JULIE Saunders wrote the most glorious chapter in her bowling career when she became English women's singles' champion on Saturday. (August 13)

In the final the Richmond Park member beat Sue Davies 21-14, the Hampshire player winning the title in the style of a true champion by trailing the jack into the ditch for a three after her Worcestershire opponent had been holding two shots.

The match at Royal Leamington Spa was played in cold, windy conditions and ended in the rain.

But that did not worry an elated Saunders who said: "I just can't believe I have done it - it is something I have always dreamed about and it will take a long time to sink it.

"However I was so focussed throughout the week and I simply played better and better as the competition went on."

Saunders, a 42-year-old sports coach at Bryanston School, Blandford, was hot favourite for the final after a brilliant semi-final victory against reigning champion and England celebrity Amy Monk-house.

The Lincolnshire star had taken the two-wood singles crown earlier in the fortnight of the English Women's BA Championships in War-wickshire and was tipped to retain the four-woods as well until Saunders defeated her 21-19.

Saunders, who has been using a new set of woods this season, quickly stamped her authority on the final building an 11-0 lead.

But Davies made steady headway and moved to within striking distance before Saunders produced that match-winning three to become the first Hampshire bowler to capture the blue riband title since Wendy Line in 1992.

Saunders, who lives in Corfe Mullen, now represents England at the British Isles Champion-ships in Scotland next June and also at the World Championships in either New Zealand or Australia.

It also brings her ambition of playing for her country a step nearer - when she reached the quarter-finals, she was sure of an England trial.

However, the more immediate target on her agenda is to become Hampshire champion.

The county final against Joan Halliwell of Argyll was held over from last month and they meet a week today at South-bourne (3pm).

Saunders, a natural sportswoman who has played netball, hockey and badminton at county standard as well, started bowling at Ringwood in 1995.

She won the Hampshire two-woods and Champion of Champions' singles with the New Forest club before moving to Richmond Park five years ago.