THE LOCAL bowls community is mourning the death of two stalwarts at clubs in Silsden.

Donald Varley, of Silsden Bowls Club, passed away after a long illness, while Silsden Playing Fields member Eric Inman has also died.

Donald was one of the great characters in the local game, as well as further afield, and had been a top-class competitor for over 60 years.

Although he spent many of his later seasons at Silsden, he also previously played for Oakworth, where it all began, Cross Roads, Cross Hills and Skipton Devon among others. His prowess on the green and his striking skill knew no bounds and he had a host of successes over the years at all these clubs.

You could write a good book about this popular player. Suffice to say, he was a unique sportsman, impressing at golf and badminton as well, and his death will be felt far and wide.

Eric had been a stalwart at Silsden PF for many years, representing the club at all levels. He was, on his day, a very tough opponent to beat and was popular whether playing or supporting his team.

Meanwhile, Skipton reached the final of the Yorkshire ABA’s Ladies Inter-District event last Sunday again last Sunday. In the qualifier at Settle, it started ominously as they narrowly lost to Bradford before beating the same team comfortably in the second match straight after to reach the semis. This was played at Craven and saw a convincing victory over the West Riding,

Starring in these early rounds were veteran Rita Bland, Muriel Baker and Cath Rushton, who remained undefeated all day. In the final at Devon they faced their biggest challenge against the holders and favourites Huddersfield. Despite sharing the number of winners, they narrowly lost to opponents who had a professional approach. The winners were Viv Abell, Carol Uttley, Margaret Slater and Sue Finnie, plus Rushton again.

The Worth Valley’s Federation Over-60s team made a good start in the second series of matches, beating Halifax B at Elland last Friday before they crashed to a surprise defeat against an unfancied Leeds A, with only Rod Bastow securing a point. Luckily, the other results went their way so all is not lost for their next visit on July 24.

Following Donald Varley’s death, the Skipton Vets Inter-District match against Halifax has now been put back until June 26. Worth Valley’s Veteran Handicap Doubles, which was scheduled for that date, reverts to August 14.

The Valley Trebles are scheduled for Keighley BC on Sunday. Contact Mick Demain for details. Meanwhile, the Valley/Skipton Juniors host Huddersfield B at Lund Park on Sunday (7pm).