Champion Brian Duncan in action watched by his successful opponent Derek Nuttall and Mr Denis Hargreaves, one of the organisers of the competition.

Any hopes that Brian Duncan would win the St Andrew's invitation bowling handicap for the third year in succession were destroyed on Wednesday, 2nd June 1971, by Rawtenstall bowler Derek Nuttall, who beat the champion 41-34. Nuttall received eight start and although Duncan caught him at 16-all and then had one in at the next end, Nuttall went in front and increased his lead to 34-23. Duncan fought back to be five points behind when his opponent was 35. Duncan recovered further to be only two in arrears with Nuttall 36 but then the Rawtenstall player ran out.

In the other match Ken Johnson (Gargrave) beat G. Yates (Bolton) 41-33. Matches for Saturday: Bill Bennett (Warrington) v C. Armitage (Huddersfield) and G. Wardle (Irlam) v P. Newton (Keighley).