BOWLS aces Alex Marshall and Paul Foster’s three-year command of the World Indoor Pairs came to an end on Monday after defeat in the final at Potters Resort in Norfolk.

Tranent’s Marshall and ex-Garden County player Foster had been undefeated in the event since 2010 but they were undone in straight sets in the final by English duo Nicky Brett and Greg Harlow.

The pair eased into the final at the World Indoor Bowls Championships without dropping a set as they chased a record set in 1992 – four successive indoor pairs titles.

After last year’s tight final, Marshall and Foster came off second best as the English duo started on the front foot by collecting an impressive first-end three to take an early lead.

A big end from Harlow and Brett followed and Marshall was unable to respond, handing them a full house and an 11-4 advantage with two ends to play.

Brett stuck another opening bowl close and Harlow added a second, with Foster again leaving Marshall with some work to do and he fired off target as they secured the first set 13-4.

After a meeting to formulate a strategy for the second set, the Scots took the first end. Foster finally found his range and Marshall added another as they went 4-0 ahead after three ends. However, before they knew it the lead was reduced to a solitary point, 5-4.

The pairs traded blows, with the Englishmen taking a 7-6 lead going into the final end. And after Harlow had bowled in for second, Marshall failed to force a tie-break and the title was Brett and Harlow’s.

There was no success for Marshall in the Mixed Pairs World Matchplay as he fell at the first hurdle alongside partner Alison Merrien.

Foster fared a lot better, going on to win the event with partner Laura Thomas.

The Open Singles Championship reconvened today (Thursday) as Marshall and Foster played their second-round ties, having come through the first round unscathed. Victories would set up a quarter-final meeting between the two close friends.