A DAY of high quality bowling saw Alan Gilpin and Ian Nicholson retain the CP Catering sponsored Denis Wightman Shield at the Victoria Bowling Club.

A total of 32 pairs entered, with Gilpin and Nicholson easing through the early rounds and booking their place in the final with a convincing 21-5 semi final win over Keith Atkinson and Hazel Borradile.

Their opponents in the final Barry Simm and David Brown had a tougher task in the last four as they edged through after a hard fought 21-15 victory against Jane Glaister and Steven Carruthers, but Simm and Brown were no match for the holders who won 21-10 in the final.

The same green this week hosted the opening games of its Floodlight Doubles Bowling League, which is split into two divisions.

In the Hayes Garden World League, defending champions Holme A defeated Abbot Hall A 6-4 in a dramatic opener.

Holme picked up the first points when Dave McRoy and Alan Hine defeated Martin Scarborough and Denise Noble 21-15 then Elle Chandler and Stephen Varcoe saw off Peter Blamire and John Duffy 21-14.

Abbot Hall battled back when Keith Myers and Geoff Robinson edged out Dave and Bob Grisedale 21-17 before John Strickland and Richard Noble picked up a resounding 21-3 win over Callum Baxter and Steve Grisedale.

However Liam Baxter and Dave Crayston secured the win following their 21-8 victory over Liz Myers and Kim Petcher.

In the other games Victoria A eased past Lindale A 10-0 while Milnthorpe A and Netherfield A both picked up respective 6-4 wins over Staveley and Victoria B.

In the Cumberland Building Society League, Burneside defeated Arnside 8-2, Holme B battled past Sedbergh 6-4, Netherfield B saw off Heversham 8-2 while Allithwaite eased past Subscription 10-0.