SOUTHEND bowls star Edward Morris is celebrating another fantastic result after becoming the first person to retain the Essex County Singles Championship in 55 years.

The 28-year-old enjoyed success in Hong Kong and China recently and has now followed that up on home soil.

The Outdoor County Finals are held at Essex County Bowls Club, with the greens regarded as the best in the county.

Morris got the better of Daniel Rodger, who plays for Colchester West End club, and came back impressively to win 21-17, having been 10-2 down early in the encounter.

“It was a very good game actually,” said Morris, who has been a member at the club since 2001, when he was just 13. “I am the first person to defend the title since 1961 so it was a great feeling to win.

“We both progress to the national finals in Leamington to represent Essex now so I look forward to that.

“The combined age of the finalists was 46, showing it is not an old man’s game as many people believe it is!”

The Westcliff club has recently undergone something of a refurbishment, with more than £120,000 pumped into improving the facilities.

The most noticeable change is an all-blue carpet, as well as stronger LED lighting and a state-of-the-art air conditioning system, which the club has been saving for for a number of years.

Members voted 65 per cent in favour of blue, in a bid to modernise the facilities and, as is their hope, the game in general.

And Morris has backed the decision.

“We have great facilities so the county are very happy with the arrangement,” he said.

“I personally voted for the blue carpet as we try to modernise the game and bring it to a wider audience.

“I encourage people to come and give it a go.”