GARY and Craig Morphet have won the national family pairs trophy at this year’s national finals in Royal Leamington Spa.

The Wiltshire champions claimed the crown last Sunday on day two of the Bowls England National Bowls Championships in Warwickshire.

Dad Gary, 52, who represents Royal Wootton Bassett, and his 22-year-old son Craig, who plays his bowls at Westlecot, combined superbly to lift the trophy, defeating Rugby’s Geoff Millership and his England international son Tom 20-19.

“It was tense at the end and I must admit a relief to win it,” said a delighted Gary.

“It is fantastic to win a national title but extra special when it is with your son, your own flesh and blood.

“Craig played well seeing as it was his first time at the national championships and got quite emotional at the end.”

Despite holding a big lead of 11-3 after eight ends, the Morphets were taken to the wire by the Millerships but held on to win on the 21st and last end 20-19.

They made a flying start and, thanks to two counts of four on the third and fourth ends, led their Rugby opponents 10-1 after five ends and 12-6 after 12. They were pulled back to only lead 15-13 after 17 ends and had been reeled in completely to be tied 17-17 after 19 ends.

The Morphets looked to have sealed victory with a three on the next but were pushed hard on the last end, however, they held on for a 20-19 win despite dropping two shots on the 21st end.

It was Craig’s first national final but for his dad Gary, it proved to be third time lucky, having been a losing men’s finalist twice previously in 2012.

In the semi-final, the Morphets claimed a a 23-17 victory over Robert and Scott Dunham (Carters Park, Lincs), while in the quarter-finals they had enjoyed a comfortable 20-10 success over Lee and Graham Rowland (Cornard, Suffolk).