By ADAM LAZZARI A POPULAR Ely bowler died following a shock heart attack, hours after playing the biggest match of his life. Peter Creak achieved a lifelong ambition to play in the national championships at Worthing last Thursday morning. But the 73-year-

By ADAM LAZZARI

A POPULAR Ely bowler died following a shock heart attack, hours after playing the biggest match of his life.

Peter Creak achieved a lifelong ambition to play in the national championships at Worthing last Thursday morning.

But the 73-year-old, from St John's Road, Ely, suffered a heart attack in a hotel bar at about 11.15pm that night and died in hospital shortly after.

His son, Steve, said: "It was a complete shock to all of us because we thought he was as fit as a fiddle. He had a mild heart attack nine years ago, but we were unaware of any health problems since then."

Mr Creak, who has been a competitive bowler for 37 years, qualified for the national triples competition after winning the county championships with Ian Gilbey and Michael Daniels, but, facing a side from Middlesex featuring a former national champion, lost by a single bowl in the first round.

Steve said: "He was absolutely delighted to get to Worthing. Results didn't matter after that. It was one of the happiest and proudest days of his life - it was up right up there with his wedding day and having children.

"It's quite spooky because he had told me recently, if he never played bowls again, at least he could say he'd played at Worthing."

Mr Creak played for Ely Beets outdoor side and indoors for the City of Ely Bowls Club.

Ely Beet chairman and captain Will Law said: "Playing at Worthing is every bowler's dream; it's like the Wimbledon of tennis or the Wembley of football. To get there is a tremendous achievement and he's done us all proud.

"Peter was a real character and extremely popular at the club and he was also a bingo caller for us for several years.

"We all called him Corporal Creak because of all the funny stories he told from his time doing national service."

Mr Creak was married for 49 years to Sylvia, had three children, five grand children and one great grandchild.