By Stephen Helliwell
The semi-finals and finals of the Halifax League’s Veterans Competitions were both played last week.
The Veterans Pairs, sponsored by Robertshaw’s Electrical Appliances was played at Hipperholme and was won by Clive Harte and Phillip Binns, of Elland WMC, winning by 15-9 in the final against the Ripponden/Elland CA & BC partnership of Mick Skwarek and John Sharp. Binns and Hart led by 8-3 but had to withstand a come-back by their opponents who levelled the scores at 9 before the Elland duo finished with a pair and a four to win by 15-9.
In their semi-final, against Chris Cox and John Denham, of Hipperholme, Harte and Binns were 9-3 ahead but saw their lead reduced to a single chalk at 13-12 before a pair at the final end saw them home by 15-12. Skwarek and Sharp had received a bye in to final due the sudden illness of one of their intended opponents.
The Veterans Handicap, sponsored by Richard Severn/ Halifax Carpets, was played at Akroydon Victoria and was won by John Hamer of West End, claiming his second Trophy in five days after winning the Berry Hey Handicap on the previous weekend. His opponent was Hill Crest’s Lyndon Harris who started well to lead by 7-3. Hamer recovered to lead by 12-10. The scores were level at 13 and 14 before Hamer edged ahead to lead by 17-14. Harris closed the gap to one with a pair at the next end but Hamer then ran out to win by 21-16.
Earlier Hamer had come through his semi- final by 21-17 against Ian Smith, of Akroydon Victoria. Hamer had led by 11-4 but Smith fought back to within one point at 17-18 but Hamer held on to win by 21-17. Meanwhile Harris won his semi-final by 21-1 1 against Phillip Binns of Elland WMC.