MORE Fixtures and programmes have been announced for the 1999 bowling season, including those with local interest in the Halifax and Hebden Bridge areas.

The Halifax League begins on April 7 and local hopes Cross Roads are aiming ti improve on last year's runners-up spot in Division One.

However, the demise of top side Akroyd Park means holders Elland Cricket and Elland WMC have been strengthened to such an extent that the Cross Road side will have a tough task ahead of them. Richard Dunhill, temporarily free of county duties, takes over as captain.

In Division Two, Oxenhope A will be hoping to gain a place in the top flight after finishing third twice.

Oakworth will face an uphill task to escape from Division Three where Elland WMC B will have benefited from their A team's influx of new talent, while Denholme will be hoping to win Division Four and bounce back after relegation. In Division four Oxenhope B will also hope to consolidate their hard won position.

The Hebden royd League starts on April 12 when Cross Roads A will be aiming to win Division One again and retain the Sunday morning knockout cup. They should achieve the league win without much trouble, while other local sides, Oxenhope a and Haworth, will play to their usual strengths. Cullingworth a may face a tough battle, even at the hands of newcomers Lund A.

Whins A make their debut in Division Two and should do well. It's many years since they played in that league with a good team. Five teams are to be relegated with a four division set-up planned for next season, with both oakworth a and B hoping to avoid the drop.

Cullingworth B, Whins Wood B, Cross Roads B, Lund B and Oxenhope B provide local interest in Division Three.

The Sunday morning knockout starts on April 11 when holders Cross Roads A meet Heptenstall B and runners-up Cross Roads B meet Whins B. Haworth play Oxenhope B and Cross Roads C will play Hollins B with Whins A facing a difficult game against Roebuck. Lund A and B meet Luddendenfoot and Sowerby respectively.

Rounds run every Sunday until the final on May 9.

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