Springbank star lifts trophy again

TROPHY TIME: Steve Copeland (left) and Alan Hodson show off their silverware.

BOWLS:


ALAN Hodson won the Oldham Evening Chronicle Bowling Handicap title for the second time in five years when he defeated hot favourite Steve Copeland in a classic final at Royton Cricket and Bowling Club.

The Springbank stalwart looked to be heading for an early exit on finals night when he trailed Lee Schofield 11-2 in the quarter-finals.

But he hit back to register a 21-17 victory — then never looked back.

After producing a stunning display to beat Mark Dwayre 21-5 in the semi-final, Hodson coped with everything Copeland could throw at him in a final of the highest quality.

After receiving the prestigious trophy from Chronicle deputy editor Bob Young, Hodson said: "This feels just as good as the first time I won it. But when I was 11-2 down in the first game I thought I was going to get a good hiding."

Three-times winner Copeland had been backed to 2-1 favourite and looked like justifying the punters' confidence when he breezed to the final with 21-4 and 21-9 victories.

When he led 18-16 in the final, Copeland had victory in his grasp.

But Hodson found a winning bowl — which initially looked as though it might not get there. That changed the game completely.

The finals went ahead in warm sunshine, and spectators turned out in force to watch.

Spectators appreciated the quality of play as the initiative swung one way and then the other.

But it was Hodson who found the telling woods when it mattered most.

Copeland's attempt to play through at a close bowl at end 28 went astray, leaving the Springbank man to celebrate a famous victory.




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