THE HOWARTH Cup got underway last Friday evening, with nine qualifying round games – but there were no major shocks.

Eccleshill and Clayton A had to give their opponents a 60 start on the handicapping, which equates to almost eight points per player, but both made it through with ease.

The closest games involved Wibsey, their A team edging out Shipley Club B by three chalks, thanks to a great 21-3 from Nigel Wormald, and their B team defeating Wyke B by four chalks, with James Klenk and Jackie Richards both carding 21-8 wins.

Howarth Cup qualifying round: Harold Park (40) 181, Tyersal A (50) 171; Asa Briggs B (40) 132, Shipley Club A (10) 174; Asa Briggs A (10) 175, Greengates A (20) 95; Clayton B (30) 183, Hove Edge A (30) 129; Horton (60) 149, Eccleshill A (0) 165; Wibsey A (30) 179, Shipley Club B (40) 176; Wyke B (30) 162, Wibsey B (50) 166; Salts (60) 117, Clayton A (0) 168; Bradford Moor A (55) 150, Birkenshaw (50) 206.

The losers of the above matches will play in the SUPPLEMENTARY CUP, and with nine teams it means only one preliminary round game on Friday, July 18.

Brackenhill got a bye in the Howarth Cup, so there will be two preliminary-round games.

The finals day of both competitions will take place on Sunday, July 27, with eight teams competing in each competition.

Full draw and venues will be published in next Thursday’s T&A.

The first round of the FOUR-A-SIDE KNOCKOUT, sponsored by Kolorco (Printers), gets underway tomorrow evening. With 24 entries, it means there are eight first-round games, with eight teams getting byes through to the second round.

First-round draw – At Wibsey: Harold Park v Shipley Club A, Clayton B v Shipley Club B. At Harold Park: Wyke B v Greengates, Shipley Club C v Asa Briggs C. At Birkenshaw: Asa Briggs A v Wibsey B, Drighlington v Clayton A. At Clayton: Asa Briggs D v Wyke A, Hightown v Shipley Club D. Byes: Salts, Birkenshaw A, Wibsey A, Tyersal, Brackenhill A, Asa Briggs B, Birkenshaw B, Brackenhill B.

Handicaps for Four-A-Side Knockout – Asa Briggs A: Stuart King (0), Andy Denton (0), Paula Graham (12), Arthur Schofield (9). Asa Briggs B: Glen McCafferty (3), Scott Sansom (6), Andrew Heenan (6), Kath Sansom (9). Asa Briggs C: Christine Wilkinson (12), Matthew Pearson (9), Ryan Bradley (12), Paul Gray (6). Asa Briggs D: Jack Summers (6), Myles Summers (12), Andy Southwell (6), Clive Foord (6). Asa Briggs Reserves: Jason Watters (6), Bob Hiley (9), Steve Wilkinson (9), Kenny McCafferty (12), Jim Fleming (9), Peter Wilkinson (9), Brian Powe (9), Peter Wrightson (18), Roy Watters (9), Mick Sansom (9), Paul Turpin (18), Gordon Daniel (12). Birkenshaw A: Eddie Mordue (12), Ronnie Ellis (12), Laurie Taylor (12), John Jagger (12). Birkenshaw B: Richard Hunter (12), George Hunter (12), Jack Holdsworth (12), Ann Ramsbottom (12). Birkenshaw Reserves: David Kent (12), Harry Hall (12), Keith Woodhead (12), Anthony Hatherley (12), Janet Hunter (12), David Griffiths (12). Brackenhill A: Madeline Gamble (12), Kathy Wilford (12), Gillian Benson (12), Graham Wilkinson (12). Brackenhill B: Alan Marsh (12), Jean Marsh (15), Jackie Wilkinson (18), John Howarth (15). Brackenhill Reserves: Tony Cockcroft (12), Alan Paul (15), Terry Ricketts (15), David Pearson (12), Alan Holdsworth (12), Roger Butterfield (15). Clayton A: Paul Gill (0), Steve Wilkinson (0), Nigel Breadley (3), Phil Dowgill (0). Clayton B: David Moore (9), Tommy Harney (6), Alan Peel (9), Bev Shutt (9). Clayton Reserves: Andrew Tate (0), Pauline Lowrie (9), Paul Kaye (0), Nino Esposito (6), David Scott (0), David Lord (12). Drighlington: Mark Smith (6), Josh Gamble (6), Mark Ellis (6), Darren Schofield (9), John Cash (6), Mick Dickinson (9), Derek Goor (6); Greengates: Frank Johnson (18), Matthew Johnson (18), Chris J Burnett (15), Darren Metcalf (15). Harold Park: Julie Darvill (12), Stewart Firth (9), Stuart Harrison (12), John Smith (12), Andy Walker (9), Phillip Walker (6), Brian Kettle (12). Hightown: Michael Briggs (9), Liam Gleave (9), Ryan Verity (12), Gareth Harwood (12), Julie Best (9), Karen Whitefoot (9), Sean Carter (9); Salts: Malcolm Pitt (15), Nigel Rands (15), Brian Royston (12), Ian Swinfield (12), Pat Allison (12), Dave Hanson (15), Amrik Singh (15). Shipley Club A: John Preston (3), Tracy Preston (6), Ben Wood (6), Martin Hayton (6). Shipley Club B: Ian Jacques (0), Matthew Jacques (3), Chris Jacques (6), Robbie Ellis (3). Shipley Club C: Derek Overall (12), Bernie Criddle (12), Garry Nellist (12), Pam Nellist (18). Shipley Club D: Peter Mountain (3), Mick Kane (6), John Sample (6), Tony Spivey (6). Shipley Club Reserves: David Jacques (0), Graeme Dytiche (0), Adam Marsden (3), Barry Mallison (12), Derek Edon (12), Danny Carter (3), Paul Wrigley (12), Alwyn Robertson (15), Sharon Gadd (6), Mark Cunningham (6), Jim Welsh (15), Dave Bland (3). Tyersal: Pam Lindley (9), Wendy Shimbles (9), Lynn Noonan (9), Gerry Smith (9), John Smith (9), Pat Brannan (9), Terry Wilsdon (9). Wibsey A: Paul Wilczynski (6), Mick Frost (9), Nigel Wormald (9), Kevin Arundale (9). Wibsey B: Iain Brown (12), Jordan Brown (9), George Gledhill (12), John Stevenson (12). Wibsey Reserves: Thomas Bailey (9), Michael Gill (9), Gary Woodhead (9), Steve Butler (12), Nathan Dobson (15), James Klenk (12). Wyke A: Trevor Benn (3), Jimmy Hearne (6), Bob Wilkinson (3), John Armitage (0). Wyke B: Mick Walton (9), Bob Benn (6), Ian Wilson (9), Robert Firth (9). Wyke Reserves: Neil Tordoff (3), Mick Lambert (6), Nigel Swales (6), David Greenwood (9), Gerry Hird (9), Steve Ward (9).

