Bob Booth is the 2026 LDT Champion

Veterans League

This year's Final of the Lower Division's Trophy featured two bowlers who had to face and beat their own teammates to reach that stage. Aaron Stott beat his Meltham teammate Alan Starkey in the quarter-finals by 21-14 before seeing off the very real challenge of David Brown Sports bowler Derek Frost in the semis. Then it was the turn of Lindley Lib bowler Bob Booth to beat his teammate Mick Ward 21-14 to reach his first competition Final appearance.

On a fast-running Longwood green the two finalists faced up to each other with Aaron adding to his +3 handicap advantage to extend his lead to 5-0 after the first two ends. However Bob was having none of that and clocked up his first points to narrow the gap to one with the scores at 6-5 to the Meltham man. A run of 5 straight points won enabled Aaron to build an 11-6 lead which didn't last long as Bob doubled his tally to take the scores to 12-11 to his advantage. He was in no mood to concede his lead and stretched his advantage to 17-12 before Aaron managed a late response before Bob ran out a 21-13 Champion.