FAVOURITE Brian Duncan took the John Rycroft Trophy on Skipton's Broughton Road green with a 21-10 victory over past winner Ian Tordoff of Bradford.

Duncan survived a close call in the first round , but beat his other opponents, including Keighley hope Trevor Hargreaves, quite easily. Hargreaves had made it through to the semi-final, but could not overcome the on-form Preston bowler.

Colin Jeffrey reached the last eight, but the other local hopeful, Les Foster disappointed in Round One. The event was well organised by non-bowler, David Ramsdale.

There was another exciting finish in the final of the Worth Valley Mixed Pairs at Cross Hills. Holders Chris and Diane Slater came from 17-11 down to defeat Oakworth's Roy Littlewood and Barbara Rowan 21-17 with an excellent 10-break to escape what looked like a certain defeat.

Losing semi-finalists were Andy Utley and Joanne Ellis, Les Hutchinson and Liz Bland.

Cross Hills and Sutton saw their run in the Henry Taylor Cup come to an end in the semi-finals on Saturday in contrasting styles.

Cross Hills lost heavily to The Green Bowling Club at Holbeck where the fast green was virtually unplayable. They registered winners in Phillip Dowgill, Donald McLeod and Graham Seward, but without reward.

Sutton had a good start at Luddenfoot when Peter Deighton won 21-5, but the team eventually lost to Holbeck by 14 points.

The Valley Cup Final is between Cross Roads A and Highfield tonight (Friday) and a close encounter is expected. Highfield will have to be on song both physically and mentally to upset the holders. Cross Roads A are favourites to win the Supplementary Cup at Whins Wood tonight when they meet Denholme B of Division Three.

Ramon Hrabar reached the final of the Yorkshire Parks Merit competition at Lister Park, only to lost to Bob Whitefield (Brighouse) in an event which only attracted 22 competitors.

The veterans Inter-District team play their final game this afternoon against West Riding safe in the knowledge that they have retained the wooden spoon and are the league's strongest team - holding everyone else up.

The Skipton Summer Doubles take place this Sunday with a 1.30 start. The final is at Cononley in the evening.

Yorkshire Parks play their semi-final of the Country Championship and are capable of beating Fylde. The away team, made up of local players, travel to the away leg at Freckleton.

Cross Roads are assured of the Hebden Bridge First Division title as they are well clear of all challengers. Newcomers Whins A and regulars Oxenhope and Cullingworth are safe, but a question mark still hangs over the fate of Denholme, Lund A and Haworth at the bottom.

Oakworth are making heavy weather of trying to gain promotion from Division Two while Whins b and Lund B seem safe from relegation. Cross Roads B continue to do well in Division Three and lie second behind Mytholmroyd B. Cullingworth B remain bottom just behind Hollins C and Cross Roads C.

Keighley A have reached the semi-final of the Clarkson Cup after a good fightback against old rivals Broughton road A at Steeton. Last minute wins by Richard Hargreaves, David Scott and Phil Anderson, who recently won the Spen Valley Merit, ensured success.

Chris Slater, Les Foster and Roy Sanderson helped propel Devon A to the semi-finals against Whinfield A in match which took place at a gloomy Sutton.

Worth Valley Doubles League

P Pts

Cross Roads A 11 89

Crow Wood 13 75

Skipton Devon 11 68

Cross Roads B 12 65

Silsden PF A 11 60

Whinfield 11 59

Craven A 13 53

Oakworth A 12 42

Sutton 9 36

Lund Park A 11 23