RICHARD Todd held his nerve to claim victory in Braintree Bowling Club's annual Fixed Jack competition.

Todd saw off Martin Law in the final of the club event, which saw five individual members contest singles matches in four leagues over six ends on the rinks.

One jack was permanently placed short at one end and full length at the other.

Two points were awarded for a win and one for a draw.

In the event of a points tie at the end of four games, the winner was the player with the most differential shots.

The game is more suited to the astute player who can draw his bowl on to the jack, rather than trying to hit it.

If the jack is hit it is then replaced on its original mark on the green, hence the fixed jack.

As a result, several experienced players fell victim to this subtle, accurate bowling regime and were eliminated in the early and semi-final stages of the competition.

Law and Todd contested their final over eight ends.

Todd took a slim early lead and retained his advantage over the first seven ends.

But on the final bowling end, he was hanging onto a two-shot lead which Law clawed back.

Law drew level with Todd having one remaining bowl left to deliver.

However, Todd chose his line and weight to perfection, with his shot nestling between Law's shot and the jack for the winning shot of the competition.