Maureen Thomas, of Dunnington, was hit by an eight-shot charge as she launched her bid for the Steradent Women's All-England Bowls Two-wood Singles title at Royal Leamington Spa.

Thomas trailed Durham's Pat Johnson 3-0 after two ends but hit back with scores on four of the next five ends to edge ahead 5-4.

The Dunnington player star was then rocked as Johnson swooped with a double and six singles at successive ends to power ahead 12-5.

Thomas's hopes of a grandstand finish were swept away as Johnson pounced with a double and single to storm past the winning post 15-8 ahead.

Updated: 13:25 Monday, August 13, 2001