DESPITE the cold weather, local bowlers are slowly getting into the swing of things and many leagues are taking shape with a few surprises.

Leading positions in the Worth Valley League sections on Saturday up to the end of April were held by Denholme A, Haworth and Bradshaw B while in the popular Veteran League in the same association, division leaders are Gargrave A, Sutton A, Lund Park B, Cullingworth B and Craven.

In the Skipton Merit League, the four divisions are headed by Colne Cricket, Colne Legion A, Silsden Playing Fields B and Steeton B, while in the new 54321 League, leaders are Cononley A, Oakworth, Lund Park B and Gargrave C.

Cross Roads A are just below half-way in Halifax League Division One while Oxenhope have made a poor start to the campaign and remain rock bottom.

Cross Roads B are struggling in Division Two but Denholme are mid-table in Division Three.

Tough times lay ahead for the three local sides in the Aire-Wharfe League Division One Saturday set-up after four games, while in the Wednesday singles, Oxenhope continue to struggle in Division One. Addingham are handily placed in Division Two.

Silsden Ladies made a good start in Yorkshire League Division One by defeating a poor Paddock team 9-1 at home as they begin their defence of the title while Cullingworth have made a reasonable start in Division Two.

The Skipton Veterans Inter-District team begin their season when they meet a strong Halifax side tomorrow at 1.30pm. The home leg is at Sutton Park.

The Skipton Handicap was scheduled for Sunday but no draw or details have been published as yet, while entries in the Worth Valley events at Highfield on May 14 remain in the balance due to a lack of entries so far for the Foster and Ogden trophies.

The Guyson Merit in the Aire-Wharfe League is also on Sunday at the popular Ilkley BC.