LOCAL bowlers made an excellent start to the season when the Skipton Inter-District team beat Halifax 15-6.

They clocked up victories in both the home leg at Keighley and away at Kingston which their were five winners, including skipper Chris Slater, Trevor Hargreaves and newcomer David Upton.

At Keighley wins were recorded by Les Foster, Graham Lomax, David Cadwallader, 'Plank' and debutante Craig Lambert. The next match is against the Aire-Wharfe district on May 16.

Cross Roads, Oakworth and Sutton all made it through the preliminary round of the Yorkshire Cup. The first round is on May 17.

Qualifiers for the Skipton floodlit Handicap finals at Gargrave on Sunday include holders David Jacques and familiar faces in Neil Hargreaves, Jamie Cunningham and Nick Squires.

Cross Roads A are in the Hebden League Sunday Morning knock out semi-finals this weekend after they beat old rivals Hebden Royd Park A in the last eight.

The Foster Cup handicap is also on Sunday at Highfield, starting at 9.30. The event is sponsored by David Gallagher and Chris Slater is the holder of the title.

Meanwhile back in darkest Lancashire Roy and Ben's quest for the 'Holy Grail' of bowls continues. Out of a possible total of 56 points their team has amassed just six points. Luckily there is no relegation, but re-election remains in the balance!

n Whins Wood veteran Billy Storton had died at the age of 90 after a wonderful life.

He was married twice and celebrated two Silver Wedding Anniversaries. His claim to bowling fame came in the Whins Wood Trebles some years ago when he reached the final with nephews Keith and Jon Edmondson, only to be swallowed up by the Walsh family from Cross Roads.

Our condolences to all concerned.