THE annual Move It Doubles competition, held in memory of Mel Edmondson, proved to be extra special this year as family members turned out in force to take part - and daughter Sarah ended up on the winning team.

It was the perfect present for Mel who would have been celebrating his 73rd birthday.

Mel ran the competition at Ribblesdale Wanderers Cricket & Bowling Club to bring social members, non bowlers and bowlers together and teamed them up in pairs.

And it proved to be a real family affair as nine of Mel’s close family were invited to take part, from brothers, sisters, sons, daughter and three grandchildren.

And it was daughter Sarah Varley who was flying the flag for the Edmondsons as she teamed up with Trevor Holt to win the title.

Mel’s wife, Kath, once again sponsored the very popular in-house competition while Sarah took tiem out from playing to help make teas for all the players and spectators.

The competition was run on a round robin basis with four groups of eight totalling 32 players and all the games were played 15 up.

The winner of each group went through to the knockout stages where the Edmondson family were well represented.

In the first semi final, Varley and Holt narrowly beat Ian Edmondson and Roy Nelson 15-14 while Duncan Niven and Lisa James ended the hopes of Stephen Edmondson reaching the final who, along with George Rushton, were defeated 15-11.

But Varley made sure there would be a birthday treat for dad Mel as she and Holt ran out 15-9 winners against Niven and James.

n Results

Semi final: Sarah Varley & Trevor Holt 15-14 Ian Edmondson & Roy Nelson, Duncan Niven & Lisa James 15-11 George Rushton & Stephen Edmondson.

Final: Duncan Niven & Lisa James 9-15 Sarah Varley & Trevor Holt.