Craven Bowling Club suffered a big loss, in every sense of the word, with the death of Phil Tunney who lost his brave fight against cancer last week at the early age of 39.

A multi-talented sportsman at cricket and golf, Phil always played his bowls in a competitive but sporting manner, which made him a tough opponent to beat home or away and he was at or near the top of the club ‘pecking order’ every year.

Phil also played a big part in helping Craven win the Yorkshire County Hutchinson Cup in 2010, and in reaching the finals in 2011 and 2012. He also represented the Worth Valley Federation team for many years.

Phil, was not only a player, but also a ‘doer’ being club secretary as well as club captain for several years and he was to have been club president next year, a position he would have held with pride.

This year Phil’s illness began to take its toll, but he battled on bravely, still winning regularly, and one of his last appearances on a bowling green saw him win the Worth Valley Ogden Handicap beating Trevor Hargreaves 21-11 with some great bowling.

He was well known around the bowling circuit and will be sorely missed, by all who knew him.

Phil’s funeral servicewill be held at Steeton Chapel tomorrow at 12.45pm followed by cremation at Skipton at 1.40pm.

lThe Skipton and District Bowling Association’s presentation meeting will be held next Thursday at the White Rose Club, Newmarket Street, Skipton (8pm).