Jay triumphs in D&M Sports Open Junior Singles

With more than 40 spectators staying to watch the closing stages, tribute was paid to the organisers including Keith Rippin, Alan Romaine and Mike Ramsden as well as an army of volunteer markers who supervised each match.

It is planned to retain the tournament for an annual slot in the fixtures with D&M Sports, who staged a successful bowls shop at the event, agreeing to continue its sponsorship into 2017.

Stephen Harris (18) and his sister Louise (17) have reached the finals of the Lincolnshire IBA mixed pairs after a 19-11 win over Louth's Val Sherry and Alan Dent Snr at Spalding.

Four ahead by the 18th end, they were four down on the 19th when Stephen drew shot bowl but finally held on

to earn a place in the final against Keith Jackman and his partner Mary Johnson (Horncastle) - the first Stamford finalists since Martyn Dolby and the late Connie Cox in 2002. The will play the final at Boston in April.

Earlier Louise had lost to England international Ruby Hill (Spalding) in the semi-final of the Under 25 singles. 12-19 down she picked up a full house of four shots before finally bowing out 21-17.

Martyn Dolby's bid to retain the Lincs county Over 65 singles hit a snag when his opponent Maurice Elding had to postpone their semi-final through illness. The winner will eventually play George Lancaster (Horncastle) who beat Sleaford's Dave Chandley 23-16.

Club competitions are nearing their climax at Stamford IBC ahead of the finals due to take place on April 9-10, with the singles due to provide some fascinating match-ups following some early round upsets.

In the men's four-bowl individual John Holroyd will meet either Adam Warrington or Martyn Dolby in one semi-final with the other between Peter Edwards and Stephen Harris.

Following a 21-16 defeat of new bowler Jeanette Bourne, Joan Robinson awaits the winner of either Shirley Suffling or Louise Harris for the women's title.

The senior men's semi-finalists are Mel de Camps v Alan Romaine and Derek King v Malcolm Cullingworth.

Roy Lynch has reached the semi-finals of the men's pairs and triples and the mixed triples.

Such has been their strength in depth, that for the past 15 years Lincoln A has won the First Division of the Over 60s League. But rarely could they have been pushed so close by a team already relegated.

So Stamford's performance -featuring a late surge of shots - was all the more creditable, despite a scoreline which recorded an 11-shot defeat (93-104).

Top marks should go to the quartet of David Howarth, Terry Weaver, Alec March and Richard Martin on Rink 1 who trailed England Senior international Mike Smith by nine shots after 14 ends but hit back with 11 in the last six ends to win 20-18.

Kevin Vinter also claimed nine in three ends to edge out Paul Morris 22-21 and earn Stamford an extra two points though sadly it hasn't prevented their relegation from the top flight.

Results (Stamford names only)

Lincs Over 60s League Division One. Stamford 93 (4pts) Lincoln A 104 (14). D Howarth, T Weaver, A March, Richard Martin won 20-18; D Bruce, D Veasey, D Heffernan, D Henshaw lost 13-22; T Barwell, M Dye, M Owens, J Geary lost 17-21; A Lonslow, R Graham, T Christie, A Horton lost 21-22; B Tuplin, T Freeman, R Harvey, K Vinter won 22-21.

Stamford IBC has introduced a media screen at its Exeter Gardens stadium to help keep members further updated on achievements and upcoming events. It has been purchased courtesy of a donation from Great Casterton Bowls Club, which folded in 2015.