It was a nail-biter of a final bowling tournament for two primary schools on Monday, with the title of champion bowlers ready to be taken by either side until the very last moments.

The match took place at Whitehaven Recreation Bowling Club, and saw Whitehaven’s St Mary’s Primary School and St Begh’s Junior School play against one another for the winner’s trophy.

The 24 year six pupils were split into four groups, and took it in turns to bowl under the watchful eyes of their classmates and parents after the game started at 1pm.

The youngsters were treated to refreshments of lemonade, melon, crisps and more by bowling club members during the half-time break – much-needed due to the heat of the afternoon.

Pupils of both schools enjoyed the day of competition, and although St Mary’s Primary School stole the crown with a 38-34 point victory, St Begh’s students still loved their time in the tournament, and received silver runner-up medals for their efforts.

St Mary’s Primary School’s year six teacher, Carley Miller, was delighted with the result, and said: “We’re super proud of all the children for their hard work and enthusiasm, and we’d like to thank St Begh’s for giving us such a good battle!

“We’re grateful to all the other schools we’ve competed against in the tournament for their great games, and of course to the lovely gentleman of the bowling club who put on such a nice spread of refreshments for the pupils during their final game.”

St Begh’s teacher, Miss McLean, also commented on the event, and said: “We are very proud of the determination, resilience and sportsmanship of our pupils.

“They trained hard and played equally as hard, and have just received the Gold School Games Mark award for their engagement in competitive school sports, so this was an extra lovely achievement for our hardworking Year Six pupils.”

The 2019 Bowling Club President, Jim Smith, enjoyed overseeing the afternoon, and was supporting both teams throughout: “It was a really excellent day – I went to both schools when I was younger, so it was a win for me no matter who got the trophy!”

He added: “The pupils were supported so well by both schools, and parents came to watch as well, which was really good. The atmosphere and everything about the game was just really great.”