Bowls: York’s Zoe Eagles pivotal to England’s conquest (From York Press)

Bowls: York’s Zoe Eagles pivotal to England’s conquest

10:28am Thursday 19th January 2012 in Bowls By Stuart Martel, Sports editor

TALENTED York bowler Zoe Eagles played a key role as England Ladies Under-25s retained the annual home international Acle Trophy.

The 20-year-old York Indoor Bowls Club ace helped her rink to victories over Scotland and Wales as hosts England beat both rivals in Bristol.

Eagles’ side were 31-10 winners against Scotland, a scoreline that proved crucial in an overall 76-65 success, and they followed up with a 19-13 triumph against Wales as England wrapped up the trophy with an 87-55 result.

Dunnington-based Eagles acquitted herself well on the U25 international stage that he has graced with England for the last six years.

Scotland beat Wales 98-45 in the other match of the competition, which was reduced to three teams when Ireland pulled out.

Eagles’ had attended England U25 trials with York team-mates Laura Clarke and Emily Clarke, but 19-year-old Emily missed out on selection while 16-year-old Laura was named as a non-travelling reserve.

All three are members of Yorkshire’s Inter-County Atherley Trophy team and have also helped to raise the profile of junior bowlers as part of the national U31 Amy Rose Bowl winning-team.

Next on the Eagles agenda is a crack at the national Champion of Champions crown.

The York ladies singles champion has reached the last 16 of the prestigious competition after victories over her counterparts from Harrogate, Selby, Scarborough and Thornaby.

The competition from last 16 through to a conclusion will be staged at Hayling Island, near Portsmouth, starting on Friday, February 3.