Tonge’s title

TONGE produced a top-class performance to win the British Team Bowls Championship at Irlam Steel yesterday.

They survived a scare in their quarter-final against Woodfield BC (Wolverhampton), winning only three of the eight individual games and relying on a magnificent 21-1 victory by Andrew Cairns to guide them to a 143-136 success.

But the rest of the day went like clockwork for the local team, who beat a powerful St Joseph’s (Chorley) side 153-131 in the semi-finals before overwhelming Chadsmoor Progressive from Cannock 144-106 in the final.

Gary Ellis led the way with a 21-2 victory, while other Tonge winners in the final were Matt Gillies (21-5), Cairns (21-10), Colin Lane (21-13) and Stuart Mort (21–13).

Thomas Dobson was beaten 21-10, Steve Squire 21-11 and Mark Dwayre 21-18, but each made solid contributions on the day as Tonge picked up the £1,000 top prize.