Northampton bowler Walker claims Commonwealth Games silver medal

Team England silver medalists Jamie Walker (left) and Sam Tolchard acknowledge the applause of supporters as they take to the podium at Leamington Spa

Northampton bowler Jamie Walker claimed a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games on Tuesday.

Walker and partner Sam Tolchard took on Wales duo Jarrad Breen and Daniel Salmon in the Pairs Gold Medal Match at Victoria Park in Leamington Spa, and missed out on the gold in a thrilling encounter.

Former Northampton School for Boys pupil and Northants men's champion Walker and Tolchard looked to be out of it as they trailed by 10-4 and 15-6 at different stages, but the pair launched a stunning fightback to level the score at 16-16.

But in a nervy final end, Tolchard missed the final bowl to leave Wales celebrating victory, and the English pair having to be satisfied with a silver consolation.

Northampton's Jamie Walker in action for Team England in the Gold Medal Match at the Commonwealth Games on Tuesday

Walker, who is now based in Torquay in Devon, said: “We are disappointed.

"The game was one of those where we went behind but we weren’t really doing a lot wrong, Jarrad played some big bowls and got some maximum results.

“Fair play to us though. We knew if we kept doing what we’re doing, a few minor changes got us back into the game and then at the end, it's about a few inches here or there.

“The schedule is pretty rammed. It’s just go again, there’ll be time to reflect on this later.”

Jamie Walker (far left) on the medal podium at Leamington Spa

Tolchard added: “We got right back in the game, got back to level.

"Jamie has nailed it, Jarrad has played some unbelievable bowls to squeeze it in the ditch.

“We laid good at the end but unfortunately, I’ve found the hole twice. That’s the way it goes, that’s bowls, today wasn’t our day – congratulations to them.”

Walker begins his campaign for singles glory on Wednesday.

He takes on Jamaica's Robert Simpson in the first round.