THE North Lancs and Fylde County Veterans Merit was won by John Ibbotson from Bare Village who defeated Canberra player Stan Sutton 21-15 in the final.

The Canberra club green was in excellent condition for the competition and a deluge of rain cleared very quickly to keep any interruption to a minimum.

Ibbotson was in good form throughout the day and after an even break, ran out with a little to spare to win his first Vets title.

His closest game was the second round against Butlers representative Ken Hesmond- halgh, who made a great effort before going down in a thrilling contest, 21-19.

Scapa player Jim Duckett played well to reach the last 16, but went out to homester Ken Chew 21-15.

The best effort from our local players came from Norman Slinger who can count himself very unfortunate to lose by the narrowest of margins 21-20 in the semi-final.

Previously, Norman ended the hopes of George Hindle from Rushton Street in another thrilling finish 21-20.

Earlier George accounted for St Stephen's man Frank Riley 21-16 in a very competitive last 16 line-up.

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