REMEMBER when hitting the jackpot at dominoes meant winning a few coppers?

No longer.

It's enough to make any self-respecting old-school does players spill their beer but the days of the ha'penny knock are long gone.

Just ask folks at the Globe Bowling Club in Oswaldtwistle.

When the popular club lost a major darts competition to a rival club three years ago, committee member Dave Ryan fought back - by setting up the biggest annual dominoes event in the area.

These days the Globe Dominoes Knockout competition knock spots off the rest with a staggering £500 up for grabs.

"To my knowledge it's the biggest cash prize for a dominoes competition in East Lancashire," reckons Dave. "The competition increases in popularity as the years roll by. "I've seen recently where some reckon dominoes to be a dying sport, but how can that be when sponsors are willing to put up this kind of money?

"On finals night it's never been more alive, believe me."

The competition counts Blackburn brewers Daniel Thwaites as main sponsors and boasts a cash prize for every single finalist. £25 for quarter-finalists, £50 for the semi-finals, £100 for runners-up and a whopping £200 for the winners.

The competition runs heats in early Spring with the grand final on April 17 - but you'd better get your skates on if you want to enter.

Entries must be in by Saturday, February 27, cost is £6 per team of six - inquiries to Dave at the Globe Bowling Club, Oswaldtwistle on 01254 232941.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.