IT seems like only yesterday that Ulverston Cons A were crowned champions of the Ulverston and District Bowling League.

Well it wasn’t, it was six months ago, which means that players have dusted off the woods (and the waterproofs) again and have taken to the greens once more.

Cons started their title defence in fine style as they visited a new-look Lindal Moor recording a 12-3 victory.

The two Daves - Nicholson and Dunlop - led the way with 21-3 and 21-9 wins respectively, while Dave Bennett and Paul Kissock replied well for the Moor.

Salthouse hit the ground running with a 12-2 win over neighbours Roose on the Raglan Street green.

Thirteen was definitely an unlucky number for the Roose lads as four of them fell victim to that score, with John Taylor and Barry Asbury recording single-figure wins.

Roose new boy Chas Crellin impressed on his debut with Tom Harris scoring their other point.

Askam had a great season last year, their challenge only faltering late on. They started their season with the ‘Village Derby’ and took the spoils comfortably 12-2.

Mike Askew, Ian Clough and Andy Rigg were all in top form with Dave Turnough and Geoff Leatherland saving Kirkby’s blushes.

Many people are tipping Red River for the title this year and they do look a squad capable of challenging.

The Posties entertained them, but were on the wrong end of an 11-4 scoreline, with Simon Perry in top form, supported by Barry Lowden and Daniel Thompson.

Match of the week was at Dane Avenue where King Alfred visited Co-op, the teams sharing the game but thanks to great wins from Dave Dawes, Dave Irvine and Ian Hall, Co-op managed to take the aggregate points by just five chalks and the game 8-6.

For many West Shore are favourites for relegation and they found out what a tough school Division One is as they made the trip to Glaxo and found themselves on the wrong end of a 12-2 scoreline.

Kev Toal, Chris D’Leny and and Norman McLeod all recorded big wins for the works side, although Paul Wrathall’s 21-4 victory was a highlight for the Walney side.

Many of the matches were played in poor conditions and it is to everyone's credit that only Walney Park’s fixture versus Hawcoat Park fell foul of the elements.

Ending on a sour note; as we all know Ray Dunstan has stepped down as secretary of the league after many years at the helm and as yet a replacement hasn’t come forward.

In the interim the remaining members of the committee are filling the void left by Ray. However this is a short-term fix and unless a full time replacement is ifound the league could well be in danger of folding.

So if anyone fancies putting something back into the game speak to your delegate or the committee yourself, before it is too late.