KEN Roberts of Liverpool was the worthy winner of the Whin Wood Open Handicap as he easily saw off the challenge of Craig Walsh (Keighley) with a 21-9 victory.

The result meant back to back wins for Roberts after he claimed the Salts Open two weeks before under the watchful eye of coach Stephen Pickles.

Meanwhile, Keighley ladies made their annual start to the year holding their open association doubles at Silsden Bowling Club.

In poor conditions, there was a major shock when Milly Taylor and Wilma Chaplin defeated Muriel Baker and Nora Stephenson, the Valley president.

The first Halifax Ladies League games begin this week.

Roy Sanderson and Roy Littlewood reached the quarter final of the Heckmondwike pairs only to lose to the holders when it was possibly easier to win on what was an atrocious green.

Cross Roads' hopes of a British Team Championship bid folded in round one despite good efforts by Phil Anderson and Graham Lomax.

The team has also made a stuttering start in the Hebden League which they have would normally be well placed in by now.

Haworth, the area's sole representatives in the Bradford League, began their campaign this week in Division Three with difficult matches ahead in a top quality section.

The Skipton League also begins next week with a similar set-up to last year.

Division One champions Keighley A face a renewed challenge from Silsden PFA, Silsden BC and Sutton A among others. Annual strugglers Crosshills A have made a bid to strengthen their squad by signing Cononley's utility player Mick Higson who teams up with his old coach Ken Brenkley.

Hoping to return to Division One are Lund A and Addingham A while the most enviable job this season falls to Silsden B captain Donald Varley.

His team this year comprises of eight female and the Valley Angels as he calls them could make a big impression.

As usual, Division Three remains wide open.

The league will also host the Yorkshire ABA's Cockcroft finals on September 19, a great honour for all concerned. The venue will be Crosshills.

Meanwhile, this weekend sees round one of the Hebden Sunday Morning Knock-out with games for Oakworth, Haworth and Lund Park who's A and B teams face each other in a very local derby!