16 Jul AND THE WINNERS WERE…

WEST RIDING

What a contrast on finals day compared to the blistering sunny day of the round robins on 7 July. Friday 14 July started with a drizzle at both semi-finals venues, two more testing greens were chosen by the hosts Halifax.

Halifax having qualified the previous week found themselves pitted against the surprise team from the round robins, Aire and Wharfedale playing at a very picturesque Mytholmroyd Bowling Club. The hosts were imperious winning 11 of the 12 games with an aggregate score of 246-186.

The other semi-final played at Sowerby West End Bowling Club featured last years winners, Sheffield playing against West Riding who had won the earlier ‘group of death’. Although West Riding ran out comfortable winners this was a much tighter contested affair with the final scores in favour of West Riding 241-196 with 8 winners to 4.

The semi-final winners journeyed down the Calder Valley to what would have been the most testing green at Elland WMC but by this time the early morning drizzle had turned into a steady downpour and took away any home advantage Halifax may have had. West Riding got off to a fast start winning 2 out of the first 4 but an aggregate lead of 13.

West Riding continued their march to the title with 3 wins out of the second 4 extending their lead by another 12 chalks but still leaving the last 4 a challenge to hold onto their lead. Halifax came back at them winning 3 of the last 4 games but only narrowly reducing the aggregate deficit leaving the final score 218-194 with 6 winners each.

West Riding were worthy winners having had the most difficult route to the final and defeating the hosts on home ground.

The writer in his summing up presentation said that on deciding the format, which had been outstanding success, but had completely underestimated the challenge given to Halifax in staging the event over 2 days and catering for more than 144 bowlers and entourage. He thought the hosts had organised a fantastic event but the biggest cheers in the presentation went to the referees Tony Groves and Ray Tunnacliffe for officiating throughout the downpour.