A BOWLER from Northwich has won a prestigious competition that invites only the most consistent players from across the country.

Katie Harrop, a member at Castle Sports and Social Club, took first prize at the British Crown Green Ladies’ Bowling Association Average Winners Classic last weekend.

It is an annual contest for the top 20 performers, one from each team, during the previous season’s county championship.

Harrop, a regular for the Northwich outfit in both the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association and the Knutsford and District Ladies’ Bowling League, prevailed in three matches to reach the final.

The toughest of those was a last-eight encounter with Chris Price, representing Isle of Man, which she edged 21-20.

A 21-9 victory against Clair Russell (North Lancs & Fylde) completed an impressive afternoon’s work at Wrockwardine Wood Bowling Club in Telford.

She was the leading performer for a Cheshire side that finished fourth in Section One, winning two of her three matches and scoring 19 in the other.

No teammate posted a higher individual tally.

Stacey Linegar, of Winnington, represented the Mid-Cheshire Ladies’ Bowling League at the event in Shropshire.

She bowed out in the last 16 following a 21-16 defeat against Staffordshire’s Janet Hargreaves.

Results (selected)

British Crown Green Ladies' Bowling Association

Average Winners Classic

Saturday, May 4

At Wrockwardine Wood Bowling Club

Last 16: Nia Jones (Wales) 13-21 Katie Harrop (Cheshire); Janet Hargreaves (Staffordshire) 21-16 Stacey Linegar (Mid Cheshire, Winnington)

Quarter-finals: Katie Harrop (Cheshire) 21-20 Chris Price (Isle of Man)

Semi-finals: Katie Harrop (Cheshire) 21-12 Helen Williams (Dudley & District)

Final: Clair Russell (North Lancs & Fylde) 9-21 Katie Harrop (Cheshire)