AFTER four sets of preliminaries in the Skipton area, where several fancied runners bit the dust, the eight finalists assembled last week for the final of the Jeff Clark Memorial Floodlit Handicap at Gargrave where the green was in excellent condition.

That is more than what can be said for the weather which was very cold.

There was some excellent bowling throughout the night, but the deserved winner was the experienced Nigel Breadley, of SPF, who managed to beat the holder Peter Clark, of Skipton Devon, 21-17, in a close match.

Losing in the semi-finals were David Scott, of Crosshills, and Jim Calvert, of Cononley, while also in the money were Idris Wade, Mick Gadd, David Precious and Aaron Harrison.

New president Steve Clamp was on hand to present the prizes.

Former Craven star, Mick Bastow, of Skipton, teamed up recently with Paul Kaye, of Ilkley, to win the first Aire-Wharfe event of the season at Guisely, the Ken Bull Memorial Pairs.

After several close escapes in earlier rounds, the pair hung on to beat homesters Garry Ainley and Andy Wood, 21-17.