Bowlers from Devon and Cornwall want to confirm that the balance of power in English bowls has shifted emphatically to the South West, and are hotly tipped to secure places today in the semi finals of the national inter-county championship.

The Duchy's success at Worthing last year, when they lifted the Middleton Cup for the first time in the county's 97 year history, was an emotional triumph, coming as it did only a day or two after the tragic death of Cornish legend Richard Bray.

But Devon's star-studded side, who were beaten by Yorkshire in last year's semi finals, are determined that 'normal service will resume' this summer, and are confident they can win the title for what would be the sixth time in nine years.

While Devon have steam-rollered their way into the last eight with big wins over Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire, Cornwall have limped into the quarter finals.

The Cornish bowlers beat Somerset and Dorset, before losing to Warwickshire in their last group game.

"Fortunately, the points we picked up in our first two games stood us in good stead, and we got through, but it was a close-run thing," admitted Cornwall president Michael Jennings yesterday.

"Now we have to make the most of our great escape by beating Northamptonshire at Swindon, a win that would take us back to Worthing, where the memories of last year will surely inspire us."

Devon's bowlers have a bit further to travel in order to meet Durham at the Norgren club in Studley in Warwickshire.

Tomorrow, Torquay Kings star Natalie Melmore, who will carry England's singles hopes in the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in October, will skip a rink in the women's under 25 international series in Worthing.

Melmore, an automatic choice, is joined by her Kings clubmate Sophie Tolchard – sister of the high-flying Sam Tolchard - who will be making her England debut.

The face of bowls is changing, with top players like Sam and Natalie, who are both only 21, playing such key roles for England, and rising stars like the 18-year-old Sophie threatening to knock them off their perch.

Last year, England finished the series disappointingly in third place, and several changes have been made this year in an attempt to wrest the title from the Scots, and the Devon duo will be at the forefront of England's challenge.