Two Norfolk lawn bowlers have enjoyed a remarkable run at the US Open Championships in Arizona, narrowly missing out on gold after reaching the final of the prestigious pairs competition.

Max Harrison and Jack Wells, who both represent Downham Conservative Club and Norfolk, claimed silver medals at the tournament in Sun City, Arizona, after an impressive series of performances against international opposition.

The pair made a flying start to the competition, winning all four of their qualifying matches to secure a place among the top eight teams in the Championship Flight.

They continued their excellent form in the knockout stages, winning their quarter-final before producing a superb performance to defeat a Canadian Commonwealth Games pairs team in the semi-final.

Although they were beaten in the final, the Norfolk duo could take enormous pride in finishing as runners-up and earning US Open silver medals.

For two club bowlers from Norfolk, it was a tremendous achievement on the international stage.

Harrison, originally from Downham and now living in Wimbotsham, had already enjoyed an impressive tournament in the singles competition.

Competing against a field of 120 bowlers, he lost just once in eight qualifying matches before narrowly missing out on a place in the Championship Flight.

He went on to compete in the third-flight knockout stages, winning both his quarter-final and semi-final before suffering defeat in the final.

His performances earned him 10th place overall in the singles standings, adding to what has been a memorable trip across the Atlantic.

There was little time for celebration, however, as Harrison and Wells returned to the greens for the fours competition alongside Wayne Willgress, who came fourth overall in the championship singles, and John Tufts, both of Norwich Bowls Club.

Willgress is also part of the England lawn bowls team.

The Norfolk quartet suffered an opening-match defeat but bounced back in style with a convincing victory in their second game.

That result lifted them to 10th place in the standings, but with a win and defeat in their next two outings, they just missed out on a place in the finals.

The pair have given Norfolk bowls plenty to celebrate and their silver-medal success against strong international opposition is a fine achievement for Downham Conservative Club and a reminder of the bowling talent emerging from the county.

From the greens of Downham Market to a US Open final in Arizona, the Norfolk pair have certainly made their mark.