WARRINGTON bowler Brian Welsby became the Lancashire Senior Merit Champion at The Bellingham Club, Wigan.

Welsby, who plays for Grange Sports, had to win four games to collect the title and trophy, he defeated Duncan Watkins 21-16 in the first round, Warrington’s Steve Brown 21-6 in the quarter finals then Ian Dennis 21-12 in the semi finals.

Welsby edged out Keith Robinson, 21-20, in a closely contested final. The win gives him automatic entry into the All England Championships and the Champion of Champions event.