A bowls team has rewritten the history books by becoming the first team from the Isle of Wight to secure a win at the National Championship finals.

Shanklin Men’s A Team shook off the disappointment of last year’s 2–4s tournament, having lost by one shot in the semi-final, by winning through eight rounds to become the first team from the Island to win a national club title. 

Held at Leamington Spa, John March, John Strain, Darren Griffith, Jack Barry, Phil Brooks, Ron Leleux, Tony Lloyd, and Travis Meller shook off strong opposition in the form of previous winners Reading and Kings, who fielded a string of internationals.

Shanklin held a slender advantage throughout, going on to take the title with a 34 – 31 shot victory. 

Having already won the National 2–4s, Shanklin found themselves competing for a glorious double by reaching the final of its sister competition – The Top Club – narrowly losing in the final.

This was the first time a team from the Island had reached the final stages of the Top Club competition. 

Shanklin put the cherry on the cake this week, going on to complete the domestic treble by winning the league, the Knockout Shield and the Colin Ridett trophy.