Melton Bowls Club’s invitation Happy Haddock Triples Tournament produced one of the closest contests for several years with only four points separating the top five teams.

East Anglian Daily Times: Action in the Happy Haddock Triples Tournament at Melton. Picture: RAY ANDREWSAction in the Happy Haddock Triples Tournament at Melton. Picture: RAY ANDREWS (Image: Archant)

The winning triple was Don Baldock, Maurice Page and Martin Milbourne who finished two points ahead of Peter Moyes, Michael Blackman and Derick Sharpe with Richard Parker, Ann and George Hickinbothan a further half point behind taking third spot.

This popular event, sponsored by Darrell Howard, now in its 17th year, attracted a full entry of 72 bowlers and Melton’s bowls green, was as usual, in excellent condition with play of the highest standard.

With one game remaining for each team, five of the 24 teams were unbeaten and in contention to take the trophy, making for a nail-biting conclusion to the event.

Richard Parker’s triple, on 43 points, held a single point lead over the team led by Don Baldock with the triple of Darrell Howard a further 3 points adrift.

The teams of P Moyes on 38 points and L Keeley on 36 points were also unbeaten.

But Parker’s triple only managed a draw in their last game against P Carter and finished with 51.5 points just enough for third spot.

And Baldock’s team had a good last game, picking up 14 points against B Ling to establish an unbeatable lead with 54 points and leaving the rest to fight for the minor places.

Moyes’ team had an excellent win in their last game against D Lennard, carding a very good total of 52 points, which would have normally been enough to win, but they had to settle for second on this occasion.

Both Howard and Keeley had good wins in their last games against I Saunders and T Wilkins respectively, but just failed to get into the top three places.

Darrell Howard, the sponsor of the tournament, presented the trophy and prizes at the completion of the event.