Hodson’s win of a lifetime

Alan Hodson (left) receives trophy from Sports Editor Bob Young

ALAN HODSON fulfilled a 40-year-old bowling ambition when he lifted the Oldham Evening Chronicle Bowling Handicap trophy at North Chadderton Social and Bowling Club on Saturday night.

"I've been entering this competition every year since 1968," said the popular Springbank player. "I've always wanted to win it, but the furthest I have been is when I was beaten in the semi-finals by Mark Dwayre (eventual champion, 2004)."

Hodson's hopes looked to be dashed once again in his semi-final against 1998 and 2002 champion Andrew Buckley. He trailed 20-16 and, having fought back to 20-across, his lead bowl was beaten by a six-inch wood by his opponent.

But, showing nerves of steel, Hodson defeated Buckley's bowl and the subsequent strike flew wide.

That proved to be the spur Hodson needed to go on to win the final and he claimed the £250 cheque in style, defeating Syke's Peter Fielding 21-16.

Ironically, Fielding had ended the title hopes of Alan's son, Martin, whom he beat 21-19 in the semi-finals.

In a week plagued by downpours, it was fortunate that the weather relented and provided the Chronicle finals with a dry, if cloudy night.

And the large crowd which turned up to watch enjoyed some close quarter-finals.

Alan Hodson, after surviving a fightback from competition president John Lord, who fought back from 12-6 down to level at 15, progressed with a 21-16 victory, while the big shock of the last eight saw Hodson jnr defeat Greater Manchester star Darren Griffiths 21-19 despite trailing 14-8.

Fielding hit back from 9-5 down to beat last year's runner-up Keith McHugh (Hopwood) 21-17, while Buckley defeated his Nook team-mate Colin Lane by the same score in a nip-and-tuck encounter.

Scores:

Quarter-finals: M Hodson 21, D Griffiths 19; P Fielding 21, K McHugh 17; A Hodson 21, J Lord 16; A Buckley 21, C Lane 17.

Semi-finals: Fielding 21, M Hodson 19; A Hodson 21, Buckley 20.

Final: A Hodson 21, Fielding 16.