The match began in overcast conditions which improved as the match wore on.

New Street A gave Walsden A 16 chalks advantage as the match started but this was quickly wiped out as Jeff Melia produced a magnificent display of consistent bowling as he demolished his opponent 21-2.

Some close matches followed although neither team could take complete control. However, with two games still in progress, New Street A had managed to eke out a 20 chalk lead, which Walsden were unable to claw back despite a "captain's innings" from Geoff Crabtree who beat his opposite number 21-10.

The final match saw one-time Walsden player, Keith Rudman run out an easy winner at 21-9. This left New Street A as the winners of a high quality final by a margin of 21 chalks.

Congratulations go to New Street A who look likely to do the double of League and Dearden Trophy this season and commiserations to Walsden A who put up a gallant fight. The League would like to extend its thanks to Greenvale for their hospitality.

Dearden Trophy final: New Street A (minus 3) 148, Walsden A (13) 127.

A Division: Wardle B 122 (1), Walsden A 161 (13.5); New Street A 151 (8), Wardle A 121 (4.5); Hare Hill 131 (8), New Street B 128 (4.5); Walsden B 139 (7), Hare and Hounds A 132 (6).

B Division: Catholic Club A 134 (7), Walsden D 117 (6); Rose and Crown A 168 (11), Hollins A 116 (0); Hare and Hounds B 151 (7), Rose and Crown B 112 (6); Walsden C 142 (8), New Street C 110 (4.5).

Fixtures

Tuesday, September 2

A Division: Hare Hill v Walsden A; Walsden B v New Street B; Wardle B v Greenvale; New Street A v Hare and Hounds A.

B Division: Rose and Crown A v Walsden D; Hare and Hounds B v Catholic Club B; Catholic Club A v Rose and Crown B; Hollins B v New Street C.

Thursday, September 4

B Division: Walsden C v Hollins A.

l THE Veterans' Team Knockout competition is under way with the following results through from last week.

Veterans Team Knock-out: Kirkholt B (57) 205, Lanctan (30) 275; New Street B (59) 264, Rose and Crown A (24) 259; Ladybarn B (74) 238, Bacup Park A (3) 232.

The competition continues on Monday, September 1, with the return leg to be played on or before Friday, September 5.

Veterans Team KO - Monday 1st September with the return leg to be played on or before Friday 5th September.

First Round ties with handicaps are listed below (with 1 result to come): Lanctan (30) v Hollins (45) or Wardle B (36); New Street B (39) v Ladybarn B (54); Hare Hill B (27) v Catholic Club (65); Healey B (68) v Ladybarn A (21); Rugby Road (51) v Kirkholt A (33); Wardle A (6) v Hare Hill A (15); Healey A (24) v Bacup Park B (9); Walsden (12) v New Street A (0).

l TODMORDEN and District Bowling League's Handicap event, which is scheduled for next Sunday, August 31, starting at 1.30 pm takes place at Centre Vale Park, Todmorden.