The Handmark Engineering-sponsored Jack Marklew Memorial Open Singles was won in fine style by Liam Howard as he defeated Steve Hunter 21-12 in the final at Hawcoat Park last Sunday.
Howard opened up his account by defeating Adam Miller, followed by Ryan Smith and Derek Southward before switching to the No.2 green, where he stepped up another gear in knocking out Kevin Edwards in the quarters and Ian Nicholson in the semis
He raced into a 12-3 lead, only to see Nicholson peg back to 17-16 down, before the Barrow lad clinched the last four points for a 21-17 victory.
Hunter, showing the consistency of good line and length bowling all day, accounted for Hazel Boradail in the opening game, followed by Matt Simpson, Geoff Maudsley, Matty Stewart and Danny Edmonds in the semis.
He also took an early 10-5 lead, but maintained the points gap throughout the game to win 21-14 and progress comfortably.
In the final, Hunter took an early 3-1 lead, only to concede the next six ends to trail 10-3. The West Shore man battled back over the next ten ends to reduce the margin to 15-12, but it was at this point where Liam regained the jack to run out a worthy winner.
Tony Marklew presented the prizes, and thanks were given to the sponsors, the ladies for their hard work in the kitchen, and all markers, measurers, bowlers and supporters for their efforts in the autumnal conditions.
Results
Quarter finals: K Edwards 3 L Howard 21, I Nicholson 21 R Moxham 18, S Hunter 21 M Stewart 16, D Edmonds 21 M Procter 15.
Semi-finals: L Howard 21 I Nicholson 17, S Hunter 21 D Edmonds 14.
Final: L Howard 21 S Hunter 12.
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