ILMINSTER has a new sporting star after local man Robert Paxton picked up a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Paxton beat the world champion Shannon McIlroy on his way to picking up the prize in Australia, only losing to the eventual gold medal winner.

Ilminster Bowls Club, who Paxton plays for when he isn’t representing the country, took to social media to congratulate their international competitor.

The post said: “Ilminster bowler Robert Paxton has won the Commonwealth Games bronze medal after winning 21-14 against Darren Burnett.

“Rob lost in his semi final against eventual winner Aaron Wilson of the gold medal 16-21.

“Congratulations to Robert Paxton amazing achievement for you to cap an amazing year of bowls.”

This was Paxton’s first appearance at a Commonwealth Games, although he did take gold at the 2016 World Triples Championships as part of Team England.

After he won his quarter-final, Robert said: “To get past Shannon twice who is the current World champion, you don’t often do that especially on these greens and conditions, so it is pleasing.

“Thankfully I kept up with him and in the middle part I managed to dominate the game really.”

After Paxton was pipped in his semi-final match against Australia’s Aaron Wilson, Paxton beat Scot Darren Burnett 21-14 for third place.

He added: “I started off well, lost a bit of pace in the middle as he came back strong, but I finished off the game well.

“It’s been a reasonably successful games, could have gone better, but most of us have come away with medals.

“You always want to do the best you can and win the gold, but that wasn’t to be, but I finished off well and made sure I was on the podium with a good win tonight.

“Throughout the singles [Aaron Wilson] has been the star man, he fully deserves the gold, so to come away with a medal is all you can really dream of.”