Death of Syke ace

BOWLS:

CROWN green bowls has lost one of its most respected players, Peter Craig, after a short illness.

Craig (60) won the Green Final Handicap for a record fourth time in 2009 - a trophy he also won in 2000, 2005 and 2007.

He was the cornerstone of the Syke team in the ‘A’ Division of the Chadderton League and was a regular Greater Manchester team player.

Green Final chairman Keith McHugh, who played in the same team as Craig at Syke and Walsden (in the Halifax League) said: “It is tragic that anyone should die at such a relatively young age. Peter was still competing at the highest level in his final season.

“His record in the Green Final says it all. There are many bowlers out there desperate to win the competition once, so to do it four times was simply incredible.

“I knew him for well over 30 years and have lost a good friend. Peter had lots of friends in the Oldham area and will be sadly missed.”