THERE was some excellent play over at Craven BC in the opening event of the season, with a titanic final culminating in a thrilling victory for Yorkshire over Lancashire.

The narrow winner of the Craven BC Open was Mark Regan of Brighouse, a former county bowler, who held on to beat Andy Raymond, from Manchester, 21-19.

Losing in the semis meanwhile were Andrea Buckley, of Huddersfield and Yorkshire Ladies, and Peter Hepworth.

Also in the money were John Benson, Luke Teale, Andy Webb and Dave Norris.

It was another well organised day by Mick Demain and members of Craven BC.

There was also a notable achievement for a bowler from the Keighley district too, following the completion of the qualifying rounds at the Alkincotes Park Open in Colne last weekend.

David Hemsley of Oxenhope was our local star, as he reached the finals after some fine wins.

The finals are due to take place this Saturday from 11am, with Hemsley drawn to face Lancashire bowler Adrian Hodgson first up.

The full draw for the finals is as follows: L Longland v J Mordue, C Mordue v L Johnston, C Bly v M Gilmore, R Helliwell v R Hawker, O Jackson v A Tattersley, S Clamp v N Bithell, J Whitaker v G Ellis, A Hodgson v D Hemsley.

Sadly, there could be a major and unprecedented interruption to the newly-begun bowls season.

As a sport played commonly, if not exclusively, by older members of the public, the threat of coronavirus and possible isolation of those over 70 could have serious repercussions for local bowling.

Speaking to the BBC's Andrew Marr at the weekend, UK health secretary Matt Hancock said every Briton over the age of 70 will be told "within the coming weeks" to stay at home for an extended period to help shield them from the coronavirus.

He has previously stated that the isolation period could be for up to four months.