Chris Barton is Flyer champion

3:45pm Tuesday 1st April 2008

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THE in-form Chris Barton won the last of the year's Sunday Flyers - the top 16 play-off - by defeating Gerry Riley in a great final.

Riley won the the Christmas top 16 play-off and, despite having had surgery on his knee during the week, he made a brave attempt to complete the double.

Barton had fairly comfortable wins in the quarter and semi-finals, defeating Geoff Lynch and Nick Woodward 21-14 and 21-15, respectively.

Riley was given a fright in the first round by Roger Griffiths - he had to come back from 17-11 down - but he then defeated Steve Scott and Bill Atkinson rather more easily.

The final was always a close game and could have gone either way, but Barton held his nerve and won 21-20.

RESULTS:

First round: W. Atkinson 21, P. Smith 8; E. Dutton 21, F. Arnell 18; S. Scott 21, E. Clayburn 18; G. Riley 21, R. Griffiths 17; J. Hignett 21, T. Walker 19; N. Woodward 21, T. Cavanagh 16; G. Lynch Jnr 21, J. Roberts 15; C. Barton 21, R. Davies 15.Quarter-Finals: Atkinson 21, Dutton 17; Riley 21, Scott 12; Woodward 21, Hignett 12; Barton 21, Lynch 14.Semi-Finals: Riley 21, Atkinson 16; Barton 21, Woodward 15.Final: Barton 21, Riley 20.All the players would like to thank Colin Saville for organising the Sunday Flyers and Sue Griffiths for turning up each week and providing a constant supply of hot drinks and toast for the bowlers. A fantastic job by both of them.Wirral bowling referees are reminded that their annual general meeting is scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday, April 3) at the ESWA Club, Park Road North, Birkenhead (7.15pm start). Any apologies should be sent to the Secretary Syd Taylor on 327 3536.