THE trio of lead Jean Collier, two Sue Cooke and skip Alex Jacobs failed in their bid to retain their national triples title on Monday at the national finals in Nottingham.

Reigning national ladies Over 50 Two Wood Triples champions, the North Wilts triple were knocked out of this year’s tournament, losing in the quarter-finals to Wey Valley (Guildford) 19-9.

Jacobs’ combination had beaten Dolphin (Poole, Dorset) in their opening match (last 16) 19-16.

They edged in front 5-4 after five ends but at ten trailed 14-9. However, they bounced back to lead Dolphin 18-16 at 15 ends and sealed a 19-16 success on the next.

But they made a poor start in their quarter-final tie against Wey Valley (Guildford, Surrey).

They found themselves 9-0 down after five ends and with a mountain to climb to continue in the two wood triples.

It proved too much for them being unable to recover from the heavy early losses. North Wilts trailed 13-5 at ten ends and 18-9 at 15 before finally losing 19-9.

Wey Valley move forward to Tuesday’s semi-finals where they will face Lincoln who thumped Yeovil 19-4. Semi-final two features Acle (Norfolk) facing Barwell (Leics)’ former winners in 2015.

North Wilts' last hopes of an individual championship title now rest on the shoulders of Jacobs in the ladies Over 60s singles championship later his week.

She has won the Area 14 senior singles indoor title and qualified for the last 16 being staged at Nottingham IBC.

She will be looking to add to the Over 55 ladies outdoor singles titles she won at Royal Leamington Spa in consecutive years in 2014 and 15.

Jacobs opens in the first round (last 16) in Nottingham against Pamela Daters (Bridport, Dorset) on Friday at 4pm and if successful would then faces at 7pm Jean Arnaud (Bournemouth, Dorset) or Marilyn Oram (Kingsthorpe, Northamptonshire).

The semi-finals and final will be played on Saturday at 9.30am and 4pm.

Winners of the Yetton Trophy, top national ladies inter-club championship in 2008, North Wilts are still running in this championship event this season.

They have reached the last four after thumping Moonfleet (Weymouth) in the quarter-finals 85-49 to book a semi-final spot against Spalding (Lincs) on Sunday, April 23 (10am) at City and County of Bristol.

The other semi-final also a 10am start features Arun (Bognor Regis, W Sussex) and St Neots (Cambs) at Bristol.

The final is planned for Bristol IBC at 3pm.