Bamforth claims first big success.

Allan bamforth, of Linthwaite Hall, scored his first big success in 12 years of bowling when he beat Clifford Hinchliff (Cowcliffe Lib) 21-18 in the final of the Infirmary Handicap at Lowerhouses.

But the issue was in the balance right up to the last two ends.

About halfway through the final it seemed that success for the much-fancied Hinchliff was more certain.

Taking every possible tactical advantage, with his opponent losing in length on practically every end, he drew ahead after the first half-dozen ends to lead 17-14.

Bamforth, however, recovering the accuracy in length which had carried him so impressively through the earlier rounds, drew level until the game was called at 19-18 in his favour.

Throughout the afternoon he had sent down some good woods, but one at the final end beat all the rest.

It came to rest only a fraction of an inch from the jack - although it had appeared that Hinchliff's wood would block his road - to bring the score to a worthy 21-18.

The Cup and prizes were presented by Mrs H J Johnson, wife of the general superintendent and secretary of the Royal Infirmary.

First round: J W Addy (Newsome WMC) 21 W H Taylor (Fartown Lib) 14, A Winter (Fartown WM) 21 H Marshall (Marsh Lib) 18, J Jowett (Milnsbridge BC) 21 W H Fuller (Golcar Lib) 13, H Metcalfe (Linthwaite CBC) 14 C Hinchliff (Cowcliffe Lib) 21, J Cuerden (Waterloo) 21 J Sykes (Hillhouse and Birkby) 7, F Harwood (ICI) 16 T Pearson (Cowcliffe Lib) 21, H Knight (Broad Oak) w/o, E Robshaw (Hudds CAC) 14 A Bamforth (Linthwaite Hall) 21.

Second round: Addy 21 Winter 18, Jowett 15 Hinchliff 21, Cuerden 17 Pearson 21, Knight 16 Bamforth 21.

Semi-finals: Addy 13 Hinchliff 21, Pearson 14 Bamforth 21.

Final: Hinchliff 18 Balmforth 21.