Bowls: Daykin the main man in Merit

Jun 18 2009 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

ASHLEY DAYKIN will be the man to beat when the Huddersfield Merit final is staged for the first time at Almondbury BC on Sunday (2.00).

The Netherton Con star is looking for a fifth win in nine years in the district’s premier event, which is sure to attract plenty of support to the Westgate venue.

Daykin – Champion of Champions winner in 2007 – is in the bottom half of the draw and is rated a 7/4 chance to land a second title in three years and the first prize of £300 in the TJ Garden Products-sponsored event.

His first opponent is Springwood’s John Webster who, at 5/1, is another leading contender for the crown with the bookmakers.

Others at the forefront of the betting are sure to include Kirkheaton Con’s David Fox, fresh from his Yorkshire county debut and a 7/1 shot for the punters. Fox is up against John Bloomer (Albion) in the first round.

Don’t rule out a strong challenge from Linthwaite CBC’s Gareth McMahon (8/1), who takes on clubmate Mick Armitage in the opening round of 16.

Frank Greenwood – Champion of Champions victor in 1996 – will be aiming to fly the flag for Golcar Lib as an 8/1 chance, taking on Neil Jones of Almondbury Lib (20/1).