England’s Ladies brought home a momentous victory over the Scots this weekend in a furious, fast-paced final at Stanley Indoor Bowls Club, as part of the Ladies International Series Indoor Bowling Championship 2011.

The final four-hour match between England and Scotland involved the 24 top players from each country battling head to head against each other, and resulted in a massive victory to England of 160-75. Scotland’s Ladies took second place in the championship overall, with Wales in third place, and Ireland in fourth.

The Ladies’ three day championships mark the first of three British Isles and International Series Championships being held at Stanley throughout the week. The Indoor Bowls International Championship is set take place from Monday 14 to Wednesday 16 March, followed by the Men’s International Series Championship from Thursday 17 to Saturday 19 March (in which England will take on Scotland once again in the final match).

“We have seen some fantastic bowling here in Stanley over the past three days and this is set to continue right throughout the week,” says Peter Thompson, Chief Operating Executive, from the EIBA, the governing body for the sport in England. “This is an unrivalled chance to see some of the best bowlers in the world competing together all in one place. There are many matches to choose from over the coming week - we’d like to encourage as many people as possible to come along.”

“To have such an event as this in Stanley is a great coup for the town,” adds Kevan Jones, MP for North Durham. “We are delighted to welcome visitors from the length and breadth of the British Isles to make full use of our bowling facilities and see for themselves all the wonderful things that our county has to offer. Many congratulations to all those involved in staging this terrific event and good luck to everyone taking part in the next few days.”

The venue, Stanley Indoor Bowls Club, is in tip-top condition and advance ticket sales are well above what organisers anticipated. Tickets are available from the Lamplight Box Office on 01207 218899. Prices are from £3 to £5 per head with a £1 booking fee.

For more information and to arrange interviews, please contact:

Peter Thompson, Chief Operating Executive of the English Indoor Bowling Association Ltd, tel. 07852 282998 or e-mail: peterthompson@eiba.co.uk