AFTER nearly two weeks of intensive competition the Althams Travel Open Doubles Bowling competition held at Lower Darwen Memorial Bowling Club reached its conclusion.

In the first quarter final I McNeil and D Sowerby overcame Joan and Frank Jolly 21-4.

Ian Bibby and D Fenney (Skelmersdale) were unable to attend leaving Dave Bond and Colin Crompton with a walkover. Jack Ansbro and Jean Haworth overcame John Willshaw and Eric Collinge 21-9 and Andy Leaver and Lee Longland beat Paul Brett and James Porter 21-8.

In the semi's, Andy Leaver and Lee Longland proved unassailable and ran out worthy winners against Jack Ansbro and Jean Haworth 21-11 while in the other, Dave Bond and Colin Crompton beat Ian McNeil and D Sowerby 21-12 to set up an interesting final.

In the final game however, local pair Andy Leaver and Lee Longland established an early commanding lead and it seemed as though they were going to have a runaway victory. They raced to a 15-2 lead and looked easy winners, but gradually the pairing of Bond and Crompton came back into the game and slowly reduced the arrears.

At 19-16 in favour of Leaver and Longland, the game was really anybody's for the taking but the nerve of the local pair held to claim victory 21-16 and the winner's cheque.