Bowls: Australia and England share spoils at World Bowls Champs

Graham Shadwell of England in action during the Commonwealth Games. Photo / Getty Images

There were two gold medal matches of stark comparison at the World Bowls Championships in Christchurch today with a lopsided match and an absolute cliff-hanger.

While the New Zealand team had to watch from the sidelines having been knocked out at the semifinal stage yesterday, with four bronze medals locked away in the process, the remaining sides battled for the gold and silver medals.

The Australian team took a comfortable 23-8 win over England in the women's fours. The English side, skipped by duel Commonwealth Games gold medalist Ellen Falkner had no answer to the Australian combination of Carla Krizanic, Rebecca van Asch, Natasha Scott and Kelsey Cottrell.

It was a match of polar opposites in the men's triples however as England and Australia endured a tight match that saw the lead change a number of times throughout the 18 ends.

At the end of regulation time the game was locked at 14-14 and an extra end was needed to break the deadlock.

England lead Jamie Walker drew a shot within centimetres of the jack and the Australians couldn't move it or better it despite a couple of close attempts.

It gave England their first ever World Championship gold in the men's triples.

Tomorrow's action sees Australia face Ireland in the men's pairs while the women's singles gold medal match features Australian star Karen Murphy against Scotland's Lesley Doig, who upset Kiwi veteran Jo Edwards in the semifinals.

The World Bowls Championships continue next week with the remaining four disciplines in action.