THERE was some good bowling at Craven BC in their usual opening 32 for the season where the green was in remarkable condition considering the heavy overnight rain.

The surprise but deserved winner was Gary Foulkes, of Kirkheaton, Huddersfield, who excelled all day and used his vast experience of many years to come out on top, 21-18, against top local star, Richard Hargreaves, of Keighley BC.

They were level for much of the game before Foulkes produced some great bowls under pressure to sneak home.

Losing in the semis were Gordon Flowers and Joe Stockdale, while also in the money were Paul Hillam, David Hemsley, Danny Teale and Paul Worsnop.

The local Hebden League gets under way on Monday night at 6.30pm with preliminaries in the Sunday Morning KO team event. First game losers go into the Supplementary Cup the following week.

The draw includes Oxenhope A v Heptonstall, Oxenhope B v Cullingworth, Cross Roads A v Cross Roads C, Oakworth v Mytholmroyd B, Denholme v Sowerby and Cross Roads B v Old Town A. This is a six-a-side event. The actual league begins on April 29.

Prior to this, there are afternoon games in the Worth Valley Veteran’s League for Leagues Three, Four and Five.

Sutton B will be hoping to return to League Two in League Three, while Crosshills B and Bradshaw B will be hoping to do the same from League Four.

In Division Five, new teams are Alkincoats C and Cross Roads, while Highfield B have dropped out. Leagues One and Two start on April 8.

Sad news this week was the death of former Oxenhope stalwart Fred Fox after a long illness. He also played for Whins Wood. Condolences to all his family.