SOUTH Lancashire Crown Green Bowling Association hosted the British Parks Veterans Individual Merit competition at Pennington Park.

The prestigious national event was won by Rochdale's Brian Oakes who beat Sale veteran Ron Stanford in the final.

None of the local bowlers made it to the semi-final stage despite half the players coming from South Lancs.

Oakes opened by beating Alf Preece from Staffs and Isle of Man tournament organiser Don Lyons before beating local miner John Fahy 21-14 to reach the semi-final. Here Oakes comfortably beat Keith Burrows of Cheshire.

In the other half of the draw, favourite Stanford started by beating local bowler Jim Rigby before seeing off Billy Johnson and Jim Prescott. In the semi he edged out Wigan's Fred Perkins 21-20.

The final was another close encounter with Oakes just taking it 21-20.