26 Jul Former Rosebowl winner tastes Over 80s success

GRAHAM ILLINGWORTH, a two-time winner of the Huddersfield Veterans Rosebowl in 2010 and 2014, returned to the winners podium when claiming the Over 80s title at Golcar Liberal club.

Now a bowler with David Brown Sports he defeated Denis Garner of Netherton Con in a pulsating semi-final in one of the two opening games. With the advantage of a four-point advantage on the handicaps he was soon leading 10-5 before seeing Garner level the scores after eight ends. He then stormed into an eight point advantage at 19-11 after winning seven of the next eight ends before Garner fought back. The Netherton Con bowl won six consecutive ends to edge in front before Illingworth claimed two on the 23rd end to reach the final by the narrowest of margins.

The other semi-final that was taking place on the green at the same time was as equally dramatic. Peter Clay from Almondbury BC and Ken Whitaker from Thongsbridge were also level at 10-all. The scores remained tight at 14-across until Whitaker had wins on seven consecutive ends to lead 20-14. Again a fightback occurred with Clay bringing his score to within two of his opponent before Whitaker edged home 21-18.

The two-time Rosebowl winner Illingworth was probably a hot favourite for the final and that appeared to be a prudent forecast as he built a 19-9 lead bowling straight up and down towards the scoreboard from the clubhouse end. But once Whitaker had the jack, and opted to bowl across the green it was a different story with the underdog winning four of the next five ends to close the gap to five points before the experienced Illingworth claimed the title.

The HVBA Officials would like to acknowledge payments to the Kirkwood Fund of £30 from Peter Clay (his Over 80s winnings), and £100 from Jeff Jacklin whose kind donation came after the unclaimed raffle breakfast was auctioned.

A big thank you to Pat and Alan Stephenson for again sponsored our Over 80s competition, our referee Mr Ray Tunnacliffe, Competition Secretary Paul English and last but not least everyone at Golcar Liberal Bowling Club for providing their excellent facilities and support.