NORTH Lancs and Fylde county player, Peter Hawkes from Preston won the Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings Singles competition at the Social Club on Saturday, when he defeated Whitehall's Steve Houghton 21-16 in the final.

In the first quarter-final, county player and former title winner Mick Chapman from Alexandra had a comfortable 21-11 win over Mick Lambert from Haslingden.

The second quarter-final brought together Peter Hawkes and Haslingden bowler John Barrett. In a close contest Peter sneaked home 21-18. The third quarter final saw Steve Houghton defeat Darwen Subs Roy Pickup 21-17.

In the last quarter-final Haslingden's Ian McNeill had a 21-4 victory over Darwen Subs' John Kilcoyne.

In the first semi-final Peter Hawkes faced Mick Chapman. Peter moved into an early 8-3 lead before Mick levelled the match at 9-9. It was nip and tuck up to 18, before Peter got the necessary chalks for a 21-18 win. In the second semi, Steve Houghton faced Ian McNeil. Steve bowled consistently well to win 21-7.

In the final, Steve Houghton played Peter Hawkes. Peter dominated the early stages, leading 4-0 and 16-4 before Steve got himself back into the match with a six break to go behind 10-16, Peter then moved ahead to lead 18-13 before Steve fought back to within two points at 18-6. Peter then gained the final three singles to clinch the £200 first prize and the title, 21-16.

The Cup and prizes were presented by Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings representative Steven Ainsworth.

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