Ellis denied

BOWLS:

Nimble Nook’s Gary Ellis was denied a winning start to the new crown green bowling season when he was pipped 21-20 by Sheffield’s Chris Brown in the final of the George and Dragon Invitation 16.

Reaching the final with a 21-14 victory over Dave McDermott, 21-11 verdict against Lee Lawton and 21-19 defeat of Dean Ferris, Ellis looked set to collect the top prize of £400.

But Brown, hit back from 15-7 down to win by the minimum margin.