Gary Beff enjoys a fine run to the final four

The Chester Road bowler claimed two top-class scalps to reach the semi-finals at the Black Country club before bowing out to eventual title winner, Potteries ace Gary Owen.

But 49-year-old Beff was chuffed with his efforts – and more than £200 better off as a result.

He beat Merseyside big gun Dave McDermott 21-20 in the last 16 before a 21-18 quarter-final success over Burway No.1 Wayne Rogers, a past winner of the County Merit and Meole Brace Open.

A 21-8 loss to Owen in the last four was no disgrace while at the same time Highley’s Darrell Handley was losing 21-13 to eventual runner-up John Finch.

“I was very happy to have qualified, so to make it to the semi-finals was very pleasing,” said Beff, who has represented Shropshire in the Midland Alliance.

“It was great to edge two really tight games, especially against bowlers with such pedigree.

“I would have liked to have shown a bit more in the semi but I can’t have any complaints, Gary outplayed me – as he did John Finch in the final.

“I got £220 for making the semis and a few quid on me getting to the semis – at very long odds!”

Beff, operations director for Wild Photography Holidays, also bowls for Woore and his good run was the perfect way to celebrate the village club’s green having been saved from developers.

Owen, £750 richer for winning, also accounted for Clay Flattley (St Georges) 21-18 in the last eight while Handley was ending the hopes of Russ Pegram 21-10, the Newport man having won the West Brom title twice before.