In the first match of the Co-operative Funeralcare European Masters Finals tournament here at Blackpool Newton Hall Holiday Park it was Brian Hawkins from Clarrie Dunbar that outbowled Neil Smith from Westlecot to take the first match honours. In the first set it was clear that Smith was struggling to get to grips with the carpet. Hawkins went 4-1 up by the end of the 3rd end and continued to defy Smith taking another 3 singles before Smith managed to get a double to go into the 8th end 7-2 down. It was Hawkings that sealed the first set by taking another double in the 9th to take the set 9-2.
Into the second set and Smith recovered some of his form to go 6-1 up in the 4th end and Hawkins missed the shotclock and dropped one bowl. It was a rattled Hawkins that needed to recompse himself. At 7-2 down going into the 7th it looked as if Hawkins was going to be taken to a tie break by Smith but suddenly Hawkins composed himself and again came out of the blocks with some astounding bowls to