HOLDERS Bromsgrove made a decisive step towards retaining the Wessex Indoor Bowls League National Championship by defeating Chipping Norton 97-59 on Sunday.

Despite being without seven first team regulars Bromsgrove's strength of depth helped them see off Norton and ensured they remain top of the table.

Away from home Bromsgrove were in excellent form, with Bob McCormack, Peter Stokes, Bernie Everton, and John Reid victorious 23-12.

Martin Hall, Malcom Dunn, Mark Sandor, and Tony Hall also won away 23-14.

At home Neil Brereton, Barry Hay, Brian Harper and Colin Woovin won 28-15 with one bowl to spare.

Colin Jenkins, Arthur Grigg, Peter Davis and Mark Stones had powered into 23-14 lead in the fourth rink, before Norton captain Glyn Coggan tried in vain to prevent defeat.