THE deserved winner of the Skipton Spring Floodlit Handicap was Cross Hills star Phillip Dowgill, who triumphed on a gloomy night on the Top Green at Lund Park.

Eight locals went to post and there was some good play in the damp conditions.

Dowgill, now recalled to the Yorkshire county team, narrowly defeated Ian Bernard, of Silsden BC, 21-19, with the runner-up making a brave effort to reduce the arrears at the end.

It had been the same for Bernard in the two earlier games, where he had done well to survive in close encounters, while Dowgill had an easier passage.

Losing in the semis were Steve Wood and a battling Richard Baker, while also in the money were Stuart Myers, Arthur Woollacott, David Jacques and Dennis Henderson.

Another local doing well was Richard Hargreaves, of Cross Roads, who reached the final of the Halifax Bowling Association Champion of Champions event at Hillcrest. This event was held over from last season and will be contested again later in the year.

Hargreaves went down 21-12 to rising star Gareth Coates of Akroyden Victoria in what was his fifth appearance in the final, although he has only had one success to date.

Highlight of the day was a brave effort by young Thomas Johnson, of Oxenhope, who defeated a much-fancied player in the first round.

The semi-finals and finals of the Hebden Bridge Sunday Morning KO will be held at Todmorden Park on Sunday, April 24 where the only local hopes rest with Cross Roads A, who beat holders Oxenhope in the last game. Cross Roads B and Oakworth went out rather tamely as well.

The Skipton and Worth Valley junior team begin their programme on Saturday night in the Yorkshire ABA League when they visit Heavy Woollen B.

Sad news recently was the death of Lund Park's Ellen Hall at the grand old age of 100. She was a regular supporter of all their teams.

Devon's Alf Carpenter, who was a very useful player, and Barry Parkin, a well-known player in the South Craven area having represented Glusburn, Cross Hills and Sutton, have also passed away.

Condolences go to all concerned at this sad time.