Another great days bowling for the Ted Astley Memorial Trophy with some of the County's best players competing in this one day 32 event.
There were no major surprises in the opening round, with the "usual suspects" coming through including the defending champion Joe Melvin, Lee Dale, ex-homester Richard Clay and this season's form boys Lee Brown and Matt Fellows.
Round 2 saw Lee Dale bow out to Gardener's Mark Norcup and Mark's clubmate Ian Simpson took out one of the favourites Darren Stanway. "Evergreen" Fred Donaldson was enjoying the green with wins over Veteran's champ, Alan France and local hope Karl Simpson. John Black of Norton Central was playing some good stuff and at the quarter-final stage he accounted for Norcup to set up a meeting with Clay in the semis, after the latter had ended Joe Melvin's hope of retaining his title.
Meanwhile Lee Brown and Matt Fellows were moving through the gears to set up a semi-final that was a re-match of the Amateur League Merit Final a week earlier, with Matt seeking revenge for his 21-19 defeat at Dilhorne. Another titanic struggle took place between these evenly matched players. At 20 across Matt lay game after 1 bowl each with Lee to play next. On a fast falling mark Lee played a "dead-un" and Matt was just underneath with his last wood to give Lee victory once more.
In the other semi, John Black was fast out of the blocks against former double champion, Richard Clay. John was 15-4 up and lying with 2 touchers when Clay struck and miraculously counted a single. From then on Richard found his second wind and', playing a swinging corner, mark the left hander went on to take the game 21-18.
The final was unfortunately very one sided for the spectators, Lee Brown settled on his favoured short mark across the green and hit a length straight away, with Richard visibly tiring after his semi-final comeback. Lee continued in top form and was a worthy winner on the day, with a 21-3 success to take the £260 top prize.
Many thanks to Tony Porter for the excellent green and to Lynne and grand-daughter Alana for making great cups of tea. Thanks also to Kerry for donating the trophy.