Dartmouth’s Jean Townsend was in the Torbay ladies’ team that was edged out in a thrilling third-round Yetton Trophy plate match with Honiton 72-71 writes Tony Atkins.

After victories over South Hams (93-58) and Newquay (91-70), Torbay battled all the way and in the home leg, Jean Townsend’s rink of Sarah Vinnicombe, Avril Leitch and skip Sue Bywaters were 14-9 down after 15 ends.

They bravely rallied to be one-shot adrift at the close, beaten 16-15 by Devon Atherley Trophy player Shirley Hiscocks.

Close by, another tight game ensured with Torbay skip Anita Huxtable drawing with former English Riviera Open champion Carole Binmore (Honiton) 20-20. Away at Honiton, Townsend’s team-mate Sue Devonport skipped her rink to a fine win over Gill Hawke, scoring five shots from 13-15 down to win by 18 shots to 15.

There was huge disappointment for Jenny Moore (Torbay), who was 18-15 ahead at 17 ends but lost 21-18 to Di Morley.

Ryan Whitlock, son of South Hams stalwart Bill McKimm, has been called up by the senior England selectors as a reserve for the 2018 Home Inter­national Series in Scotland.

“No changes made as a very strong side so can’t complain at all”, Whitlock said.

“I have a foot in the door so just need to concentrate on this year’s nationals and hopefully go a step further next season.”