POOR weather has always spoilt the two Worth Valley Doubles events held annually at SPF and last Sunday was no exception, with periods of rain and high winds, but to the credit of local players, there was a good turnout.

The main attraction was the Merit Doubles of 15 up, but if you lost in that, you played in the Handicap event up to 21.

In the former, favourites Trevor Hargreaves and David Hemsley took the title after defeating Peter Hepworth and Phil Robinson, of Cross Roads, 15-11 after trailing 3-9 in the early stages.

Losing in the semis were Ray and Kath Boddy, plus holders Mick O’Neill and Richard Gornall of the home club, going down by one point against the eventual winners.

There was a much more exciting game in the Handicap Final where John Callanan teamed up with Lund’s Stephen Lloyd to narrowly defeat Keighley’s Peter O’Neill and Brian Jones 21-19.

Losing in the semis were Stuart Wrigley and Warren Burnett Jnr and Steve and Maria Naylor.

There was also fun and games in the Yorkshire ABA’s Veteran’s Inter-District game between Skipton and league leaders West Riding.

In the home leg at Gargrave, the out of form home team showed a little more life with a 17-11 victory having five winners with Alden Phillips reducing his shell shocked opponent to single figures.

However, the away team came down to earth with a bang at Thornhill C and BC, where they have played before, with a crushing 28-0 defeat and where they could not muster a winner and where only four players reached double figures.

Next match is on June 14 against Halifax who have not been in the best of form either.

There were mixed results for local clubs in Yorkshire ABA team events this weekend.

Cross Roads reached the last eight of the Yorkshire Cup on July 13 and are going to have to up their game after a narrow three point victory over Spen B at Hipperholme.

They now meet Brighouse in an event lacking many entries this year.

Broughton Road and Whinfield both made progress with some ease in the Mixed teams event for the Hutchinson and Radley Cups with Derek Seed and Viv Abell excelling for the Roaders.

Sadly it was the end of the line for Oxenhope as they crashed out to Hove Edge B at Crowghyll despite good efforts by Mary Hemsley and Muriel Baker, the margin of defeat been only seven points.

Action begins this weekend with prelims in the Skipton Vets Handicap on Friday, final on Friday, June 21.