MARK Dudbridge produced a stunning comeback to claim this year’s Southern Counties Open title.

The Bristol player trailed Dev-on’s Ryan Searle 5-1 in the final but somehow hit back to win 6-5 in front of a captivated crowd.

The event took place at the George Albert Hotel in Evershot and attracted over 200 players.

Maurice Osborne, one of the organisers, told Echosport: “It was a fantastic weekend.

“We had 31 ladies, 24 pairs in the mixed and 148 men and one woman in the Open.

“There were two nine-darters from Steve Brown and Andy Wilcox and the standard of play was excellent.

“A special mention goes to Shannon Littlecott of Wey-mouth, who is just 12 years-old. She won her group, beating two county players in the ladies’ singles.”

Beaminster’s Sarah Chick claimed the ladies’ crown while the Sherborne pairing of Cathy Campbell and Nigel Lamb triumphed in the mixed pairs.

There was also success for Matt Grimes in the men’s money in and out.

Tom Palmer, from Dorchester, is the chairman of the event’s organising committee. The ex-county ace was a fine player in his day and enjoyed victories over some of the best in the business.