Bowls: Castle right on song for Games spot

YORK - Marlene Castle is on target for next year's Commonwealth Games in Manchester if her impressive display in the test series against England is any guide.

At the Bert Keech Bowling Club in York yesterday, Castle notched up her third win from as many games in the series in beating Lyn Whitehead 21-18.

Team manager Peter Kean said it would be difficult for anyone to oust the former world indoor champion from the New Zealand singles spot for the Games, and she would be one of the top contenders for the gold based on her 3-0 record against the English.

Unfortunately, the Orewa woman's efforts were not enough to stop her side going down 1-2 in the third test, giving England a 2-1 lead in the seven-test series.

The pair of Jo Edwards and Wendy Jensen lost 24-26, and the four of Anne Lomas, Jan Khan, Patsy Jorgensen and Sharon Sims went down 16-22.

In the men's series at the York Railway Institute, New Zealand had a 2-1 victory, thanks to a 20-19 win on an extra end by the pair of Russell Meyer and Paul Girdler.

The four, with Sean Johnson coming in to join Andrew Curtain, Rowan Brassey and Peter Belliss, clinched a 21-12 win.

Kerry Chapman suffered his second loss in the singles, going down 14-21.

The fourth test is in Stratford-upon-Avon on Monday, with England calling on a different squad for the last four tests.

- NZPA