GRAHAM Shadwell, the 2005 and 2013 winner, is still on course to complete a hat-trick of national champion of champion men’s titles.

The England international and Clarrie Dunbar star won the Area 16 final in this season’s competition.

He became the first Clarrie player to reach the final stages of a national indoor championship or competition this season on Sunday afternoon when defeating former England colleague John Hick (Clevedon) 21-11 at Bristol City and County Indoor Bowls club.

Shadwell now faces a play-off against the Area 17 winner, with the prize being a place in the last 16 at Warner Lakeside, Hayling Island, on February 3-5 next year.

Darren Nutman (Moonfleet 2000, Weymouth) and Robert Paxton (Taunton Deane) have still to play their Area 17 final as Paxton is currently away in New Zealand competing for England in the World Outdoor Bowls championships in Christchurch. On the way to the Area 16 final, Shadwell beat Tim Willcox (Purnell, Paulton) 21-4 in the quarter-finals and Christie Miller’s Chris Easton in the semis 21-14.

Shadwell then took a short break from the sport towards the end of October and beginning of November through illness and had to withdraw from the England men’s team currently competing in the World Championships in New Zealand as a result.

However, he is now back playing indoors for Clarrie again and marked his return in fine style on Sunday with the victory at Bristol in the champion of champions Area 16 final over Hick.