WEYMOUTH bowler Bridget Hodder achieved a stunning success in the Women’s Triples final at the Bowls England National Championships in Royal Leamington Spa’s Victoria Park.

Hodder, 56, was part of a Poole Park side including Julie Leake and Penny Cresswell that defeated Sutton, the reigning champions, 12-11 in a thrilling, rain-affected final.

The trio’s triumph added to Steff Pinson, Sandie Smith, Hodder and Cresswell taking second in the Women’s Fours where Devon’s Kings romped to a 26-9 win.

It is the first time Dorset’s women have won a national title since 1993, while the last success in the Women’s Triples came in 1981.

Speaking to Echosport, Hodder said: “It’s a big achievement. To go next year and represent England in the British Isles (championship) is a dream come true.

“Last year I got nominated for an England trial but never got chosen to go up. I was feeling like I’ll give up, but I actually achieved my dream. You’re playing against the best in the country.

“To get into two finals was an absolute achievement, especially for Dorset.

Elsewhere, Gillingham’s Donna Rock reached the final of the Women’s National Two-Wood Singles Championship, finishing as runner-up.

Janet Green was Dorset’s last representative to have reached the final of this discipline in 2000.

Results: First Round: Beat Brimfield & Little Hereford (Herefordshire) 21-9; Second Round: Beat Grampound (Cornwall) 17-11; Last 16: Beat Dukeries (Nottinghamshire) 19-11; Quarter-Final: Beat Parkway (Huntingdonshire) 15-14; Semi-Final: Beat New Lount (Leicestershire) 18-12; Final: Beat Sutton (Surrey) 12-11.