REBEL bowler Howard Watts, bombed out by Oxfordshire earlier this season, has had the last laugh.

He qualified for a place in the National Finals at Worthing next month when his Summertown team, skipped by ex-England captain Gary Harrington, yesterday pulled off a thrilling 23-22 victory on their way into the County Fours final that guarantees an appearance at English bowling's big event of the season.

Watts, last year's pairs champion with Harring-ton, was suspended when he failed to turn up for a Middleton Cup game when nominated by team boss Fred Beer as only a reserve.

International open winner Les Gillett qualified for two Worthing appearances when he reached the Oxon Finals of the Fours and Triples.

He completes his bid for a 'full house' next weekend in the pairs and singles.

If he beats Oxford City and County bowler Paul Sharman in the singles, he will meet Woodstock veteran Mike Bayliss who clinched his Worthing place despite turning up for the game with his arm in a sling!

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