Merit boost for resilient Ellis

Bowler Gary Ellis

Bowls :

WATERLOO and Taunton's Charlie Roberts came within a whisker of winning the most prestigious prize of his bowling career in the finals of the Greater Manchester Merit.

Roberts reached the final at North Chadderton Social and Bowling Club with victories over Colin Lane, Jack Hargreaves and Keith McHugh.

In the final he led the game's top player, Gary Ellis (Tonge) 15-12.

With a place in the Champion of Champions tournament in Blackpool at stake, Roberts matched the hot favourite bowl for bowl. But Ellis's resilience shone through when it mattered most and he scrambled home 21-18.

Both players will represent Greater Manchester in the All-England Merit, as will McHugh, who defeated fellow semi-finalist Matt Gillies 21-12 in a play-off.