THE FIRST competition in the Skipton League came to a chilly conclusion at Gargrave when eight players competed for the Skipton Spring Floodlit Handicap and the Jeff Clark Memorial Trophy, held in recognition of the work Jeff did for Whins Wood and Lund Park.

The deserved winner was the favourite Les Foster, of Devon, who defeated surprise finalist David Turner, of Rolls Royce, 21-17 in a close game.

Losing in the semis were Peter Clark, a past winner of his father’s trophy, and Jimmy Horsfield, of Keighley BC.

Also in the money were John Jubb, Sharon Gadd, Peter Hepworth and Michael Claxton. The final was a little disappointing after the earlier games but as usual, Foster kept his cool and deserved his success.

The local leagues will be in full swing this week and the Hebden Sunday Morning KO will have reached the next stages.

The Yorkshire Parks Merit takes place tomorrow at Hove Edge WMC, commencing at 10am, and will be played to completion.

Locals involved are Chris Wilson, Mick Skwarek, David Scott, David Hemsley, Richard Hargreaves and the holder, Andrew Tate, of Sutton. There are some good players in the event and the winner will have deserved the title.

Promoted Cononley play their first match in the Bradford League Division One on Saturday after successive promotions from Divisions Two and Three. They face probably their hardest match of the season when they visit Crossgates, the reigning champions and Yorkshire Cup holders.

The team are the only local side in this league and will need their home advantage to keep their position in the top flight.