Stephen Pickles and Graham Lomax fought of a strong field to take the Highfield Pairs title last weekend.

The Cross Roads duo won the Asda-sponsored event after a tough final with Keighley pairing Trevor Hargreaves and Colin Jeffrey, Pickles and Lomax running out 21-13 winners.

Chris Slater returned to his usual form after a few recent slip-ups when he reached the final of the Ray Parker Memorial Trophy at Salts Sports. However, despite his tremendous striking he had to make do with the runners-up spot, falling victim to the experienced Tony Green of Leeds, losing 16-21. Locals Stephen Pickles and Viv Ambrose did well to reach the last eight.

The Hebden Bridge Sunday Morning Knockout event continues on Sunday with local hopes still resting on Cross Roads A, Whins Wood and Haworth.

The Yorkshire Cup also begins on Saturday as local clubs begin the long trek towards the prize which has been beyond them for so long.

Cross Roads have a better chance than most and meet Alverthorpe B on the new Valley Ridge Green at Kippax. In the other games Whins Wood meet Springwood B at Birstall, Oakworth meet Ripponden on the tricky Crosland Moor green, Cross Hills meet Milnsbridge A at Bramley Liberals and Sutton play Ossett Flying Horse at Eccleshill.

The prelims of the Skipton Floodlit Handicap are on Sunday at 6.45 at Broughton Road, Whinfield, Craven and Devon with the final the following Sunday.

The Skipton League also begins next week with the usual three division set up mainly on Tuesday and Thursday nights. There are knockout trophies for all the divisions and the usual events throughout the summer culminating in the floodlit league as the season draws to a close.

Keighley A will be searching for another title win, but will face renewed attack from both Silsden A teams. The B teams of both Silsden clubs are also in the top flight but face a difficult survival task. Lund A and Whins A will also struggle to hang on.

Broguhton road B, Haworth and Rolls Royce A will be hoping for a return to Division One while Sutton B will be trying to escape the clutches of Division Three which remains very open.