Bowls: John Webster returns to form to take title

Jun 25 2009 by Peter Barrow, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Webster returns to form to take title

SPRINGWOOD’S John Webster set out his stall early on the way to winning the Huddersfield Merit bowling title.

And his first-round win paved the way to glory.

The former county player faced Netherton Con’s Ashley Daykin, who was very much fancied to take the title, and won through the opening contest with an impressive 21-10 scoreline.

“Ashley was favourite to take the title, so I knew that was the game I had to win,” said Webster.

“It was a tough first round draw but I felt that if I could get through that game, then I really could back myself to go on and win.”

And the title has given Webster a real boost as he rediscovers the form that he admits has deserted him over recent seasons.

“I am delighted with the win. I knew I had been playing okay but it was that first game that mattered,” said Webster.

“I was playing for Yorkshire 10 years ago, but I went into something of a decline and my game has not been quite there. But I have been playing well of late and now I just want to keep my game together and hopefully go on and win a few more competitions.”

In the second round he faced the challenge of Longwood’s Ian Briggs and won through 21-17 before scoring a semi-final success over Moldgreen Con’s Michael Sweeney 21-16.