Ellis off to a flying start

Gary Ellis: flying start

BOWLS:

BY his own extremely high standards, last season wasn’t the best for Nimble Nook and Tonge star Gary Ellis.

But rejuvenated by the winter break, Ellis has landed his first big prize with the new campaign barely a fortnight old.

Ellis picked up £1,500 for winning the week-long Tetley Walker Open in Warrington, beating Kendal’s Martin Gilpin 21-14 in the final.

In the semi-finals, Ellis defeated Sheffield’s Paul Bailey 21-19, while Gilpin saw off former Oldhamer Graeme Wilson 21-17.

The same venue saw an invitation 32 in which Ellis reached the final, only to lose 21-14 to Birmingham rising star Greg Smith.

Ellis, who picked up £450 for his efforts, defeated Warrington’s Tommy Johnstone 21-18 in the semis, while Smith overcame Gilpin 21-18.