STEVEN Hitchon won the Harold Blackburn Trophy for the second time in seven years after coming out on top in a thrilling final against Steve Barnes.

The competition, held at Clitheroe Cricket and Bowling Club, brought together the top eight bowlers on finals day – and they served up a real treat.

Hitchon, of the host club, won through to the final after beating Dave Cunliffe of Sabden Blue in the quarter finals and Pat Bonney in the semi finals.

With home advantage, Hitchon soon wiped off the minus two handicap to level at four across. Barnes, of Rishton Con A, scored a double at the next two ends to lead 8 -4, but Hitchon hit back to lead 10-8, a lead he increased to 18-12. Barnes cut the gap to 19-17.

However he was unable to maintain the momentum as Hitchon got through the tapes with two singles.

n Results - Quarter Final: Steven Hitchon (Clitheroe Ckt A)21-18 Dave Cunliffe (Sabden Blue), Pat Bonney (Clitheroe Ckt A) 21-13 Ian Edmondson (Clitheroe Ckt A), Steve Barnes (Rishton Con A) 21-11 Bob Duckworth (Gt Harwood H), Eric Wallace (Ribblesdale A) 21-3 Dave Burns (Rishton Con A) Semi-Final: Steven Hitchon 21-12, Steve Barnes 21-20 Eric Wallace.

Final: Steven Hitchon 21-17 Steve Barnes