Bowls: Welsh hopes are dashed by England

Wales saw their hopes of recapturing the Home International Championship dashed in Worthing yesterday when they fell to England in their concluding match of the series.

Wales, who had a 100 per cent record after wins over Scotland, Ireland and the Channel Islands, still needed a win to stop Scotland retaining the title they won in Ireland 12 months ago.

But England held on for a 10-shot victory. Both sides finished with three winning rinks but the decisive result was David Ward's 27-10 win over Robert Weale. Danny Denison added a 25-18 victory over Will Thomas and David Cutler edged out Dai Wilkins 23-21.

The Welsh wins came from Spencer Wilshire, who beat Andy Thomson 24-15, John Price, who finished a 24-20 winner over Lee Miller, and Mark Anstey, who edged out world champion Tony Allcock 19-16.

Ireland finished on a high when they crushed the Channel Islands 143- 87. The Channel Islands' consolation victory came from David Le Marquand, who beat Noel Graham 19-15.

"They weren't many people who gave us much of a chance after our defeat to Wales on Tuesday, but we've showed some real character," the Scottish team manager, Gordon Neil, said.

"We've picked up 42 of an available 44 points from our last two games and it's that sort of team spirit that's seen us through. I am proud of every one of them."