Mike McDonagh capped an incredible year for Cheam Bowling Club by winning the England over-55 National Singles Championship at Worthing last weekend.

The 59-year-old came from behind to beat Somerset’s Duncan McGovern in the final by 11 shots, having also come through a tight semi-final and quarter-final, where he trailed by 19-5 at one point and was within two points of defeat, “In every sport, to win a major title, an element of luck is required,” said McDonagh.

“That makes it all so interesting and I am pleased to say on this occasion it smiled on me.”

Cheam have also seen Gemma Barnett make her international debut this year and win the Walker Cup with the Surrey Country team, while Daniel Morris is a junior England squad member.