THE finals of the Skipton Merit were finally completed at Broughton Road last Sunday where overnight rain had slowed down the speed of the green to normal conditions.

It proved to be a family affair as Richard Hargreaves, of Keighley BC, won the title for a fifth time defeating his father Trevor, of the same club, 21-17 in an entertaining game.

Trevor has won the same event four times, so both have had their fair share of success in this competition over the years.

Losing in the semis were David Leeming and holder Andrew Tate who lost by an odd point to Richard, while also in the money were Chris Pearce, Ryan Tiler, Peter Haworth and Craig Smith on a day of excellent bowling.

The record wins in this event remains at seven held by the late Ken Johnson, of Skipton Devon.

The Skipton Veterans team ended a difficult season with a win at last, 35-21, over Leeds with both teams been successful in both legs.

They won 17-10 away at South Leeds Cons with five winners on a wet day with the best been Trevor Hargreaves and Alistair Keighley, while in the home leg at Craven, the team also had five winners in the shape of John Parkin, David Jacques, Len Buxton, Mick Duke and debutant Peter Haworth, the league secretary.

The team finished a disappointing fifth in the league which was won narrowly by Halifax.

The Yorkshire Parks Veterans Handicap is to be held at Asa Briggs tomorrow in Bradford commencing at 10am with some locals on show.

Yorkshire Ladies play the County Championship semi-final against Shropshire on Sunday with the home leg at Paddock, while the away side with locals Viv Abell and Sharon Gadd in the team travel to Bylet BC in Bridgnorth where the green is on an island in the local river.

Nearer home, the Henry Taylor Final is at Broad Oak, Huddersfield and features Shipley BC v Chapel Street, Leeds.

There are several Federation District matches this week-end featuring several local players. Full round up next week.

The Hebden League hold their Sutcliffe and Crabtree Handicaps on Sunday at Todmorden Park.