Billy Thornton was the winner of the first competition to take place at Dalton Cricket Club of 2019, as he overcame Ian France in the Sharples Singles last Sunday.

In what was a repeat of last year’s final, Thornton got the better of his opponent 21-11 to crown what was great day of bowling played out on an immaculately-prepared playing surface.

France had come through the top half of the draw by starting with a comfortable 21-7 victory against Harry Dagger before seeing off Jeff Benson (21-12) and Keith Roebuck (21-14).

This was then followed up by an emphatic 21-4 dismantling of Jonny Richardson in the last eight before he came through his semi-final by defeating Keith Alexander 21-14.

Thornton also began his campaign by winning with something to spare, as he saw off Dave Hourihan 21-8 before having too much for Ben Wright, as he won 21-11.

In the quarter finals, he edged out Gareth Jones 21-16 before he brushed aside Andy Rigg to 13 in the semis.

The early stages of the final were nip and tuck, as Thornton led 6-4 and then 11-8, with both players in fantastic form and they continued to produce great woods from end to end. However, Thornton eventually gained the upper hand and steadily pulled away to retain his title.

The club wishes to thank green keeper Stan Jones and to Alan Haines and Ray Proctor who worked hard all day in the kitchen.

Quarter final results: J Richardson 4 I France 21, K Alexander 21 P Kissock 19, G Jones 16 B Thornton 21, D Kent 19 A Rigg 21.

Semi-finals: France 21 Alexander 14, Thornton 21 Rigg 13.

Final: Thornton 21 France 11.

*The previous day, Wright had come out on top in the King Alfred Charity Singles by defeating Glenis McDonald in the final on what was a beautiful spring afternoon.

Wright won out 21-19 in what was a close-run contest against his fellow King Alfred member McDonald, the top lady county bowler, to win a competition that raised £300 for local charity PAVE, which focuses on day opportunities for people with learning disabilities.

Wright, one of the up-and-coming players at his home club, had battled past Eddie Backhouse, Steve Fullard, Peter Harris and in the semi-final Tony Whitehouse, against who he squeaked past 21-20.

McDonald, in the mean time, had gotten the better of Geoff Leatherhead, Lee Barnard, Ian Gomersall before seeing off Roy Moxham 21-16 in the semis.

The final was a tight affair with both players sharing the early points for 7-7, but McDonald seized the initiative, as she opened up a 13-7 lead.

Wright then responded with some excellent leading to draw level at 13-13 and then to lead 18-14, but McDonald never gave in and battled back to level at 19-19.

However, at the final end, it was Wright who gained a two to finally take the trophy.

*The King Alfred Bowling Club would like to thank the 54 bowlers who took part and all those who donated raffle prizes, with a special mention for Chris Johnson of Jefferson’s.

9.30am: B Harding, Andy Woods, P Davies, G Leatherland, K Judge, R-M Holmes, J Gill, M Ashburn, B Thornton, D Mountford, S Holmes, K Roebuck, Matt Simpson, I Collier, M Edmonds, I McDonald, D Jackson, R Moxham, N McAlley, C Knipe, J Curphey, L Case, G Maudsley, B Brady, M Stewart, T Moxham, D McRoy, S Ashburn, G McFarlane.

10.15am: I Harrison, D Edmonds, R Woods, S Price, G Jones, M Clegg, R May, D Southward, I France snr, T Richardson, Tony Woods, D Kent, T Whitehouse, M Fieldhouse, P McDonald, E Lowden, J Stewart, G McDonald, D Bell, A Miller.

11.00am: D Rogers, I France Jr., D Irvine, B Wright, P Dennison, J Tongue, J Dennison, B Lowden, R Parkinson, M Procter, W Heywood, D Jones, C White, M Gilpin, P Kissock, R Williams.