JACK DYSON won the Dearne & Don Merit final in a thriller against holder Ashley Daykin.
There were never more than a few points between them in the rain-hit showpiece at New Mill WMC, with Netherton Con star Dyson eventually edging it 21-20.
At 17-17 – both men playing off scratch – Daykin led a short delivery to which Dyson led a side toucher. Daykin pulled up short and Dyson took full advantage to lead 19-17.
Dyson then led three-quarter corners and laid up short on both occasions, tying it up again at 19-19.
Despite Daykin leading out, it was Dyson who won with a single to lead 20-19 and have the title in his grasp, but he led into the corner and again dropped short, letting Daykin in with a 6in bowl.
Dyson bowled through, leaving Daykin looking at the title, but again it was short and the score was tied at 20-20.
With everything on the line, Daykin led across the green to put up a 6in side toucher and, when Dyson played through, Daykin laid a foot in front.
In a brilliant finale, Dyson played through and pushed the side toucher away to seal the title.
Quarter-finals – D Elmsall 20 T Poulter 21, J Dyson 21 K Williams 2, P Hallas 0 A Daykin 21, J Abbott 13 H Mellor 21.
Semi-finals – Poulter 12 Dyson 21, Daykin 21 Mellor 6.
Final – Dyson 21 Daykin 20.
