WHETHER it is for county or country, Elizabeth Messer and Julie Saunders proved they are among the best in the business as England reclaimed the British Isles International Series indoor title.

The pair have played major roles in Dorset’s progress to the Atherley Trophy final this season – and they were once more key figures when England scored three wins out of three in Belfast.

Messer’s rink were the tournament heroines not only winning all their games but rattling up an aggregate of 94 shots including a remarkable 41-6 result in the opening 137-102 success against the host nation.

The East Dorset member, who started the BIIS playing two for Berkshire skip Debbie Stavrou with newcomer Janice Gower at three, was obviously on the top rink in that match yet despite such a whirlwind display the selectors changed the line-up for the final two matches.

They dropped lead Linda Rose and installed Messer at lead with Linda Southby drafted in at two from the Sandy Hazell quartet.

Stavrou’s rearranged foursome again stole the honours with a 25-5 card when England beat Wales 120-88, the other five rinks being decided by five shots or less.

Saunders – number two in the rink of Wendy King – said: “There was a really good team spirit and we all worked together as a unit.

“Overall, I was happy with my personal performance – especially in the first two matches when the rink played really well. The lead Liz Tunn from Essex and myself were really solid.

“In the final game we weren’t quite so good but we still did alright.

“After losing out last year when we were not able to field our strongest side it was great to win the title back.”

Saunders (Bournemouth) chalked up a 25-17 result against rising Irish star Jennifer Dowds and gained a determined 21-16 win against the leading Welsh rink skipped by the celebrated Betty Morgan MBE.

As is the norm the England versus Scotland match was last on the bill and invariably the decider. Messer’s quartet (28-14) continued their blistering form but the Saunders’ rink were shaded 16-14.

England prevailed 111-97 to regain the title they surrendered to the Scots last year. Messer has been an indoor international since 1998 while Saunders made her debut last winter.