The Valley Federation Team took another step towards winning Division Seven of the Federation District League with a convincing vicrtory over the Rochdale Rockets -- clocking up wins at both Keighley Bowling Club and away at Bamford.

There were excellent performances by all concerned to ensure a final-match decider against Heavy Woollen on July 20 at Devon, with Ben Ridding and Barry Uttley in top form.

Richard and Trevor Hargreaves just failed in their attempt to retain the Yorkshire Parks Doubles title at Rufford Park when they lost 20-21 to P Wilson and C Goodall (Greengates), the same duo they defected in last year's final. The event was a fiasco as earlier rounds took the form of a round robin when the Hargreaves boys had earlier beaten ... yes you've guessed it ... Wilson and Goodall.

Qualifiers in the Craven Classic last weekend were holders, Les Foster and Phil Anderson. The event continues this evening and features top locals in Brian Potts, David Scott, Joanne Ellis and last year's runner-up, Dave Smith (start 7.00). The final is on July 11.

Colin Wortley and Donald Yarley starred in the Skipton Vets team home game against Halifax at Settle. Sadly the rest of the team weren't watching as the locals lost again in the two legged event. Next match on July 4.

The Yorkshire Cup has reached Round Three and should see Devon and Cross Roads progress. Devon meet Cowcliffe Lib 'B' at Akroyden whilst Cross Roads meet Waterloo 'A' , who should not be underestimated, at Bramley Lib. Broughton Road have reached a similar stage in the Henry Taylor Cup.

The Skipton Veterans Handicap Finals take place today (Friday) at 2.00 on Whinfields green. Local hopes rest with Muriel Baker and odds on favourite, Trevor Hargreaves.

The Rycroft Qalifying Rounds and the Hebden Mixed Pairs are on Sunday as well as the Valley Handicap Doubles at Cross Hills, commencing at 9.30. Bankfield Guest House are the sponsors.

Draw 9.30: M Bastow v R Ellis, L Foster v H Shaw, W Pickles v E Boocock, D Smith v P Rutt.

10.00: B Hobson v A Downing, J Flaherty v C Burnett, C Walsh v S Hook, K Burnett v J Brinton.

10.30: D Aldenby v K Roberts, L Hubblick v G Perry, C Harrison v S Brennan, C Wilson v B Charles.

11.00: V Ambrose v A Phillips, S Hardacre v S Bairstow, A Abell v P Dowgill, C Wortley v L Buxton.

The Keighley Women's Inter City team did their best in this year's annual contest with another weakened team. They defeated Castleford by one point but lost to Huddersfield in the semis at Elland C&B club. The Blands, Rita and Liz won both their games.