Harrogate Bowling

Bilton Dragon’s Paul Worsnop retained the Junior Merit title this week after some great close fought battles.
The cream of the districts junior bowlers congregated on Wayside for what turned out to be an excellent and highly competitive event.

The first round started in style with Paul Worsnop overcoming club mate and fellow favourite Stephen Walker 21-19. Adam Walker progressed with a 21-17 win over William Tulley. Josh Coker narrowly missed out after an outstanding display from Brad Walker which saw him go through 21-18. James Bushby completed the first round with a good win over Reece Barker.
In the quarter final Pateley’s Tony Derrick beat club-mate Tom Beecroft 21-17 and Almscliffe’s Adam Briggs sneaked through after a 21-18 win over Swan’s Simon Hodgson. Worsnop progressed onwards after beating Walker (A) 21-15 and Walker (B) beat Bushby 21-18,

Worsnop’s form continued in the semi final as he beat Walker 21-12. Derrick also booked his final place spot after beating Briggs 21-18.

And so to the final where first blood went to Worsnop who took an early 4 chalk lead. Derrick fought back however where the pair then stayed neck and neck to 8 across.

Advantage appeared to go with the Dales man as he looked to break away with a 12-8 lead but Worsnop was quickly back on his heels bringing the game back level. It was chalk for chalk again as they approached the end of the game with Derrick putting himself in prime position scoring a pair to take him into a 19-17 lead.
Bowling for game Derrick just couldn’t hold off Worsnop who showed exceptional skill and nerve under pressure to score 2 and bring the game back to 19-19. With everything to play for Worsnop lead well which Derrick was unable to beat with his first bowl.

Worsnop’s second was another excellent bowl with left him standing game with one bowl to come. With the crowd holding their breath, Derrick delivered his final bowl. Going agonisingly close it was a great effort, but not good enough to stop Paul Worsnop taking the title for the second year running.

League Secretary Chris Light congratulated all bowlers on an excellent and highly competitive display.
Back in the 1st Division, the fat lady is not quite singing yet. She was definitely humming out a ditty or two however after Black Swan’s 8-2 win over Low Harrogate. It will take a miracle or two to stop them winning their first league title in 5 years. Dave Spilsbury the best of the evening however with his 21-9 win.

Spirits were high as Bilton Centurions battled Wayside to a lively and well deserved 6-4 victory. Knaresborough Tigers done their relegation chances a world of good after beating fellow strugglers Dacre Eagles 8-2. Starbeck tamed the Lions 8-2 in another good team performance and Bardsey Kesterls beat Bilton WMC 8-2 with the assistance of an excellent 21-5 win from Alan Baldwin.

In Division 2 Black Swan beat Low Harrogate 9-1. Barry Howarth 21-5, Peter Nacey 21-5 and John Gibbins 21-6 all competed closely for the sweep. Bilton Spartans had a battle on their hands against Pateley Bridge but Irene Small ruled the field with her 21-2 victory. The Spartans went on to win 7-3.

Things were tight as Wayside Wanderers hosted Wetherby Cavaliers. A fine performance from Len Warner the only thing that could split the teams as the Cavaliers took the game 6-4. Mary Philips 21-4 was in fine form for Bardsey Osprey as she ensured a 6-4 win for her team over Bilton Trojans.
Harry Brown 21-8 got Collingham off to a good start against Almscliffe Climbers but Adam Briggs soon cancelled this out with an excellent 21-7 win of his own. The Climbers went on to win 8-2.

There was a top of the table clash in Division 3 as Dacre Falcons hosted title rivals Boston Spa. Ray Swires was the home team hero winning 21-7 but Spa stalwarts Michael Collinson and John Kinroy were as dependable as ever winning 21-8 and 21-9 respectively. The wins were enough to ensure Boston won the game 6-4.

Bilton WMC had a difficult start against Almscliffe Ramblers but Tony Worsnop 21-8 and Stuart Worsnop 21-9 turned things around in the second half to ensure a 6-4 win for the clubmen. Adam Varley 21-5 and Alan Foxton 21-9 were key to Pateley Bridges 8-2 win over Wayside Rangers. Knaresborough Badgers beat Bilton Athenians 6-4, Barbara Worsnop 21-8 the best Athenian of the evening matched by Badger Bill Jackson.

Starbeck were in fighting form as they visited Wetherby Cavaliers and beat them 9-1. Barry Woodward showed his style with his 21-9 result.

Black Swan continue to dominate the top of Division 4 after beating Collingham 9-1. The best performance of the evening was reserved for Collingham’s Iain Campbell after his 21-6 win however. Peter Sanderson played a major part in Bilton Corinthians 9-1 win over Low Harrogate C after his 21-3 win. Pateley Bridge and Knaresborough Foxes enjoyed a close fought battle with the Dales team just piping their opponents 6-4. Peter Nye 21-4 was in fine form for Low Harrogate D as they entertained Dacre Kites. Paul Tolworthy was equal to this however winning 21-7 as the Kites went on to a 7-3 victory.

Starbeck won their Division 5 clash against Bardsey Merlin’s 6-4 thanks predominantly to Richard Bradley 21-3, Don Palmer 21-9 and Ian McLeod 21-9. Peter Houseman 21-5 was the star man for Dacre Owls with Val Rowson 21-9 being the leading lady for Black Swan. The Owls taking this close fought tie 6-4.

Tonight is the much awaited final of the prestigious Herald Cup. This is between Black Swan and Bilton WMC and is sure to be a momentous battle. This will be hosted at Bilton Dragon so be sure to get yourself down for what is sure to be an excellent bowling display.