ROBBIE Ellis has hit the crown green bowling big time.

The Skipton Craven member recently won the prestigious Yorkshire Merit event, which qualified him for both the Champion of Champions and the All England competitions later in the season.

Ellis, a 26-year-old self-employed plasterer, defeated two former champions – Graham Wilson of Lower Hopton and holder Jack Dyson (Thongsbridge) – on his way to winning the Yorkshire Merit at the Magnet Sports Ground in Tadcaster.

Also a member of Cross Hills BC, Cononley BC, Pudsey Littlemoor BC and a member of the Manchester squad, Ellis is the first Skipton bowler to win the Yorkshire Merit since Ken Johnson (Skipton Devon) in 1972.

“I surprised myself,” admitted Ellis, “as my target was just to reach the quarter-finals and qualify for the All England, but the green was fast and tricky, which suited me.”

His previous biggest victory was the Skipton-based Norman Johnstone Handicap Trophy.