Wayside’s Brian crowned champion of champions

Walker became the region’s Champion of Champions after beating off 24 major open title holders and club champions.

However, in the early rounds Starbeck’s Dave Spilsbury had undoubtedly been the in-form bowler, beating Bardsey’s Andy Dodsworth 21-17.

But in the first semi-final he met Walker and the Wayside bowler dominated from the first end on to clinch an excellent 21-11 win.

Almscliffe’s Carl Bushby met experienced Wayside campaigner Mark Reynolds in the other semi-final after both had resounding quarter-finals wins.

Bushby had beaten Trevor Ingledow 21-10 but he found Reynolds, who beat Brian Wrigglesworth 21-13 in the last eight, a tougher proposition and the Wayside bowler mixed up his length and line to secure a 21-14 win.

That meant clubmates Walker and Reynolds faced each other in the final.

Both players have had some epic battles previously and following the script they put on a fantastic bowling display to entertain the crowd.

First blood went to Reynolds but Walker soon had his hands on the block going into a commanding 11-3 lead. He was rarely more than six inches from the jack putting Reynolds under great pressure.

However, Reynolds claimed back the jack and went on his own super run bringing the game back to 13-13.

Walker swung the advantage back to himself pushing on to an 18-13 lead but he could not shake Reynolds off and he brought the game back to 17-18.

Again Walker took control going 20-17 up and bowling two superb bowls, one touching the jack and the other within 10 inches.

However, lying game down Reynolds had one bowl left to save the day. And save it he did with an incredible delivery he not only picked up the jack inch perfect put pushed it through to score two and bring the game to 19-20.

In the final end Reynolds would have been disappointed with his lead which he was unable to improve upon. Walker snapped up the opening and came in to clinch the title and bragging rights as the district’s number one bowler.