SMITH sisters Lucy, 21 and Katy 19, claimed the county ladies U25 pairs title for a remarkable fourth year in a row, booking their place as Wiltshire’s representatives in the national championships at Royal Leamington Spa in mid-August.

The Royal Wootton Bassett duo were pushed all the way by Bethany Little (Box) and Joanna Richman (Highworth) to retain their crown at Devizes.

They started well and led 11-4 after seven ends but had been passed by Little and Richman at 10 ends and trailed 13-11.

The Smiths hit back to move 15-13 up at 13 ends but the pendulum swung the other way again as Little and Richman won the next three to lead 18-15 with two ends remaining.

However, their hopes of breaking the Smiths’ domination were dashed as Lucy and Katy snatched victory with a brace of twos for a last-gasp 19-18 victory.

Earlier in the day, the Smith sisters had thumped Georgina Newman (Avon) and Kara Little (Box) 21-4 after only 16 ends in their semi-final.

The semis in the U25 singles were also held, with holder Lucy Smith comfortably defeating Jo Richman 21-5 to reach the final at Supermarine at the end of July for the fourth year in a row.

In the other semi, Charlotte Daniell (Royal Wootton Bassett) was beaten 21-15 by Georgina Newman (Avon).

  • WILTSHIRE Ladies recorded their second Johns Trophy group win of the season as they blitzed Herefordshire 128-91 away last Saturday at Weobley.

They ran-out comprehensive winners in this inter-counties championship west group game to move up into second spot in the Group B table.

Wiltshire ladies made a slow start and trailed 30-23 after five ends across the board but roared back in the next five to lead 60-46.

That advantage was extended to 90-69 after 15 ends and 113-76 at 18 before finally settling for a 128-91 victory.

Alex Jacobs’ rink, that included Purton’s Alison Fail as lead, never looked back after bagging a six on the second end to win their match by a big 29 shots margin.

Margaret Annetts’ foursome that included Lucy Smith (RWB) and Laura Laytham (Swindon Town Gardens) was next best with a 16-shot win.

  •  LOCAL Players Alison Fail (Purton), Katy Smith (Royal Wootton Bassett) and Linda Kingston (Highworth) retain their places in the county ladies side for the Walker Cup west regional finals at Winscombe (Somerset) on July 17.

The selectors have chosen the same team that beat Dorset 38-34 two weeks ago in the ladies inter-counties double rinks first round tie and they will now take on Devon at Winscombe in the semi-finals.