THERE was quite a good entry for this year’s Skipton Merit which was completed in bright and blustery conditions at Alkincotes Park, Colne, last Sunday.

The deserving winner was Peter Clark, of Skipton Devon, who won the event for the third time, defeating Dean Brown, of Colne Cricket, 21-17 after a close game.

Clark had led 19-5 at one time but a spirited recovery by Brown almost made it the comeback of the season.

Losing in the semis were Richard Hargreaves and Derek Seed while also in the money were Trevor Hargreaves, David Leeming, Kevin Tootle and Steve Clamp, the league president.

The first round losers were entered into the Sunday Handicap and the victor here was league secretary, Peter Haworth, of Skipton Devon, who narrowly defeated Anne Longden, of Rolls Royce, 21-18.

Losing in the semis were Seth Naylor and David Clamp.

There was also good support in the Worth Valley Veteran’s Handicap Doubles at Broughton Road which also fell foul of the weather late on.

In the main event, the winners were Matt and Joyce Harrison, of Colne Legion, who narrowly beat the Settle pairing of Derek Seed and John Chambers 21-20 in a close match.

Losing in the semis were Keith Moore and Martyn Cox and Dave Garnett and Julian Phillips, all of Gargrave.

In the Supplementary event, a new innovation, the narrow winners were Mick Cox and Cliff Taylor, also of Gargrave, who just scraped home 21-19 against John Callanan, of SPF, and Steven Lloyd, of Lund Park.

Oxenhope have clinched a league and cup double in the Aire-Wharfe Tuesday Night League.

After winning the K/O event, they had a good win in the last league match at Crowghyll to pip the long time leaders Idle A by one point only.

Final placings in the Skipton 54321 leagues sees Cononley A win the Division One title easily ahead of Sutton A.

Rolls Royce A won League Two ahead of Craven A, Craven B headed Division Three in front of Addingham A, while Gargrave C won League Four.

Final fixtures for next season depends on the numbers of teams competing in this controversial league.

The Skipton team K/O events reach the finals tonight when Devon A meet Gargrave A in the Clarkson Cup at Addingham at 7pm.

A close game is envisaged as both teams have had a poor season.

At the same time, the Supplementary Cup Final is at Crosshills where Whinfield A should beat Steeton B.

Broughton Road play top side Rufford Park A in the Aire-Wharfe Wednesday Cup Final on Friday at Guiseley commencing at 1.30pm and another close match is expected, while the Yorkshire Parks Veteran’s Doubles are at Asa Briggs from 10am.

Meanwhile, two well-known veteran bowlers have passed away.

Malcolm Walsh hailed from a well known bowling family at Cross Roads, but played mainly for Lund Park Veterans, while Peter Smith was a popular member at Keighley BC with his wife Jean for several years and also played for Oxenhope. Condolences go to both families.