Defending champions St Andrews suffered last-end heartbreak against Clevedon in the semi-final of the Somerset county women’s double-rink championship, writes Jim Keay.

With their home rink having lost by two despite having won the last five ends against an all-international line-up, Saints had looked set for overall victory with their away team always in front, 17-9 up at one point.

However, a Clevedon three on the penultimate end made it 17-17, giving Clevedon a one-shot lead. Saints hit back well on the final end and were holding a match-winning three shots until Clevedon’s fifth England player, Laura Holden, drew second wood to give the 2022 winners victory by one shot.

Immediately after the women’s game, Saints’ England under-25 player Sam Stocker gave a brilliant display to beat Purnell’s Cameron Bowen 21-9 in the quarter-final of the Somerset under-25 singles. Stocker has won that title for the last two years.

St Andrews men have a chance of silverware in the Somerset County League and this Sunday morning, Saints’ Judy Forse, Sue Sinclair and Jean Whittaker will be bidding to reach the national finals of the women’s over-50 triples when they play a team from Whiteknights (Reading) in the area final at Westlecot, Swindon.