BEN Ward rewrote the history books at the Southern Counties Open by becoming the first ever Dorset player to lift the men’s singles crown.

And the Dorchester arrowsman did it in style, recording a 5-0 whitewash against Johnny Haines in the best-of-nine-legs final at the George Albert Hotel in Evershot.

After topping Group B with seven wins from seven, the 22-year-old eased into the quarter-finals with 3-0 victories over Kevin Dalwood and Steve Grubb.

Ray Atree provided a stiffer test in the last eight but Ward held his nerve to prevail 3-2.

The county town thrower then overcame the challenge of former News of the World champion Paul Cook, winning 4-3, to set up a final showdown with Swindon’s Haines, who had previously tasted victory at the Hampshire Open earlier this year.

But it was Ward who came out on top, finding his best form to claim the £1,500 prize fund.

Ward, who also scooped an additional £160 for the highest shot-out of 160, said: “It was one of those days where everything came together.

“With it being a local event I had plenty of support. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.”