Ian Bond and Andy Thomson clinched the World Pairs Championship in Norfolk, edging out two-time winners Billy Jackson and David Gourlay.

Bond and Thomson, who also triumphed in 2007, reached new heights in defeating their well-fancied rivals 4-9 8-5 2-1.

"That was surely the greatest bowls I've ever played - it was without doubt the most important," said Thomson.

Bond added: "David (Gourlay) produced unbelievable bowls and even with his final delivery almost drew the shot."

Gourlay, meanwhile, was despondent in defeat, admitting: "I really don't know where we went wrong."

The Glaswegian added: "We lost in the hardest way to lose - against a toucher in the ditch."

Jackson, the reigning world singles champion from Lincoln, was also a runner-up in last year's pairs final.

"Last year it was disappointing to lose but this year it hurts," he said.

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