In arguably the best final ever Wales trailed 9-4, went 12-9 up on the penultimate end, lost a three count after the tightest of measures, but on the extra end the ever dependable Dave Axon drew a toucher that defied five Irish Fireshots.

Quarter-finals: Ian McClure/Jonathan Ross (Ireland) 11, Steffan Adcock/Dave Naunton (Wymondam Dell) 7; Dave Axon/Marc Wyatt (Wales) 14, Dave Fenwick/Colin Jefferson (Hpool) 6; Craig Docherty/Niall Currie (Cumbria) 9, Marc Squirrell/Tony Macey (Hpool) 12; Carl Higgins/Paul Hartley (Hpool) 10, Mark Higgins/Steve Packham (Hpool) 11.

Semi-finals: McClure/Ross 15, Squrrell/Macey 2; Axon. Wyatt 14, Higgins,Packham 10.

Final: Axon/Wyatt 13, McClure/Ross 12 (after extra end).

* Damian Doubler, the 14-year-old Cardiff bowler with junior international Graham Laing, Cardiff pairs champion, became the youngest ever entrant in the 31-year history of the Hartlepool Masters Pairs. He impressed the Hartlepool membership and they will moniter his progress with interest.

Darlington Veterans League

The season starts on April 27 with the first round of the Harrison Cup, the draw is as follows:

RA A v Hundens; Dene B v South Park A; Woodland A v North Park; Dene A v Barnard Castle; East Park v RA B; Woodland B v Middleton St George B; Barnard Castle A v Middleton St George A; North Lodge v South Park B.

Entries and fees for the pairs and triples competitions to be forwarded to E Mallam by May 21. Closing date for entries to the Russell Leighton Shield will be June 23.