Tony Walton held off a determined fightback by Peter Jagger to win the Chatha's-sponsored Victor Ludorum at Clayton.

Crowghyll's Walton played fantastic bowls throughout the competition before holding off Jagger of Spen Victoria in the final.

Walton was the quickest out of the blocks as he built up a 13-8 advantage over Jagger in the decider and at 15-10 still looked a strong favourite.

Then Jagger hit back to edge 16-15 ahead and many thought at this stage that he would go on to clinch victory.

But Walton had other ideas as he replied with four points to lead 19-16 and, although Jagger then scored with a single, his opponent finished it off 21-17.

Invitations to the event had been given to competition and average winners throughout the summer and saw 16 entrants battling for the end-of-season title.

This included three Cross Roads bowlers and they were all drawn in the bottom half of the draw along with Walton, who was to end all their hopes of making progress.

He first saw off Trevor Hargreaves 21-9 and then edged out Richard Hargreaves 21-17.

Next up was Mick Walsh, who had just beaten Bradford Merit winner Tony Riley 21-8, and Walton continued his terrific form to log a 21-17 verdict.

It was nice to see the winner coming from the Bartle League, with so many top bowlers in the field.

Walton has had a fantastic season, winning 18 out of 19 games to finish with a excellent average of 9.11, the best in his section.

Last 16: M Frankland (Shelf) 21, B Barraclough (Shelf) 2; S Firth (Harold Park) 18, P Jagger (Spen Victoria) 21; D Metcalfe (Shipley Club) 16, L Thompson (Littlemoor) 21; S Holmes (BBA) 21, K Sansom (Asa Briggs) 15; L Crawford (West Royd) 9, R Hargreaves (Crossroads) 21; T Hargreaves (Crossroads) 9, T Walton (Crowghyll) 21; C Esposito (Lister) 16, M Walsh (Crossroads) 21; C White (Royd House) 11, AW Riley (Brighouse) 21. Quarter-finals: Frankland 12, Jagger 21; Thompson 21, Holmes 12; Hargreaves 17, Walton 21; Walsh 21, Riley 8. Semi-finals: Jagger 21, Thompson 14; Walton 21, Walsh 17. Final: Jagger 17, Walton 21.

  • The Bradford Crown Green Bowls Association (BCGBA) annual meeting will be held on Thursday, November 9 at East Ward Labour Club.
The BCGBA presentation evening will be held on Thursday, November 23 at the same venue, with a 7pm start.

The evening will include live entertainment, a raffle, stand-up bingo and a bar. Tickets are £3 each and should be obtained from your club secretary.

  • The popular Hove Edge Ladies winter events are due to start on Saturday, October 14.
As in previous years, all competitors need to turn up at the green by 10am.

Bowling will take place throughout the winter on alternate Saturday mornings (weather permitting).

The entry fee is £3 and for an additional fee there is often a consolation competition for first-round losers.

As always, the catering is excellent. This is a sociable competition which keeps the interest and skills throughout the winter season.

  • Latest Saturday League results - Godwin: Wyke A 151 (10), Rufford A 190 (20). Missing: Crossgates v Brighouse Sports B (July 15).
Bartle: Pudsey B 189 (18), Lister A 164 (12); Lister A 187 (20), Stanningley 152 (10); West 134 (6), Crowghyll A 191 (24); Bramley Libs B 195 (22) Clayton B 149 (8); Drighlington A 187 (17), Pudsey B 171 (13); Bowling A 160 (13), Oakenshaw A 175 (17). Missing: Greengates v Oakenshaw A (September 9).

Moorhouse: Bailiff Bridge B 190 (21), Shipley Club 155 (9).