Warwickshire won the Balcomb Trophy this afternoon at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa, to win the inter-county double rink crown, supported by the Friends of English Bowling, for the first time since 2014.

They defeated Essex, the 2017 winners, in a high quality final of the event that went down to the very last bowl of the match.

Essex took an early lead across the two rinks before a run of 16 shots without reply by the Millership rink put Warwickshire ahead. The Squire rink then scored 13 shots without reply as Essex fought back, but singles from Warwickshire on the last four ends played gave them the title.

Results:

Semi-Finals:

Warwickshire bt Sussex 45-19
Rink scores (Warwickshire skips first):
Ireland bt Stone 27-11; Millership bt Heitzman 18-8

Essex bt Derbyshire 38-30
Rink scores (Essex skips first):
Squire lost to Broughton 17-18; Morris bt Thornhill 21-12

Final:

Warwickshire bt Essex 40-37
Rink scores (Warwickshire skips first):
Ireland lost to Squire 14-18; Millership bt Morris 26-19

Official photographs can be viewed and purchased at: www.bobsaundersphotography.co.uk/bowls-events

Entry to the championships is free of charge. Chargeable parking is available in Victoria Park and in nearby town centre car parks. The Tournament Office will be open daily from 8.30am until close of play. Should you have any queries related to the National Championships please telephone 07444 272672.