KING and Queen bowler Chris Ashton came through a difficult draw to win the Les Green Warrington Borough Merit at Pierpoint and Bryant Sports Club on Saturday.

Ashton's triumph earned him the right to represent Warrington in the Federation of Crown Green Bowls Individual Merit at Garswood Hall on September 25.

He defeated Mike Burrows 21-20 in a spectacular final that was neck and neck all the way until a wonder bowl allowed him to snatch victory after Burrows had laid game with what appeared to be an unbeatable bowl.

It had not been any easier in Ashton's first round match, as another 21-20 win was required to knock out John Taylor, who had also seemed certain to win.

Ashton also defeated Mark Tinning, last year's winner Chris Welsby and David Twigg on the way to the final, while Burrows knocked out Les Smith and Ross Wightman.

The Estellevillas.com Junior Bowls League and junior training sessions start at Orford Park on Saturday at 9.45am.