South Hams veteran Bill McKimm and his son, Ryan Whitlock, caused a major shock in the national qualifying rounds of the family pairs by beating Devon Liberty Trophy players David Evans and his father John, the former Commonwealth Games silver medallist, 20-2 after only nine ends played writes Tony Atkins.
“I’ve never seen Dad play so well,” said Whitlock, named Bowls England (outdoor) junior of the year in 2016.
In the semi-final of Area 18, McKimm and Whitlock will meet either Kieran Daniels or his Exonia clubmate Chris Bond in a bid to reach the last 16 in England.
In the men’s county championships there were two wins for Matt Hammett. In the men’s unbadged pairs Hammett and South Hams clubmate Frank Senft beat Torquay skip Ian Boyle 22-13 away at Plainmoor.
“That was a fantastic win for us.” Hammett, said before later teaming up with Senft and Richard Good to beat an Axminster rink 35-2 in the county triples.
In the men’s inter-club league, South Hams beat Kingsley B (Westward Ho!) 98-57: Frank Senft, Simon Shaw, David Sherlock and Barry Geldard won 21-16; Richard Good, Peter Caddy, John Harding and D Hurrell won 18-17; B McKimm, Martin Greenland, Mike Mitchelmore and Matt Hammett won 24-9 and John Hall Dan O’Carroll, Ron Elson and John Yeabsley won 35-15.