Katherine Hawes enjoyed one of her proudest moments when she was named player of the series after helping England retain the Clara Johns Trophy in an international competition.

The Oxford & District star was originally a reserve for the British Isles Women’s Indoor International Series at Stanley IBC, Durham, but got her chance when Jean Baker was taken ill.

And she grabbed her opportunity in stunning fashion, producing some superb bowls as England won all three of their games.

Hawes was shocked, though, to receive the individual award, a crystal glass bowl presented by team manager Edna Bessell as the best bowler.

She said: “Obviously not being in the team to start with and coming in as a reserve I knew I had to play well.

“I am always trying to play as well as I can and to get this award was unbelievable. I never thought I would get that in a million years.

“It was one of the best moments of my life in bowls. It is something I have never thought about and to get that after all these years means so much.”

Playing at No 2 in skip Wendy King’s rink alongside Katherine Rednall and Sophie Tolchard, Hawes featured in an emphatic 31-13 win as England crushed Ireland 163-82 in their opening game.

Hawes and her rinkmates went down 21-18 in their next match, but it didn’t stop England sweeping aside Wales 144-95.

The Kidlington-based bowler and her colleagues bounced back with a thumping 31-12 win, which was pivotal in the reigning champions’ 115-103 victory against Scotland.

“We wanted three wins and especially by beating Scotland as it’s always nice because of the rivalry,” added Hawes.

She admitted the award had left her “buzzing” and she is looking forward to representing England in the World Championships in Jersey from April 1-4.

Hawes earned her place after finishing runner-up to Carole Baker in the English singles last year.

She will compete in that discipline on the island, along with the mixed pairs with Mark Dawes.

“I was in it a couple of years ago in Wales and did quite well,” added Hawes. “I think I got to the quarter-finals, so I was quite pleased with that and hopefully I can do well again.

“I am really on a high after going up there and playing like I did, but unfortunately with bowls you can come down very quick as well.”

The day after returning from the Channel Islands, Hawes travels to Melton & District IBC in Leicestershire to take part in the national pairs and triples finals.