THIS year's Wallasey Association's Veterans Tournament was won by Harrison Park's Jack Beecham who beat Hoylake Central's Kenny Palin in the final.

Playing at Central Park on Sunday, Beecham had only just crept through his quarter final tie with club mate Tommy Davis 21-20, when he had to come from 20-18 down, before having a slightly easier win in the semis against Frank Ryan of the Bronze.

Palin also had a tough match in the quarters against Manor Road's George Stead and he then had an equally hard game in the semi finals against another Manor Road player Kenny Howard.

After a long, hot afternoon in the sun it was a very relieved Jack Beecham who finally clinched the title with a 21-16 win.

Results: Quarter-finals: K Palin (Hoylake Central) 21, G Stead (Manor Road) 19; K Howard (Manor Road) 21, Mo Saville (Sandridge) 15; J Beecham (Harrison Park) 21, T Davis (Harrison Park) 20; F Ryan (Bronze) 21, F Potter (Bronze) 17.

Semi-finals: Palin 21, Howard 19; Beecham 21, Ryan 15. Final: Beecham 21, Palin 16.

It is disappointing to have to report that both the Wirral clubs left in the Cheshire County's Brunner Cup lost at the semi final stage on Saturday.

Tixall went down by 219-201 to Castle Private on the very tricky green at Sale Cons. while Gladstone lost to the powerful Lloyds Hotel team 225-207.

The Bebington and District Geoff Clare Trophy final was played on a very fast Albany green and was won by Arno Cl who just crept home by three shots to defeat Thingwall 'C' (off 12).

All the games were tight but, as in last year's Great Eastern final, Kieron Ivers held his nerve to steer Arno to victory.

Last season Arno won their league cup and were relegated; this season they will be hoping to win their league cup and be promoted.

Next weekend, Sunday, July 21, Birkenhead and District Park's team have a hugely important game against South Yorkshire to decide which goes forward to the final stages of the Park's County games.

Both teams have easily won their two previous games so it is all to play for. The home match is at Tixall and the away fixture is at Meersbrook Park in Sheffield, both start at 2pm.

The 20th Richard Evans Junior Competition is taking place this Saturday, July 20, and is held as usual at the Cammell Laird Club. The juniors are to arrive by 11am for the 11.30am draw.