CLARRIE Dunbar duo Russell Francis and Graham Shadwell have missed out on landing a national indoor title, writes DAVE EATON.

The duo were beaten in the semi-finals of the men’s national pairs championship at Melton & District, Leicestershire this lunchtime, losing to Whiteknights (Reading) partnership of Michael Knights and ex-England international Robert Newman.

They were tied 4-4 at after five ends but trailed 13-5 at 10 and chasing shots went 23-7 down at 15 before conceding.

Earlier in the competition in round one Francis and Shadwell beat 2008/09 winners Paul Field and England men’s captain Andy Thomson 18-17 after being 16-11 up at 15 ends.

In the quarter-finals in a tight game they ground out a narrow 13-12 victory over Mick Hawkins and Andrew Walters (Welford-on-Avon, Warks).

Shadwell who has also played this week at Melton in the triples championship turns his attentions tomorrow (Saturday) to the main event – men’s national singles championship.

He is drawn in the last 16 against area nine winner John Stewart (Essex County IBC, Westcliff-on-Sea) at 10am.

If successful Shadwell will meet later in the day in the quarter-finals either Jordan Phillpot (Spalding, Lincs) or Jack Bird (Scarborough, North Yorks). The semis and final will be played on Sunday.