SEVERAL top pairings in the Highfield Doubles have been removed from this year's event as 16 pairs go to post for Sunday's finals.

The event, sponsored by the Welcome Inn, has shown a tremendous increase in interest and is expected to go from strength.

Holders Ken Brenkley and Phillip Dowgill are through, but face a strong challenge from the Bradford area.

Draw 1am: Senior (Haworth) v Ridding (Unattached), Midgeley (Lund) v Johnson (Wibsey), Cross (Heckmondwike) v Brenkley (Cross Hills); Clark v Green (Wibsey).

11.45: Brook (Whins Wood) v Pots (Oxenhope), Swailes (Ladyhill) v Bastow (Eccleshill), Varley (Silsden) v Outhwaite (Ladyhill), Squires (Skipton) v Bowdin (Salts).

The Hebden Bridge Sunday Morning Knockout first round starts on Sunday when local teams involved are Cullingworth, Oakworth and Oxenhope A together with this week's winners. The event runs weekly until May 9.

First round winners include Cross Roads B and Whins A who beat Roebuck.

Some Valley games start this week due to some Yorkshire Cup ties. Cross Roads A look almost certain to win the title again, even before a wood has been rolled. Unless someone can knock them off their perch they will have taken the Division One title for the 17th time, and sixth on the trot. Illingworth will probably follow them home as runners-up, but the addition of Devon A and promoted Whinfield A could upset the apple cart in the handicap section. Newcomers Craven A and Whins A will be trying to avoid going straight back down again.

Lund a will be trying to regain top place in Division Two, but could find newcomers Sutton a handful. Lund C and Silsden PF B could struggle.

In Division Three Steeton A will be looking for an upturn in fortunes, but Cross Hills B and Denholme B could upset the equation.

Preliminary rounds in the Lambert and Ellis cups have already begun in Skipton, but get into full swing on April 20. No doubt there will be some upsets on the way to the quarter finals on May 24.

The Skipton Floodlit Handicap also starts on Sunday at 6.30 with the final the following week.

Garry Foster (Cross Roads) reached the last eight of the Haslingden Open Merit on Easter Monday, only to lose narrowly. Last year he reached the final.

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