BRIAN Duncan has retained his Alex Classic title after a nail-biting victory over Matt Gillies.

The Preston bowler held his nerve to beat his Farnworth rival 31-28 at the Alex Bowling Club to clinch his sixth success but his first back-to-back triumph.

Gillies was given a walkover in to the final after Andy Cairns from Haslingden was delayed at a competition held in Yorkshire.

So as Gillies sat back and waited to see who he would play, Duncan faced Blackburn bowler Vinny O'Donnell.

As expected, local bowler O'Donnell had plenty of support and pushed the defending champion all the way before Duncan clinched a narrow 31-27 win.

The final lived up to the title of the competition with the momentum swinging one way and then the other. But Duncan yet again showed his class to see off his rival and win for the sixth time.

Jim Cunningham, secretary of the Alex Bowling Club, said: "It was a shame Matt couldn't make it but he got delayed and there was no way we could hold on for him.

"So we drew the names out of the hat to see who would get a walkover in to the final.

"The final itself was a great match and it was a real nip and tuck affair. Both bowlers looked to be in control at one stage but Brian held on to win."

Duncan picked up the first place prize money of £350 with Gillies getting £250. Losing semi finalist O'Donnell received £130.

Organisers are now considering changing the format for next years competition with the finals day consisting of eight bowlers rather than four.

Jim added: "Bowlers come from as far as Birmingham and Barrow to compete in the competition so there is a lot of travelling involved. So we are thinking about holding the quarter finals, semi finals and final all on the same day."