OXFORDSHIRE'S Les Gillett bowed out of the England international bowls team last night - and lashed out at the game's bosses as he went.

The 29-year-old, who plays for Chipping Norton indoors and Banbury Borough outdoors, took no prisoners as he claimed the English Indoor Bowling Association had let him down badly.

The world No 8, winner of the 1997 BUPA International Open, told England's manager Bill Hobart that he did not want to play in this season's Home Internationals.

Gillett is still fuming after a fracas following the Home Internationals at Bournemouth in March, which left him bruised and bloodied when an unknown attacker punched him in the face.

"Everyone in bowls knows who did it - even the officials - but no-one has done anything about it", said Gillett last night.

The after-the-series horseplay in the team's hotel got out of hand when Gillett's teammates, aided by some supporters, decided to teach Gillett a lesson. The intention was to toss Gillett into the hotel swimming pool, but it was found to be locked up. Gillett ended up being bundled down a flight of stairs and someone then took the opportunity, in the ensuing chaos, to punch him in the face.

A battered and bruised Gillett was left nursing an injured back.

"I told Bill Hobart I didn't want to be considered for next month's England trial at Nottingham. Missing the trial would rule me out out the Home Internationals in Scotland in March", said Gillett.

"How could I go to Prestwick (the home international's venue) with the memory of March still haunting me?

Gillett, by far England's most controversial player, added: "I would have been continually looking over my shoulder - waiting for the next punch."

Gillett asked the EIBA to investigate the Bournemouth bust-up and an inquiry was launched, only to be halted at Gillett's request. "Deep down, I feel they should have carried on and pursued the investigation to a conclusion", said Gillett.

It is understood that, following his call to Hobart, Gillett was asked to think again. He called Hobart a second time, but could not commit himself to playing in the trial, if he was selected. Gillett wanted to keep his options open, although he added: "In my heart of hearts, I knew I wouldn't play for England this season."

EIBA secretary David Brown said last night: "I believe Les should have gone to the police after the Bournemouth incident. He can still do so - and if he does, we will co-operate fully with any investigation. No-one at the EIBA condones the conduct of any individual involved in the unsavoury Bournemouth incident. We launched an investigation into it. Les then asked us not to pursue our inquiry, and we agreed to his request."

Story date: Tuesday 07 December

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.