Top of the Pops

Photo: PICTURE by DARREN ROBINSON

MY HERO. . . Andrew Buckley and daughter Olivia.

Bowls:
ANDREW Buckley has revealed the secret of his Waterloo Handicap triumph — his five-year-old daughter, Olivia.

The 44-year-old Nimble Nook and Springbank star lifted crown green bowling’s most prestigious prize in Blackpool thanks to the inspiration given to him by the child he affectionately calls “Olipops”.

“Olivia lives with her mum in Ashton, but I get to see her once or twice a week and have taken her to some bowling handicaps with me,” said Buckley.

“And she’s also had a go at bowls already! Like me, she had her first try at the age of two and, also like me, she enjoys playing far more than watching.

“She has been my inspiration this year. I am far more at ease with myself knowing I have her and have been able to cope with pressure situations much better.

“In fact in the final she came to mind as I was sending the winning bowl.”

Buckley has been a regular winner on the crown green circuit for many years, his notable successes including two Spring Waterloo triumphs and victory in the Crown King Classic.

This season, which saw him win three major handicaps before the Waterloo success, has been his most lucrative.

“Winning it was my lifetime’s ambition; I’m still buzzing,” he said.



ROYTON Cricket and Bowling Club members are mourning the loss of club stalwart Kevin Yates, who has died at the age of 67.

Royton bowling chairman Tony Hunt said: “Kevin did a tremendous amount of work and will be greatly missed by all members of the club and the hundreds of people he knew in the local bowling fraternity.”



WATERLOO champion Andrew Buckley and his Nimble Nook team-mate Gary Ellis carry the hopes of Oldham in the Champion of Champions event in Blackpool tomorrow (10am).

The 32-strong event features a stellar field which, as the competition’s name implies, is a gathering of major tournament winners from all regions of the crown green bowling world.

Buckley opens against experienced Shropshire player Richie Goddard, while Ellis takes on 14-year-old Kieran Clark, the shock winner of the Cumbria Senior Merit.

Buckley and Ellis are 6-1 to win the tournament, behind 5-2 favourite Graeme Wilson and Simon Coupe (5-1).

Buckley is the favourite to win the Delph Open on Sunday (noon).