THE Borough has set its sights on glory in the English Pool Association’s Champions of Champions competition.

The Darwen Pool League winners have qualified for the area heats of the national competition — and a step closer to the grand final in Great Yarmouth later in the year.

Although the Borough have won their league in the past – four out of the last eight years – it is the first time the league has entered a team in to the competition.

“We haven’t been in the champion of champions before because our league wasn't affiliated with the EPA as we didn’t play world rules,” said captain Steve Slater.

“We’ve played world rules for two seasons now but this is the first time that we have entered.

“I’m not too sure what happens next but I think we will have to win through a couple of rounds if we are to progress to Great Yarmouth.” The winning team also included Jimmy Cummins, Denis Stratford, Keith Holden, Derek Ward and Pete Jennings who also finished runner-up in the league’s singles – narrowly losing to Ian Harle in the final.