TOM Rex is king of North Yorkshire's junior short mat bowlers.

The Kirkbymoorside youngster became the first winner of the North Yorkshire Short Mat Bowling Association's Junior Championships at the Galtres Centre, Easingwold.

He lifted the Junior Singles Cup after beating off stiff opposition from 16-year-old Francis Boatman (East Cottingwith).

All bowlers had four 35-minutue games in the main championship and two sessions in a subsidiary 'target bowls' contest.

Both Rex and Boatman, who only took up the sport this season, won their four championship games with 74 total shots each.

In the final, Rex was 8-7 up with two ends remaining and Boatman could find now answer to his strong 3, 4 finish.

Martin Crook (Bilsdale) was third with Richard Powell (Great Ouseburn), Alex Robinson (Cayton) and Jacintha Townend (North Duffield) all winning three of their four points.

The morning target competition was won by Gareth Townend (42 points) with Tom Rex second with 37 and Townend's twin sister, Jacintha third on 36.

The afternoon contest went to David Jackson (50) followed by Jacintha Townend (45) and Boatman (38).

The twins will be representing North Yorkshire at the National Under 18 finals in Daventry in Aptil, having qualified earlier this year.

Anyone wishing to find out more about short mat bowls should contact county association secretary Roger Green on 01904 622449 or visit their website at www.nysmba.btinternet.co.uk

Updated: 10:06 Thursday, February 27, 2003