THERE was no third successive triumph for Paul Gill in the Bradford Association's Hospital Handicap at Hove Edge Bowling Club.

But at least the Clayton member had the satisfaction of losing to the eventual winner in the quarter-finals.

A total of 55 bowlers turned up on yet another sun-baked day and, as in previous years, the bowling was of a high standard, particularly from the last 16 onwards, and there were some early shocks.

Meanwhile, with bowlers from scratch up to four, it was never going to be easy to even get beyond the last eight

The first quarter-final was Kez Smith (Crossgates) against Peter Page (Wyke).

The latter led 6-4 after 10 ends, while Smith was 13-9 in front after 20 before going on a run of seven points that proved decisive in a 21-14 victory.

Gill faced Yorkshire Parks Merit holder Mark Regan (Brighouse Sports) in his last-eight tie, and it was high-quality stuff.

Regan was ahead 10-8 after 15 ends but Gill was 14-13 in front when Regan embarked on a run of seven points.

Gill never knows when he is beaten, however, and notched a couple of doubles and was counting two in the next end which would have put him level.

However, Regan clipped the jack into the ditch and got the required point on the next to win 21-18.

Next up was Scott Tattersley (Spen Victoria) and Andrew Walker (Harold Park), who were 13-13 after 18 ends.

Then Walker led 17-13 only for Tattersley to level, and at the end of the 30th end it was 20-20.

Walker, with jack in hand, shortened his length but bowled a short lead and a short reply later in the end as Tattersley pinched the match 21-20.

The last quarter-final, between Wendy Shimbles (Tyersal) and home favourite Tom Gasson, could also have gone either way.

Shimbles led 12-11 after 15 ends and stretched that advantage to 18-14, only for Gasson to put together a run of seven points to win 21-18.

Regan, after a cagey start, was a comfortable 21-6 winner in his semi-final against Smith, finishing his man off with a break of six, and Gasson defeated Tattersley 21-16 on the other side of the draw.

Both Regan and Gasson had bowled consistently well all day, and Gasson, using the corners well, forged an 11-5 lead.

Regan hit back with a break of five and, despite Gasson landing a double to go 13-10 in front, the experienced Regan only allowed his opponent a further three chalks in winning 21-16.

* The Yorkshire Machine Parts Wednesday Merit is being held next midweek at Spen Victoria (10.30am start and scratch).

* Bradford Moor Bowling Club celebrated their 110th anniversary with a match against Eccleshill and a contest between past and current members.

A total of £180.50 was raised for Alzheimer's Research.