Black day for Nimble Nook duo

Photo: DARREN ROBINSON

GARY Ellis shows off the Waterloo Handicap trophy, but he was unable to add the BCGBA Champion Of Champions title to this year’s roll of honour.

BOWLS:  

NIMBLE Nook and Tonge stars Gary Ellis and Darren Griffiths suffered first-round disappointment in the BCGBA Champion Of Champions event in Blackpool.

Ellis, recent winner of the Waterloo Handicap for the fifth time, was unable to repeat his heroics on the same green and went down 21-13 to Carl Fielding, winner of the prestigious Isle Of Man handicap this summer.

And Greater Manchester Merit winner Griffiths lost 21-18 to Wales star John Bailey in his opening match.

The competition and £1,000 first prize was won by Simon Coupe of North Lancs and Fylde, who beat Cheshire’s Steve Morrey 21-8 in the final.