JESS Wernham and Caroline Bushell banked victory in Biggar Bank Ladies Annual Pairs at West Shore.

The duo overcame a stern challenge from Maureen Ratcliffe and Ann France to take the final 21-13.

The champions had built up an early lead in the encounter between two Hawcoat Park pairings, but Ratcliffe and France fought back before eventually succumbing to defeat in an exciting, entertaining final.

On their way to the final, Wernham and Bushell beat G Shipley and S Horner, 21-14, S Adams and J Staunton, 21-9, E Schultz and A Pickerill, 21-5, and E Carton and A Willison, 21-12.

Ratcliffe and France overcame P Cain and partner, 21-8, B Low and J Gibbons, 21-16, P Sharp and S Martin, 21-9, and G McDonald and G Corran, 21-20.

On an enjoyable day of strong bowling, thanks went to greenkeeper Andy Boardman, all competitors, the scorers and measurers, catering ladies and all who helped make the day a success.