POPULAR Oxenhope bowler David Hemsley reached the pinnacle of his long career by winning the British Parks Veterans Merit at Spen Victoria with a great 21-19 win over Ian Eaton of Derbyshire.

It was a super effort by the local star who also created his little niche in bowling history by being the first Yorkshireman to win this event.

Apart from Oxenhope, David plays for Cross Hills in the Skipton League and is a regular on the competition circuit and a winter bowler to boot at Hove Edge and Brighouse.

At about the same time, the Worth Valley Veterans Handicap Doubles were completed successfully at Broughton Road, Skipton, attracting over 32 pairs.

After a great final, it was won by Chris and Christine Hasselby, of Cross Hills, who defeated Keith Coppen and Lennie Buxton of Keighley 15-14.

Losing in the semis were David Jacques and Peter Deighton, of Keighley, and Derek Seed and John Chambers, of Settle. Also in the money were Trevor Hargreaves and Karl Lockwood, Dean Emmott and Irene Ridehalgh, Keith Moore and Martin Cox and Mick Claxton and Kevin Burnett.

It was a great moment, especially for Chris, a former Yorkshire and British president, who has recovered from a serious back injury earlier in the season.

The Norman Johnson Floodlit Handicap Trophy has returned to its usual place in the Hargreaves trophy cabinet as the event was won at Addingham in atrocious weather conditions by Neil Hargreaves, of Keighley BC, who defeated hot favourite Phil Dowgill, of Cross Hills, 21-15.

There were very difficult conditions for all the last eight players. Losing in the semis were David Jacques and Robbie Ellis while also in the money were Richard and Graeme Perry, Joanne Ellis and Dean Brown. It was Neil’s second win in the event while brother Richard has won the trophy six years on the trot.

Not to be outdone, Richard won the Hebden Bridge Champion of Champions event at Crow Wood Park, Sowerby Bridge, when, on another damp day, he comfortably beat Michael Holt of Hillcrest 21-14. He goes forward to the Halifax event finals.

The Halifax League has now been completed where, using the controversial 54321 system, Cross Roads A finished third in Division One. Elland WMC A won the title again.

In Division Two, Cross Roads B finished second bottom and go down to the third tier where Denholme finished a creditable third.

The End of Season Worth Valley Doubles are at Keighley BC on Sunday. All details from Mick Demain.