers (From Gazette & Herald)

National title for Ryedale bowlers

A pair of Ryedale bowlers have clinched the title of National Mixed Pairs Champions at Northampton this week.

Mark Walton and Sue Westoby, members of Ryedale Indoor Bowls Club in Norton, bowled brilliantly throughout the tournament. They saved their best till last, however, in a gripping final against Suzanne and Mervyn King, in which they took the title with a crucial single shot.

Both Sue and Mark have their names on the honours boards at Ryedale Indoor Bowls Club and represent Yorkshire in County Matches. As well as his outdoor national titles, Mark achieved a remarkable double in Kowloon in December, when he won the Hong Kong Classic singles and pairs titles.

The win was a very emotional one for both Sue and Mark, as Mark won it last year with Pam Bayes, who is terminally ill, and, like all her fellow club members, will be thrilled for them both.

Club Chairman Tom Nairn said: "This is an outstanding achievement for Mark, who is winning national titles on a regular basis, and also for Sue, winning a national title for the first - but I'm sure not the last - time. Mark and Sue are still in Northampton where they have been joined by Paul Twamley and Margaret Roberts to compete in the National Mixed Fours, so more good news may follow."

Updated: 15:02 Wednesday, February 16, 2005