Tavistock Bowling Club’s Stephen Hartley has become Disability Bowls England national champion after a tense final on Saturday.

He was partnered in the national pairs competition by Christopher Grey, at the Royal Leamington Spa – a centre of excellence for outdoor bowling, which will be hosting the Commonwealth Games bowls championship in 2022.

Stephen, who has impaired vision, said ‘It was an honour to play at the venue and meet the Disability Bowls England squad, comprising all disabilities. The day started hot and we were all advised to stay hydrated during match play. Each match lasted 90 minutes with a short break between.

Stephen told Times Sport: ‘I felt nervous during the first match and struggled to play at my best but got through to the next round and settled into a rhythm. The standard of bowls was very high, playing against experienced international bowlers but got through to the finals relatively unscathed. 

‘As the final started so did a heavy downpour, making very different conditions on the green. On the last end the score was level and made for a very tense ending we were holding onto two points forcing our opponents to fire at the jack. They were on target and everything scattered but fortunately we held onto a point and took the title.

‘The trophy was presented to us by the Australian captain who had led his team to victory over Scotland on the same day.’

From being an unranked player Stephen has now earned himself a place on the DBE outdoor ranks.