Club News
So onto Friday's final and what a lineup we've got. Remember that all Finals Day matches are 31-up so there are sure to be plenty of twists and turns along the way until we crown the 2022 Champion. It will be interesting to see how this new format is played out.
Among the strong contenders will be three Lower Hopton contenders and they are all in the top half of the draw with Graeme Wilson likely to be the favourite from that half.
In the lower half there is the 2021 winner, Simon Coupe, as well as multiple competition winner this year, including the Huddersfield Merit, Jack Dyson.
With three rounds of 31-up for the finalists, it is going to demand stamina, prolonged concentration as well as the skill and tactical nous over 100 ends of top quality bowling before the winner will eventually emerge.
Scroll down for .... the draw; betting odds; prize fund and pen pictures of the eight finalists.
CROSLAND MOOR OPEN ‘64’ 2022
PLAYER PREVIEW
Lee JOHNSTONE (Lower Hopton) 11/2 Lee has taken quite a liking to Crosland Moor, consistently winning here in the Mirfield League (the swine!) and qualifying for the final in back-to-back years. A tough opener against teammate Ian Booth, but Lee will be confident having come through some tough games against Yorkshire county stars to qualify.
Ian BOOTH (Lower Hopton) 8/1 Ian stormed through his first couple of qualifying games before Taffy Chris Davies put the brakes on and made him work to grind out a 21-20 victory to book his slot on finals day. Full of confidence qualifying for and winning comps this year, Ian will fancy his chances of picking up more silverware.
Barry HOLLAND (Penistone) 16/1 A breakthrough performance for Barry in the competition as he showcased his undoubted ability with impressive wins to qualify. A difficult task ahead in the form of a certain Mr Wilson, but Barry will be confident if he reproduces his qualifying form he can go deep in the tournament.
Graeme WILSON (Lower Hopton) 2/1 The bookies favourite and previous winner Graeme. What can I really say that has not been said before? Plays the green immensely well, and will be looking to build up a head of steam ready for the big County final on Sunday.
Jack DYSON (Thongsbridge) 5/1 The two-time previous winner will be hoping to draw on those good memories and all his green experience as he faces the defending champion Simon Coupe in the opening round. Jack comes off a stellar year with a maiden Yorkshire Merit success and winning the Mirfield League this week – will that form continue?
Simon COUPE (Preston) 3/1 An impressive run of 9 games unbeaten now on the Moor for Simon as he looks to defend the crown he won at the first time of asking last year. The tough prospect of Jack Dyson stands in the way of him repeating history, the only other player to have defended the title.
Greg SMITH (Birmingham) 9/4 Greg’s first appearance on finals day and if his qualifying form is anything to go by, we are in for a real spectacle. A procession of ridiculously close bowling saw him qualify with ease – who is to say he will not do it again over 3 games of 31up?
Chris BLY (Bury) 12/1 The bookies odds reflect the task ahead for Chris as he faces the toughest of runs to the trophy – but then again so did his qualifying night and he came through that with aplomb! Could this be the toughest run to a competition win ever? Who knows but Chris can do it based on his qualifying form.
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