THE WIDNES Recs bowling team triumphed in the final of Merseyside's Ramage Trophy, beating St Helens side British Plate by six chalks in a closely fought contest held at BICC Prescot.

British Plate, boasting several Merseyside County representatives in their line-up, were attempting to win the competition for the second year in succession and made a bright start claiming three winners in the first four games.

However their early lead was gradually clawed back, and the strength in depth of the Liverpool Road outfit eventually proved decisive.

Of the eight winners for Widnes the best score was recorded by Neil Middlehurst (21-7), continuing the consistent form he has displayed throughout the season.

Also key were the performances of the two Colins, Hunt and Potter who, with the match poised on a knife edge with the men from the Rec trailing by just two points, held their nerve to win 21-10 and 21-15 respectively.

Jubilant captain Barry Williams collected the trophy on behalf of the team.

In a gripping contest which went right to the last match of the season, Green Dragon A retained the Widnes & District Bowling league first division title, narrowly pipping Widnes Rec A in a repeat of last year's top two.

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