Acle's Tim Stone came within a whisker of his greatest bowling scalp when his battle with five-times world indoor champion Alex Marshall was decided by the last wood, of the final end of a tie-break.

But the climax to the most thrilling match so far in this season's World Indoor Championsips at Potters Leisure Resort in Hopton-on-Sea was missed by many TV viewers when live coverage on the BBC red button was blacked out with just three ends remaining in the second set.

Stone went on to win the second set 8-4 having lost the first 8-3. But at 6-4 the TV bowls had been replaced by a caption – left on the screen for almost ten minutes – announcing a switch to an Australian Open tennis match between Marcos Baghdatis and Juan Martin del Potro. Coverage contined on line, but Acle pensioner Jack Prior was among the computerless viewers unable to see the rest of the match.

'It was a crucial stage of a great match,' said Mr Prior, 86. 'It was a diabolical decision by the BBC.'

Stone, supported by over 100 Acle IBC members, had mixed feelings after the match, saying: 'I don't think I could have played much better than I did. I'm disappointed to lose but at the same time I'm pleased to have pushed Alex, world class player that he is, all the way.'