CLITHEROE bowler Eric Wallace realised a life-long ambition recently when he qualified for the National Indoor bowling finals to be held at Nottingham in late March. Eric, who in summer plays crown green bowls for Ribblesdale Wanderers and Sabden but during the winter months changes code to his preferred indoor flat green and plays for Newton Hall at Blackpool.

Teaming up with John Schofield from Darwen and Steve Airey and Eric Rawcliffe who are both from Blackpool, the quartet beat a team from Rugby 23-11 in the inter-area finals to secure their place at the national finals and a place in the last 16 in the country.

A delighted Eric said: "I have always wanted to qualify for the indoor finals ever since I played in the outdoor finals in 1983 and so complete the 'indoor/outdoor' double.

"The fact that we fell at the final hurdle last season seemed to make us more determined this year and we are now all looking forward to the trip to Nottingham at Easter."

Travelling to Blackpool on average three or four times a week as well as playing representative matches for the county makes the indoor season an expensive hobby but that is all forgotten now!

In addition to qualifying in the fours, Eric is hoping to really put the icing on the cake of an excellent season as he plays in the inter-area finals of the triples in early February and is two games away from the national finals in the pairs. He added , "At the moment I am thrilled to have reached 'The Nationals' in one event but we can all dream!'

Will forward pic too,

Hope this is ok- if you require any further info please contact me on 01200 424747 or 07842258458 Many thanks Eric

Please note my email address has changed to eric.wallace149@outlook.com