HISTORY was made at the final meeting of the Yorkshire Crown Green Association when the amalgamation with the ladies section was finally introduced.

Founded in 1892, former Yorkshire president Dougie Mellor officially closed the old association and welcomed in the newly-formed body which had got the go-head at last year’s annual meeting.

Officers elected onto the new body were: President Alan Sharpe, deputy president Sheila Whiteley, secretary/treasurer Alan Stephenson, competition secretary Tony Emerson, assistant competition secretary Bridget Lunn, county registrar Joan Wrigley, child protection officer Hedley Kettlewell and auditor Wayne Hirst.

Whiteley, the first lady deputy president and secretary of Hove Edge BC, said: “I’m deeply honoured to accept this position and this is indeed an historic occasion.

“With the two organisations now coming together I see it as uniting bowling in Yorkshire and avoiding duplication.

“By coming together we can share good practice and have a stronger united voice.”

She added: “Bowling is the foundation of many friendships and I give you my commitment to ensure the great future of this magnificent game.”

It was also pointed out that the amalgamation of the men’s and ladies’ associations has already improved efficiency and reduced costs since there are two council members less since the two bodies became one.

The Skipton Building Society has increased their sponsorship to cover both the men’s and ladies’ Inter-District days and secretary Stephenson emphasised that there would be no change to the ‘jewels in the crown’ of the men’s and ladies’ games.

For example the Yorkshire Merit, Yorkshire Cup and Henry Taylor would remain ‘men-only,’ and the main ladies’ competitions would remain ‘female-only’.

“While we are respectful of the past, we must also embrace the future which is full of potential to progress the sport of crown green bowling.

This year’s Yorkshire Merit is sponsored for a second year by Elland CA and BC who will stage the final, Castleford and District will stage the men’s Inter-District day and Yorkshire Cup winners Brighouse Sports will bid for glory when they represent Yorkshire in the British Club Championship at Shrewsbury Severnside, on Sunday, April 27.

A Saturday Sixteen takes place at the Griffin, sponsored by Hit and Miss (11.30).

First round: (odds in brackets) R Sutton (12) v B Tinker (40), R Mudd (6) M J Sykes (8), G Sigsworth (8) H Ellis (25), S McMahon (40) D Woodruff (33), P Hopkinson (16) P Sigsworth (5/2), E Haigh (6) P Kain (5), S Parkin (33) J D Wright (20), M Higgins (16) R Taylor (33).

Successful bowlers who have qualified for the Intermediate rounds of the Bernard Sigsworth Memorial Trophy, will compete this Sunday for a place in the final on February 24 (11.30).

Intermediate round: (odds in brackets) P Sigsworth (3) A Daykin (3) T Wilson (33) D Walkden (20) R Brook (10) P Kain (9) G McMahon 16 R Wormald (8) B Morley (12) E Haigh (8) J D Wright (25) M J Sykes (14) C Davies (20) B Tinker (66) B Gibson (25) S Hirst (5/2).