Bradford could only manage a 30-26 win over Leeds in the YORKSHIRE VETERANS' INTER-DISTRICT LEAGUE.

In the home match at Ladyhill Park, Bradford made a good start with four winners, with Rod Bastow (Eccleshill) 21-5, the pick of them. Leeds recovered with three winners of their own but Bradford won the home match 18-10.

In the away match at Harehills Park, Leeds edged the handicap by only six chalks, despite a great 21-5 from Alan Peel (Clayton). Bradford's result was not enough, however, as leaders Huddersfield carded a 39-17 win over Skipton to extend their advantage.

Scores from Ladyhill Park: Graham Oliver (Clayton) 21-18, Rod Bastow (Eccleshill) 21-5, Ian Johnson (Clayton) 21-15, Derek Relton (Eccleshill) 21-14, Bob Baines (Pudsey Littlemoor) 8-21, David Bottomley (Crowghyll) 18-21, Ian Matthews (Eccleshill) 19-21, Paul Hillam (Eccleshill) 21-12; Bradford 150 (18), Leeds 127 (10).

Scores from Harehills Park: David Burns (Peel) 9-21, Dennis Thorpe (Crowghyll) 21-5, Tony Walton (Crowghyll) 21-14, Steve Alred (Crowghyll) 16-21, Nino Esposito (Ladyhill) 4-21, Alan Peel (Clayton) 21-5, Gerald Bromley (Peel) 18-21, David Hodgson (Crowghyll) 13-21. Bradford 123 (12), Leeds 129 (16).

Bradford open their HICKSON TROPHY campaign with a match against Halifax at Lund Park on Friday, July 11.

The selected team for a competition that is being played in the Skipton area is: Rod Bastow (Eccleshill), Paul Hillam (Eccleshill), Graham Oliver (Clayton), Tony Walton (Crowghyll), Gerald Bromley (Peel), Alan Peel (Clayton), Tommy Harney (Clayton), David Hodgson (Crowghyll), Bill Hutchinson (Crowghyll), Mick Lambert (Wyke), Ian Johnson (Clayton), Tony Riley (Clayton). Reserves: David Bottomley (Crowghyll), David Burns (Peel), Derek Relton (Eccleshill), Steve Alred (Crowghyll).

