New winner of Over-70's Knock-Out

Veterans League

There is a new name on the Veterans League Over-70's Knock-Out trophy after yesterday's Finals Day at Lockwood Con. Home bowler Peter Kain is the 2026 winner of this competition after beating Gordon Walker (Kirkheaton Con) 21-12 in the Final.

The opening quarter-finals saw two home green bowlers facing each other. Mick Cox was the 2024 winner of this competition but there was to be no repeat for him as Peter Kain was on top form and took his clubmate out to single figures. His semi-final opponent was Lindley BC bowler Barry Tinker who had a great start and built up a 5-points lead before Peter got back into the match and the tie was finely balanced at 19-19 before Peter took a pair at the last end to progress through to the final.

My clubmate and pairs partner, Gordon Walker, is an amazing man. Now a very spritely 88-years-old and as keen as someone discovering a new sport. This was his fourth successive matchday and with two more scheduled to make it eight matches in six days and he had won all the previous ones, all away from home. Maybe the third match in one afternoon was one too much for him but he would never admit that. His third match of the day was his toughest but Gordon just doesn't give up but it was not to be. Well done to both finalists and the best bowler of the day took the title.

All the results are below, along with a selection of action photos taken on the day.

Veterans League President, John Pearman, presents the Over-70's KO Trophy to the 2026 winner Peter Kain of Lockwood Con. Runner-up, Gordon Walker (Kirkheaton Con) looks on,