A CROWN green veteran is bowled over after winning an annual contest.

Retired engineer Alan Stephenson, 78, was victorious on league finals day to become Sherwoods Bowls League champion of champions.

He beat fellow player Terry Beer, of North Park, 21-17 in a close run match at the Darlington Railway Athletic ground.

Mr Stephenson, who is currently president of the Darlington Railway Athletic Bowling Club, has been taking part in the sport for over 40 years.

“I’m really pleased with the win. Especially with this being my presidential year which meant we got to play the final on the president’s turf, giving me a slight home advantage,” he said.

“Bowling is a great pastime which helps to keep the mind active as well as the body and I’d love to see more people, both young and old, coming into the sport.”

Sherwoods, who have car dealerships in Darlington, Stockton and Northallerton, have continued to help drive the nine team league forward since 1985 when it began its sponsorship of the then Darlington Works League.

The league was renamed The Darlington Sherwood League in 2008 with managing director of Sherwoods Alasdair McConachie made honorary president for his continued support of the grassroots sport.

“I am delighted to be celebrating 30 years of sponsoring crown green bowling in our town,” said Mr MacConachie

“Team members, from all across Darlington, do a magnificent job of keeping the bowling league alive and Sherwoods are only too happy to continue to help support them in their chosen sport.”

Silver tankards, donated by Mr MacConachie, were presented to the winners of the Sherwoods Fours, won by Cummins Ladies’ Margaret White, Norma Cooper, Shirley Andrews and Vicky Knight against Junior Unionist Club players Stuart Clarke, Geoff Wright, Stan Harston and Jordan Harston.

For information on joining one of Darlington’s bowling clubs call 07984-603455 or email scott@southparkbowls.co.uk or visit sherwoodsbowls.wordpress.com