By Stephen Helliwell
Tom Robertshaw is the Sowerby Bridge Association’s 2021 Champion of Champions after defeating John Holden by 21-8 in the final of the Grosvenors Butchers sponsored event at Elland C. A. & B.C. on Sunday.
The Ripponden bowler began with a preliminary game against Steve Bridge. Their scores were tied at 7-7 before Robertshaw forged ahead with a break of seven and, although Bridges rallied towards the end of the game, Robertshaw went on to win by 21-16. After a comfortable 21-8 win against Geoff Hughes, Robertshaw went on to face Julian Dawson in the quarter-final. Dawson was ahead by 14-9 but Robertshaw recovered to take the lead with a break of seven and lead by 16-14. He remained ahead at 19-15 and held off Dawson’s late rally to hold on for a 21-19 victory. He took an early 7-2 lead in the semi-final against David Helliwell and was never behind, going on to win by 21-17.
John Holden avoided the preliminary round to win his first round game against Harry Ashworth by 21-9 and followed up with a 21-15 win against Richard Sugden in the quarter-final. He reached the final with s 21-11 victory over Colin Beard.
In the final, Robertshaw raced to an early 8-0 lead. Holden won the jack several times but failed to take advantage as Robertshaw went further ahead to led by 15-3 at the half-way stage and went on to claim the title by 21-8.