WOOTTON Bassett’s Dave Snell has won the Over 55s pairs title at the National Championships currently being staged at Bowls England headquarters in Royal Leamington Spa.

The Bassett stalwart teamed up with Westlecot’s Mel Biggs to lift the NFU Mutual senior pairs crown last Sunday when they beat Barry Williams and Tony Aubrey (Thatcham, Berks) 26-13 in the final.

It was the Biggs and Snell partnership’s second success in this event, having also won the title back in 2013.

The duo were always ahead, leading 7-2 at five ends, 11-9 at 11, 19-11 at 15 and pulling further clear before the 20th and final end.

Earlier at Leamington they had beaten Derbyshire 20-12, Lincolnshire 23-13, Hampshire 22-13 and sealed their place in the final with a 20-13 success over Mike Dutton and Andrew Barclay (Old Coulsdon, Surrey).

This victory is Snell’s third in senior events in three years - he is the current holder of the men’s seniors singles and begins the defence of that title this weekend.

A delighted Snell said: “It is a great feeling to win again. I can’t really believe it, another win and it is my third in three years.

“It is tough as you get older as you have to play so many matches on top of each other, but very enjoyable when you win.

“It was great to play in the final this time with Mel and savour the atmosphere and success. We used to play together years ago and just blend well.”

“I was pleased with the way I played but Mel was awesome and showed his class.”