DORSET’S hopes of adding the Bowls England under-25 double-rink title to the national indoor crown they won in February vanished in the last six ends against Devon.

Playing at Topsham, Exeter, Dorset knew they had a tough task against a Devon side which had won the title for the past two summers. But Andy Paulley’s team were still in with a chance after 15 ends.

At that stage, Nick Voss was level on 12-12 against Josh Hadfield and Phil Lawrence was only 15-11 behind against Ian Lesley.

However, Dorset failed to score again on either rink in their 44-23 defeat, Voss (Dorchester) losing 20-12 and Lawrence (Poole Park) going down 24-11.

Dorset will be eager for a better outcome on Saturday when they open their Middleton Cup campaign against Wiltshire at Dorchester (2pm). The first line-up named by new manager Alec McKenzie includes a recall for Mark Tomberry and his son Daniel.

The former Wimborne players moved to Hampshire club Banister Park for a spell but are now back in Dorset with Alexandra Park, Daniel having appeared for Hampshire at Worthing in their 2009 Middleton Cup semi-final.

Dorset rinks: John Pinson (Branksome Park), Ben Paulley (Blandford), Paul Pomeroy (Lyme Regis), Wayne Garnett (Dorchester); Daniel Tomberry, Alan Miller, Doug Rumble, Mark Tomberry (all Alexandra Park); John Crabb, Mike Durant, Ron McCarthy, Barry Patterson (Greenhill); Jim Garner, Pat Ravelin, Phil Lawrence, Peter Willats (all Poole Park); George Spracklen (Dorchester), Derick Gray (Greenhill), Ken Hann (Blandford), Nick Voss (Dorchester); Roy Burnett (Wellworthy), Derek Ames, Bob Atkins, Chris Weekes (all Poole Park).