Merrien into final

ALISON MERRIEN stands on the brink of another major triumph after beating Kelly Packwood from Wales 7-6, 11-1, yesterday in the semi-finals of the Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Women's World Matchplay bowls singles championship at Potters Leisure Resort in Norfolk.

In today's final, the Guernsey ace, pictured, will have to beat the spectators as well as her opponent, Bex Field, who plays for the Norfolk club in Norwich and is certain to have a big following.

Merrien and Field ruthlessly knocked on the head the prospect of an all-Packwood final, but the 26-year-old twin sisters from Gwent certainly caught the imagination and have been the focus of much media attention, which they have relished.

While Merrien cantered to a comfortable straight sets win over Kelly Packwood in yesterday's semi-finals, Field, the English champion, was pushed all the way by Kerry Packwood, but finished strongly in both sets to win, 8-7, 8-7.