BARRY Ellis made history in Monday’s final at Rudheath Private.

The Frodsham Red Lion veteran became the first man in the competition’s history to lift the silverware on more than one occasion – he was champion back in 2006 too – after beating Jon Malisch (Slow & Easy).

He edged a close encounter 21-19.

Malisch made him work for his share of the £450 prize pot, winning three doubles at 13-19 to level the scores before Ellis snatched the next two ends.

Victory gives him a huge boost heading into Friday’s Roberts Bakery Cup final, where he starts as a rank outsider.

It was a night to forget for Moulton bowlers, who made up half the last eight.

Thomas Dignum, Peter Galley and Nick Walton all made quarter final exits, while Peter Walton lost to Malisch in the semi finals.

Alan Wilkinson (Beech Tree) was the other man to reach the last four.

Challenge Shield sponsored by The Old Surgery Dental Practice
Monday, June 29
Quarter finals Barry Ellis (Frodsham Red Lion) (4) 21 Nick Walton (Moulton RBL) (4) 15; Tom Dignum (Moulton RBL) (4) 14 Alan Wilkinson (Beech Tree) 21; Peter Walton (Moulton RBL) w/o Martin Kettle (Wharton Cons); Peter Galley (Moulton RBL) (4) 14 Jon Malisch (Slow & Easy) (2) 21.

Semi finals Ellis bt Wilkinson 21-10; Malisch bt Walton 21-11

Final Ellis bt Malisch 21-19