A group of local bowlers have reached the final stages of a national event.

The Hemingford ‘A’ team booked their place in the last eight of the Tony Allcock Trophy – a Bowls England mixed competition – last weekend.

They recorded a 37-35 victory against Norfolk BC in the inter-area last 16 to secure their place at the national finals in Leamington in September where the silverware will be decided.

The clash at Downham Market BC came complete with a dramatic finish as Willy Day’s rink of Janet Chapman, Jenny Martin and David Peak saw a four-shot lead wiped out in the final end as they had to settle for a 19-19 deadlock.

But fellow Hemingford quartet Tony Chapman, Peter Reason, Lynda Childs and Fran William triumphed 18-16 to earn their passage.

Hemingford were previously the Huntingdonshire/Northamptonshire/Warwickshire regional winners.

They received a bye at the preliminary round stage before recording triumphs against Somersham ‘A’, City of Peterborough ‘A’ and Desborough ‘A’.