BOWLING’S equivalent to the FA cup finals is coming to Darlington next month.

The town has been chosen to host the final stages of the men’s and ladies’ all-England national team championship knockout events.

Bowlers will battle it out for the prestigious Denny Cup and Yetton Trophy at the Darlington Indoor Bowls Club, situated at the Morrison Centre on North Road.

The club was chosen by the national body of the English Indoor Bowling Association (EIBA) as the perfect venue to hold the events, following a recent “very successful weekend of both high class play and organisation.”

The event will mark the last time the championships will take place in the North of England for at least ten years, according to the club’s co-secretary, Graham Peacock.

Mr Peacock said the club would make the most of the opportunity to showcase the facilities available in Darlington.

He added: “These bowls team events finals are considered to be the equivalent to football’s FA cup finals and it is with great pleasure we can say that our indoor bowls facility and bowls green fits the bill for these prestigious events.”

The championships will take place at the club from 9.30am on Saturday, April 18 and will be officially opened by Darlington’s mayor and mayoress, Councillor Gerald and Ruth Lee.

For more information, email darlingtonibc@btconnect.com.