THE WORTH Valley Secretary Mick Demain found his bowling form to win the Skipton and District Veterans Handicap at Cross Hills.

The groundsman and helpers did well to clear the green of standing water before the competition could start on time, although rain continued throughout.

Last season's winner Derek Seed continued his disappointing form with a first-round exit to in-form Craven player Demain.

Without the burden of organising as he usually does, he was in a relaxed mood and put on a good performance to beat the holder 21-17.

League Merit semi-finalist from last weekend, president Alister Keighley was still in good form as he won his preliminary round 21-12 against Len Buxton. In his first-round match he just got the better of Alden Phillips 21-19.

Also on a good run was Sutton’s Welsh wizard Dennis Wynne Jones, winning 21-15 against Mick Cox and then getting the better of two-time winner Trevor Hargreaves 21-17.

Demain set up a semi-final against Sutton’s Neil Whitaker with a 21-17 win over Mick Duke.

In a close encounter with Whitaker, Demain only got in front at the last end where a double won him the match 21-20.

The other semi-final saw Wynne Jones get off to a good start to lead 11-2. Keighley came back to edge ahead 13-12 before Wynne Jones fought back to claim a 21-18 success.

The final found no respite from the rain as Demain edged in front but he was pulled back by Wynne Jones, who levelled at 9-9. Then a little run from Demain moved him 18-13 up and, though it remained tight, the Sutton man could not pull back the lead as the Craven member held sway to get home 21-16.

Ex-president and supporter of the competition, Roy Sanderson, was on hand to present the trophy and prizes.

The end of season cup finals take place tonight. The Ken Johnson final will be at Cononley, the Richard Lambert Trophy is at Gargrave and the Allan Ellis Salver takes place at Broughton Road.

Entries for the Norman Johnston, Oakley’s Mixed Doubles and the Yorkshire County EE Cockroft event must be with the secretary this Saturday.

The Floodlight League gets underway next week with another good entry making three divisions of seven. Cononley will once again be favourites to take Division One.