Bowlers will be hoping the weather improves with the new season fast approaching, many local leagues starting during early to mid-April.

Wibsey Park got the season under way with an open pairs competition.

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress were there to officially open the club’s centenary season as the Totesport-sponsored competition began.

A total of 32 pairs from around the region were playing for total prize money of £520 and eight have made it through to the final on Sunday, which will start at 1pm.

Ladyhill duo Jimmy Hearne and Paul Owthwaite eased through on Saturday after a 21-8 win over Mick and Sandra Hall (Guiseley) in the final qualifying round.

Other qualifiers that day were Paul Kaye and Paul Gill (Clayton), David Bottomley and Bill Hutchinson (Lister) and A & K Waller (Halifax).

Paul Haigh and Richard Hargeaves and Scott Bairstow and Mick Walsh made it a Cross Roads double on Sunday as both pairs qualified with ease.

Daniel Metcalfe and Ian Shaw (Shipley Club) edged through 21-19 in the final game to join Richard Lawton and David Stansfield (Akroydon Victoria) in the finals.

Meanwhile, Bradford League clubs are reminded that a list of members should be sent to the Saturday fixture secretary John Preston by March 31.