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With six local bowlers in the final 16 of the Anthony Pagett Open at Cradley Liberals BC hopes were high of the £600 first prize going to one of them.

That was not to be the case however as it was bowlers outside the area that stole the show.

Pete Dunkley from the Selly Park BC in Birmingham took the honours but showed no family loyalty when defeating his brother Ross 21-8 in the last sixteen. In his quarter-final, Dunkley easily accounted for Ian Whitehouse from Nordley Liberals BC Willenhall 21-10 and in his semi final ousted one of the favourites Glyn Storer from M&B's Cheslyn Hay 21-16.

Matt Kelly-Wally from the Belvedere BC at Burton and who will be playing on a Saturday for top Warwick and Worcester outfit Greville this season clinched a final spot opening with a 21-18 win over local Black Country player Craig Cartwright and then defeating W&W player Dave Smith 21-13.

In his semi final in a nail biting encounter he just got the better of the hopes of the Black Country supporters Pete Withey 21-19.

The final was a one sided affair with Dunkley cruising to a 21-9 success.

The stories behind the hidden' sport of Crown Green Bowls in Staffordshire will be heard thanks to a £27,500 award from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Funding has been awarded to the Chronicles from the Crown one year project which will be run by the Staffordshire CBA.

Co-ordinator Gary Cooper said: "The history of the game locally is largely unknown and the project will preserve, celebrate and broaden recognition of the sport's rich social and cultural history in the region."

Bowlers will be interviewed and their reminiscences will form an oral history bank' which will be stored in local archive centre's to enable anyone to access the history of the sport.

A book will be produced and an exhibition of memorabilia is to be staged as well as workshops and heritage sessions.

The Old Cross BC at Langley are celebrating their Centenary this year and are hoping to contact previous members who may wish to take part in various events including a Centenary Dinner Dance Contact Rob Unitt 01562 710794.

10:29am Thursday 10th April 2008

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