The CISWO darts finalists Terry Pickard (left) and Geoff Knowles (the winner).

The Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation's darts championship of the Burnley area was won at Bank Hall on Wednesday, 29th December 1971, by Geoff Knowles, who defeated Terry Packard 2 - 1 in a quick-fire final. In the semi-finals Knowles beat John Riley 2 - 1 and in the leg he won, Riley had a 113 finish; highest of the afternoon. Pickard accounted for Herbert Whitehead in the other match to decide the finalist with a 2 - 0 victory, and although his opponent was in front and missed the double two to win, Pickard had a remarkable finish. Requiring 68, he threw one, 17 and finished with a bull. Highest score was 143 by John Berry, with Robert Gregory having the highest start - 129 up to the final. Mr Dean had to leave Bank Hall for a hospital appointment and the competition was carried on by Mr Alan Harvey.

A disappointing feature of the competition was the absence of the usual Bank Hall contingent who provided the Hapton Valley entrants with keen competition as well as some long standing rivalry. Mr John Dean, the area secretary for CISWO, said that while all Bank Hall's ex-employees had been invited to enter, many had obtained other occupations and were on shift work. Mr Dean was disappointed at missing the later stages of the competition, which included some of the best players in Burnley.

The final brought some high scoring, with Pickard having 85 and 81 and was waiting for a 40 finish when his opponent, who had recorded a 99, checked on double top. Pickard took the second leg with a 91 score and a rapid finish, with Knowles, who had started with a ton requiring double 20. Knowles had a 140 in the final leg and again finished on double 20.