LEIGH & DISTRICT

AS THE FOLLOWING YEARS unfolded and the competition matured into a much sought after title. Every local bowler became extremely keen to try to gain qualification for this prestigious event.​

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1999 saw the inclusion of the CEMS league (2 qualifying competitions) and 4 other leagues introduce Player of the Season competitions to increase the qualifying competitions for their respective leagues. This resulted in 24 qualifying competitions and a field of 18 bowlers.

  After qualifying by winning the Vets Individual Harold Peake became the 2nd winner. He started slowly struggling to beat John Atherton 21-18 in the first round but once he settled on a mark  along the edge parallel to the clubhouse he then cleared out the rest of his opponents. He beat Alan Price to 14, Phil Boydell in the semi-final to 12 and Dave Green to 12 in the Final. The presentation was made by the Chief Executive of the British Crown Green Bowls Association Mr John Crowther.