THE Gloucestershire Bowls Association women's singles final was won by a Moreton-in-Marsh player for the second year running among three titles for the Cotswold club.

Rita Gerry overcame Joyce Ferson, of Gloucester outfit Barnwood, to follow in the footsteps of holder and club-mate Tilly Pearson after establishing a 10-1 lead in a dream start.

Ferson struck back with a three and a two to trail by five shots 11-6 but, hitting a purple patch, Gerry won five of the next six ends to take a commanding 19-8 lead.

The Cotswold player then gained a two to take the title convincingly 21-12.

It was a successful day for Moreton, who not only won the pairs but also picked up the fours title through double champion Gerry alongside Jane Clarke, Jenny Stansfield and Pearson.

They beat last season’s winners from Kingswood and Hanham, who were made up of Val Molton, Pam Salvage, Pat Baker and Sue Osborne.

The Moreton quartet seized the initiative over the first six ends to take an 8-2 lead.

With the gap narrowed down to three shots, they gained a four while winning three of the next four ends to move into a 16-7 lead.

After losing three ends on the trot, Moreton bounced back with a three and two more singles for a 21-14 victory.

The pairs competition saw Stansfield and Pearson pick up their second piece of silverware when up against Denise Bailey and Mavis Kennedy, of Gloucester Spa.

They won the first nine ends to go 12 shots ahead and a three on the 15th took the score to 18-3.

Moreton finished off with two twos for a comprehensive 22-4 win.