SILSDEN Ladies were suffering from some early season blues as they put up only an average performance in the Yorkshire ABA’s Champion of Champion event held at Cleckheaton Sports.

In their first match, they narrowly defeated Rastrick by only six points after sharing the winners, four against four, before been well beaten in game two by favourites, New Mill WMC B.

They were comfortably beaten by more than 20 points and could only muster three winners on a poor day. Carole Uttley was the star of the show with good victories in both games to brighten up the day. Only by winning the league again this season can they ensure a return to this event at the end of this season.

Qualifying rounds in the Skipton Spring Handicap for the Jeff Clarke Trophy got under way this week in the Skipton area and a full report on finals night will be in next week's edition.

The Hebden Sunday Morning KO continues on Monday where hot favourites meet old rivals Oakworth in the main match. Finals will take place at Todmorden on April 28 for both events.

The first event in the Aire Wharfe League begins on Sunday for the Ken Bull Pairs, commencing at 9.30am. It will be held at Guiseley and features several local pairings in an open event.

The Skipton League begins on Tuesday with the 54321 Handicap League taking place on Tuesdays and the Merit Leagues on Thursdays. No doubt the top teams will be leading the way in the latter whilst all clubs have a chance in the handicap event.

The Yorkshire Parks Merit is on Good Friday at 10am and is to be played at Brighouse Sports with a few local representatives in contention.

Les Foster, of Cross Roads, has made a good start to the season by qualifying in the Hillcrest Classic after defeating the much-vaunted Callum Wraight, of Shropshire, and the British champion Chris Mordue, of Pudsey, in a fine display.