Cononley Bowling Club played host to the Skipton Inter-District team which swept to an 18-3 victory over outsiders Aire-Wharfe.

There were only two losers on home turf at Cononley and just one among the away squad at Woodside. Their next game is on Friday, June 6.

The Yorkshire Parks team also made a good start to their season in the County Championships, defeating North Wales both away and at home on Silsden PF's green. They won 22-7 overall with local bowlers Jamie Cunningham (21-11), Les Foster (21-16) and Graham Lomax leading the way at Silsden.

However, their next opponents, Greater Manchester, and holders St Helens will provide stronger opposition.

The Clarkson Cup provided the usual upsets including the early exit of holders Keighley A. Ken 'The Magician' Brenkley also conjured up a victory from Cross Hills A over favourites Steeton.

Second favourites Silsden PF A also crashed out to Steeton A of Division Two. Although the Silsden side was dubbed the 'dream team' it turned into a nightmare as the Steeton side ran riot. The next round is on June 3.

Cross Roads made easy progress in the Yorkshire Cup and Oakworth scrambled home by five points after being well head. The next round is on June 7.

The Yorkshire Merit Prelims take place at Cross Hills tonight (Friday) at 6.30 and entry is allowed on the night. The lucky qualifier will represent the area in the finals at Crossland Moor Liberal Club on Monday. Last year's runner-up, Chris Slater, will be hoping to taste success again. He is now based in North Wales, but will no doubt be returning to terrorise players on local greens throughout the summer.

The Valley and Supplementary Cups continue on Saturday.

Valley Cup: Sutton A v Steeton A (at Devon), Highfield B (bye), Devon v Silsden PF (Keighley), Cross Hills A v Cross Hills B (Cross Hills), Sutton B v Lund A (Haworth), Cross Roads A v Cross Roads B (Cross Roads), Steeton B v Cullingworth (Highfield), Lund C (bye).

Supplementary Cup: Lund B (bye), Whins B v Denholme (Lund No1), Oakworth A (bye), Keighley v Whins A (Steeton), Haworth v Bradshaw A (Denholme), Craven A v Oakworth B (Lund No2), Highfield A (bye), Bradshaw B v Craven B (Whins Wood). Next round June 13.

The Federation County games begin on Sunday when the Valley Squad, now in Division Seven, play the Bolton Belles with the home match at Cross Hills (2pm). support is requested to help the local bowlers on their way.

The Vets inter-district team continues their campaign today (Friday) when they meet Leeds, with the home left at Sutton.