THERE was golden glory for York bowlers when New Earswick & District Indoor Bowls Club hosted the Special Olympics Yorkshire & Humberside Regional Indoor Bowls Pairs competition.

The tournament, sponsored by York Co-operative Funeral Care, was a qualifying competition for the Special Olympics National Summer Games to be held in Sheffield in August 2017, and saw eight New Earswick-based bowlers represent the city of York against opposition from Bradford, Pudsey, Wakefield and invitation team Northern Region.

A total of 40 players competed across five divisions appropriate to their ability levels.

Division one was a tight affair with the top three teams tying on four points so medals were decided on shot difference - with York's Gemma Broadhead and partner David Brooke from Bradford taking a deserved gold by three shots.

In division two, Chris McPherson and Will Sharman, doing themselves proud, were also tied on four points but were pipped by one on shot difference, taking a fine silver.

Division three saw Andrew Bayston and Sam Hinde remain unbeaten to claim gold, while York’s Ashley Shaw teamed up with Kieron Williams from Pudsey to win bronze in division four.

Diana Ward and Callum Shaw lost narrowly in their first two games so were unlucky not to be higher than fourth in division five.

Phil Taylor, from York Co-operative Funeral Care, and New Earswick’s club president Gordon Fratson presented the medals.