THE Silsden Doubles competition got the bowls season under way with two of the favourite pairings battling out a close final.

Mel Gilbert and Ian Holding of Mytholmroyd narrowly beat David Scott and Graham Hickey of Elland 21-19 at the end of a long day. Losing semi-finalists were John and Ryan Benson of Eccleshill and Tommy Haney and Mel Fielding of Clayton. Prizes were presented by Skipton League president Roy Sanderson.

The Halifax League is already underway with top team Cross Roads A having another stab at the title that has eluded them in Division One. New recruits Chris Slater and David Cadwallader could add further strength to the team.

In Division Two Oxenhope A will be trying to regain their First Division status after least season's brave efforts, while Oakworth are hoping to improve on their annual battle against relegation.

Oxenhope B will be hoping to consolidate their place in Division Four. Denholme are also hoping for good things in Division five as will newly promoted Cross Roads B.

The Hebden League also begins soon with the first games scheduled for Monday with Cross Roads A Starting as odds-on favourites to take the Division One title again and a fiery baptism faces newly promoted Oakworth. Haworth will be trying to escape from Division Two and Cullingworth B will be hoping to consolidate their position in the division.

The league's Sunday morning knockout event starts on Sunday with preliminary rounds of the event, and continues each week until Finals Day on May 12.

The main event on local greens this weekend are qualifying rounds of the Highfield Pairs, now sponsored by Asda with starting times at 10.30 and 1.30. The final is on Sunday April 14 at 11.30.