Devon's top stars, inspired by newly crowned men's singles champion Sam Tolchard (Kings), retained their inter-county Middleton Cup title by beating Norfolk 120-109 in the final at Beach House Park, Worthing on Saturday, writes Tony Atkins.

A fifth success in seven years and on course for a third hat- trick of Middleton Cup titles since their first in 1950, Devon continue to set new standards with their talisman Tolchard, 19, on course for the Bowls England Hall of Fame.

Twelve months after becoming the youngest ever winner of the Champion of Champions title, Tolchard was beaten in this year's final but returned to Worthing to become the youngest winning skip to capture the national mixed ...