TWO top bowlers from Comet country inspired England to retain their home international series title. Henlow Park bowler Jayne Christie captained the team, while stalwart Shirley Page from Baldock Bowls Club was also part of the party which won all four ma

TWO top bowlers from Comet country inspired England to retain their home international series title.

Henlow Park bowler Jayne Christie captained the team, while stalwart Shirley Page from Baldock Bowls Club was also part of the party which won all four matches.

They defeated Jersey (115-82), Wales (94-90), Scotland (98-95) and Ireland (109-100) at Belmont Bowls Club in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

England took the crown with a maximum eight points, Scotland and Wales shared second spot with four points and an identical points difference, Ireland were fourth with an inferior points difference and Jersey were left without a point.

An England regular since 2000, Jayne as captain led the ladies' team to success - the first since the formation of Bowls England in January.

She said: "It was a really tough series and the all the matches were very close.

"It was hard work but a fantastic result and it was very sweet to have that trophy in my hands at the end of the week.

"I had a really interesting week and a great experience and very enjoyable despite keeping me busy."

Shirley was playing for her country for the 18th consecutive year and was delighted with England's trophy win.

She said: "It was such a good win as all the countries seem to have improved as much as England.

"The whole competition was so good and yet so tiring.

"And the team spirit was excellent - the younger ones want to learn from the more experienced ones and that's so important.