England poised to end their seven-year hitch: Bowls

England took a decisive step towards ending the seven-year wait since their last win in the Home International Indoor Championships by beating Wales 113-108 in Ballymoney, Co Antrim, yesterday.

The victory leaves England needing only a draw in their last match today against the defending champions, Scotland, to wrap up the title.

England just shaded the opening five ends 26-25 and by the half-way mark led 52-50 - but they then pulled away to go 86-70 ahead after 15 ends.

Over the last quarter England increased their lead to 21 shots but Wales hit back to be just two down with a few ends remaining before England reasserted their authority.

Andy Thomson finished as the top scorer for the second successive day with a 20-13 win over John Price and David Ward beat Phil Rowlands 23- 17, while Greg Harlow added England's third win, beating Stephen Rees 18-13.