FRANCIS PENLINGTON is a double champion after adding the Welsh Merit title to the Welsh Veterans crown he landed earlier this month.

In the 98th Welsh Crown Green Bowling Association Merit final at Coedpoeth Bowling Club, Broughton bowler Penlington lifted the Gwyn Morris Trophy.

In an all-Flintshire final, Penlington was made to work hard for glory in a thrilling 21-20 triumph over Fron Park’s Chris Charlton.

Penlington had beaten Barry Harris (Beaumaris) 21-18 in the semi-finals while Charlton saw off Cunliffe’s Robin Bennett 21-10.

Earlier this month in Rhos on Sea, Penlington became the Welsh Veterans Champion after beating Graham Bennett (Cunliffe) 21-15 in the final.

This is the first time that one person has held both titles in the same year and Penlington has also played his part in helping Broughton top the Flintshire Midweek League this season.