THE Sarnian duo of Alison Merrien and Carol Ingrouille were crowned British women's pairs champions last evening in County Durham.

The Guernsey combination produced a confident display to beat English champions Margaret Sowden and Ann Lennie comprehensively, 25-14 over the 21-end format.

It was the sole title success for Channel Islands representatives over the three-day championships.

The English duo from West Denton Indoor Bowls Club started strongly, picking up four shots over the first two ends and they led 5-2 after four.

However, Merrien and Ingrouille had drawn level after six and then pulled away with some heavy scoring over ends nine to 13 in which they opened a 10-shot gap.