The heroics of Helen Walker and Lynn Metcalfe could not save Yorkshire from a 116-98 defeat by Berkshire in the final of the Atherley Trophy, the English Women's inter-county bowls championships, at Tye Green, Essex.

York stars Walker and Metcalfe were Yorkshire's only two successful skips across the six rinks.

Walker, an England international, led Maggie Hooper 10-6 after ten ends and stayed firmly in command, outscoring her opponent 5-0 over the last ends to romp home 21-11.

Metcalfe took the scalp of England's top skip over the years, Mary Price, storming back from 13-9 down to win 18-14.

York skips Jeanette Coulson and Carol Instone were sent tumbling as their rivals ran riot. Coulson crashed 25-11 to Lorna Cutler and Instone lost eight shots on the run-in as Joan Broad advanced from 17-13 ahead to win 25-13.

Yorkshire's Milly Walmsley and Beryl Alderson were also beaten. Walmsley lost 23-18 to Yvonne Tilley, while Alderson was edged out 18-17 by Val Linton-Phare.

Yorkshire took this trophy in 1999, seeing off Hertfordshire in the final.

Updated: 12:49 Tuesday, April 03, 2001