Sam Stocker of St Andrews set a county record when he won the Somerset under-25 singles championship at Taunton on Saturday.

It was the first time the title had gone to the same player in three successive years and the 23-year-old will have the chance to add a fourth triumph in 2025.

Stocker, who made his England under-25 debut recently, was made to work hard for his hat-trick by Purnell’s Jack Vine in a very close and high-quality final.

A four on the tenth end gave the St Andrews player the lead and he was soon 17-12 up, looking set for victory.

However, the Purnell player then dropped a four on the next end and at 17-all, it was anyone’s game.

Stocker kept his composure and, needing one for victory, put one right on the jack which Vine could not remove, giving Stocker a 21-17 victory and allowing him to claim his third county title in as many years.

There was disappointment for Stocker and his colleagues the following day though when St Andrews, the holders, lost to Taunton Deane in the county league final.

With home advantage, Taunton were the favourites, but there was nothing between the sides throughout the match.

With two of the 21 ends left, Saints were just behind until one of the Taunton rinks scored nine shots in the last two ends to clinch the final.

The outdoor season at St Andrews opens on Saturday, and on Sunday they are holding a recruitment day for new members from 10am-3pm.