Lee Heaton (Blackpool) and Chris Kelly (Sheffield) were week one qualifiers in the 2014 SPEN MASTERS, sponsored by P&I Hopkins Butchers.

Heaton qualified with wins over Andrew Davison (Sheffield) 21-19, Ryan Clark (Sheffield) 21-14 and David Baskerville (Altrincham) 21-14 to make it through to finals night, where he drew number two.

Kelly made it through after defeating Warren Wilson (Chapel Allerton) 21-11, Dean Ferris (Manchester) 21-12 and Paul Hillam (Eccleshill) 21-14, drawing No 15 on finals night.

Week two qualifying takes place tomorrow evening.

Draw: Nigel Cranston (Crossgates) v Josh Mordue (Brighouse Sports), Graeme Wilson (Audenshaw) v Mark Bramall (Huddersfield), Liam Griffin (Pudsey) v Ian Booth (Halifax), Tony Riley (Brighouse Sports) v David Gwilliam (Manchester), James Hanson (Pudsey) v Paul Bailey (Sheffield), Nick White (Sheffield) v Robert Dunford (Dewsbury), Gareth Gwilliam (Manchester) v Joe Cranston (Crossgates), Danny Sillitoe (Dearne Sports) v Chris Mordue (Pudsey).

Clubs should be aware that the HOSPITAL HANDICAP will now be played at Hove Edge on Sunday, July 20. The closing date is next Wednesday. All entries to Norman Lickley on 01943-884323.

SHIPLEY CLUB are running a one-day competition that is limited to 32 entries on Sunday, August 10. Entry fee is £10, with total prize-money of £400. Anyone interested should contact John Preston on 07460-851570.

Halifax Bowling Club's Chloe Hirst became the YORKSHIRE GIRLS' champion last week when she beat Faye Ellis (Skipton Craven) 21-13 in the final at Dukes Park, Bridlington.

Chloe beat fellow junior county bowler Fern Beaumont (Broad Oak) 21-11 in her semi-final, while Faye defeated two-time winner Hannah Turner (Guiseley) 21-19. Chloe will now go forward to the British Crown Green Junior Ladies' finals at Poynton, Cheshire next month.

Yorkshire, who had several newcomers, were runners-up in the BRITISH CROWN GREEN LADIES' VETERANS' CHAMPIONSHIP at Todmorden Park last week.

They had a brilliant start to the day, winning their group games against Greater Manchester, the Isle of Man and the Wirral but had a nail-biter in the semi-final before defeating Shropshire 99-96.

The final green in the competition proved their undoing, however, when they lost 107-88 to North Shropshire.

Scores in final: Christine Sutcliffe (Methley) 15, Sue Mottershead 13; Julie Best (Marsh Utd) 10, Olive Pass 15; Bridget Lunn (Ossett Flying Horse) 15, Irene Bloore 6; Cath Townend (Linthwaite C&BC) 7, Joan Groom 15; Wendy Wilson (Broad Oak) 15, Isobel Jones 13; Marie Lockwood (New Mill) 0, Colleen Harding 15; Linda Gledhill (New Mill) 12, Pat Davies 15; Marjorie Haigh (Hove Edge) 14, Mo Corley 15. Yorkshire 88, North Shropshire 107.

Huddersfield have won the YORKSHIRE LADIES' INTER-DISTRICT title for the 21st time in 26 attempts since the competition began in 1948, defeating Skipton 193-132 at Whitkirk Bowling Club last Sunday.

In the first round, Huddersfield beat the East Coast at Potternewton Park, Leeds, and in the semi-final they narrowly defeated Halifax at Roundhay Park.

Skipton won a group that included Castleford and West Riding at Meanwood Park, beating Aire & Wharfedale at North Leeds in the semi-finals. Teams from Harrogate and Leeds also took part.

Scores in final: Andrea Buckley 21, Carol Utley 6; Suzanne Howarth 21, Jenny Taylor 20; Julie Best 21, Liz Bland 3; Linda Gledhill 21, Margaret Slter 7; Lynn Carter 8, Kath Whitaker 21; Marie Nicholson 21, Muriel Baker 8; Hazel Rangeley 21, Viv Abell 20; Karen Whitefoot 17, Joanne Ellis 21; Karen Gant 21, Sue Finne 9; Jacqui Roper 21, Pauline Lightowler 17. Huddersfield 193, Skipton 132.

