GRAHAM Shadwell carries Clarrie Dunbar’s final chance of a national indoor title success this season.

He competes in the men’s singles in the final block of the national championships at Melton & District this weekend.

Clarrie began these championships with an involvement in three men’s disciplines - singles, pairs and fours - however, they have already missed out on the latter two.

Craig Hadfield-Doughty and Shadwell were first up for Dunbar in the pairs but were pipped in the 32 on the final end by Carlisle duo Stuart Irwin and Kevin Harrison 20-19.

The scores were tied 6-6 at five ends, however, Cumbria edged ahead 13-11 at 10 ends but parity was restored at 15 ends, 15-15. Cumbria edged 18-16 up at 18 and held on for a 20-19 victory on the last end.

Second up were the quartet of John Freeman, Clarrie owner Brian Hawkins, Keith Bailey and Barry Barry, who had booked a last 16 place in the fours with a hard fought win in the inter-area final over Area 29 winners Taunton Deane.

In their first match at Melton, Clarrie were taken all the way by the Egham (Surrey) quartet of Trevor Hoy, Barry and Ian Jenkins and Steve Tuohy, with an extra end needed to decide the match in Clarrie’s favour 17-16.

Clarrie trailed 5-2 at five ends and 9-7 at 10 but had moved 14-11 ahead at 15. However, the scores were tied again 16-16 at 21 ends but the Dunbar four won the extra end with a single for a 17-16 win.

However, in the quarter-finals against Bedford Borough’s Chris Beard, Mark Curtis, Graham White and Russell Thompson, Clarrie lost 17-11.

That loss leaves Clarrie’s hopes of success in this year’s nationals resting with England international Shadwell.

He opens his bid for men’s singles glory in the last 32 today against Andrew Harding (Grattons, Crawley).

l THE final sessions of the EIBA championship this weekend coincide with clubs in the Wiltshire Times area starting their outdoor season with the traditional opening drives.