ROSSENDALE player Andrew Cairns won the Riley Greenmaster Classic at Ighten Mount for the second time in four years when he overcame three tough opponents on finals night.

Besides three rounds he also had to contend with a heavy downpour that flooded the green and even threatened the competition.

However, the green surface quickly dried and proceedings went ahead after a short break.

There's no doubt the deserved champion handled the changing conditions better than everyone else as he took the title for the second time.

His most difficult hurdle was in the opening quarter final with St Annes player Dave Worthington who contributed fully in a great contest.

In the early stages David was in control when he led 12-8 and 16-9 but Andrew came back to level up at 18-18.

Four ends later, Andrew scored a five break to be 29-24. But David replied with a single and a brace to hold jack at 29-30, only to see a vital winner from the champion.

Andrew won in similar style when he defeated team-mate Keith Scaife on a drying green that gave the jack leader every advantage. After being level at 17-17, Andrew gradually drew clear to win 31-24.

Meanwhile, Bolton man Kevan Shaw - who had played brilliantly in his opener to defeat Martin Dillon 31-21 - was involved in a storming game with Colne man Glyn Shuttleworth.

From almost the first end, Glyn was in front and quickly led 14-7, and then 16-10.

Several times the lead narrowed, but Glyn maintained control until they levelled up at 27-27.

Three singles took Glyn to all but victory and in a nail-biting finish, Kevan produced two singles and a brace to steal the game and a place in the final.

The final provided a real see-saw contest as first Andrew led 17-8, and then a dozen ends later, Kevan took over at 25-22.

But an excellent nine points with just one in reply, gave the Rossendale man a memorable triumph, 31-26.

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