CLECKHEATON CLASSIC – Friday, first round: Carl Upton (Barnsley) 17, Greg Smith (Allens Green) 21; Roger Crowther (Longwood) 5, Richard Stockdale (Eccleshill) 21; Nick White (Thongsbridge) 9, Joe Cranston (Crossgates) 21; Elliot McGuinness (West Brom) 13, Simon Coupe (Preston) 21; Mark Bramall (Huddersfield) 14, Ryan Prosser (West Brom) 21; Keiron O’Prey (Huddersfield) 11, Ian Booth (Halifax) 21; Mark Hughes (Crossgates) 15, Graeme Wilson (Audenshaw) 21; Richard Jackson (Thongsbridge) 19, Glen Pratt (Littlemoor) 21. Second round: Smith 21, Stockdale 11; Cranston 10, Coupe 21; Prosser 14, Booth 21; Wilson 21, Pratt 10. Qualifying round|: Smith 13, Coupe 21; Booth 21, Wilson 11. Simon Coupe drew 13 and Ian Booth drew 16.

Saturday, first round: Ben Gloag (Glossop) 18 Michael McDonnell (Lloyds Hotel) 21; Conor Chamberlain (Swadlincote) 21, Jeremy Muff (Holmes Chapel) 10; Matt Kelly Wally (Swadlincote) 21, Neil Simpson (Eccleshill) 16; Darren Burge (Stockport) scr, Paul Dudley (Sale) w.o.; Daniel Petcher (Swadlincote) 21, Andrew Hodgson (Pudsey) 5; Dave Gwilliam (Glossop) 19, John McDonnell (Lloyds Hotel) 21; Kevan Shaw (Westhoughton) 21, Paul Chamberlain (Swadlincote) 11; Clay Flattley (St Georges BC) 21, Mike Leach (Preston) 20. Second round: M McDonnell 21, Chamberlain 15; Kelly Wally 14, Dudley 21; Petcher 21, J McDonnell 19; Shaw 16, Flattley 21. Qualifying round: M McDonnell 11, Dudley 21; Petcher 17, Flattley 21. Paul Dudley drew ten and Clay Flattley drew three.

Final 16 (Saturday, July 5, practice 5pm, start 5.30pm): 1 Andrw Sykes (Mirfield), 2 David Hayward (Cannock), 3 Clay Flattley (St Georges BC), 4 Andy Buckley (Chadderton), 5 Ashley Tattersley (Huddersfield), 6 Tommy Johnstone (Poynton), 7 Gareth Nicholson (Halifax), 8 Ryan Clark (Sheffield), 9 Ashley Daykin (Huddersfield), 10 Paul Dudley (Sale), 11 Glynn Cookson (Winsford), 12 Chris Brown (Sheffield), 13 Simon Coupe (Preston), 14 Dave Watters (Preston), 15 Callum Wraight (Shrewsbury), 16 Ian Booth (Halifax).

The Yorkshire County Ladies' Crown Green Bowling team face a stiff challenge on Sunday when they meet South Staffordshire in the British Crown Green County Championship.

South Staffordshire have won their previous three games and are top of the divisional league.

For Yorkshire to progress further in the competition, they need to win by a substantial margin to increase their aggregate score rate.

However, they have previous victories over South Staffordshire. The home game will be played at Meltham, while the away team travel to Heath Hayes, with both games starting at 2pm. Support will be very welcome.

At Meltham: Suzanne Howarth (New Mill) v Samantha Murray, Carron McGrath (Linthwaite Hall) v Julie Dace, Karen Gant (Meltham) v Helen Skidmore, Linda Gledhill (New Mill) v Aimee Alcock, Julie Best (Marsh Utd) v Rona Jenkinson, Karen Whitefoot (Marsh Utd) v Alison Baird, Marie Lockwood (New Mill) v Sylvia Ward, Sally Turner (Mirfield C&BC) v Lynne Anderson, Lynn Carter (Cowcliffe Libs) v Misha Gittings, Julie Mallinson (Lockwood Cons v Pauline Jones, Jacqui Roper (Meltham) v Jackie Smith, Suzy Ladbrooke (Lockwood Cons) v. Heather Rowe.

At Heath Hayes: Helen Gilroy (Rufford Park) v Jordan Picken, Alexis Lunn-Gadd (Cowcliffe Libs) v Nicky Spittle, Dawn Bray (Ossett Flying Horse) v Cheryl Fulton Robb, Joanne Ellis (Skipton Craven) v Jan Tongue, Amanda Hagen (Ossett Flying Horse) v Hannah Matthews, Maureen Chambers (Glasshoughton) v Chris Hayward, Alicia Ormsby (Meltham) v Julie Alderman, Rachel Quirk (Crossgates) v Chris Baines, Katie Turner (Cranmoor) v Becki Peach, Andrea Buckley (New Mill) v Hayley Scott, Karen Hill (Hanging Heaton) v Becky Perry, Sharon Gadd (West Park) v Sally Evans.