Keith Hanley claimed the title at the 2026 Warwick & Worcester Veterans Merit, sponsored by Darren Andrews (Duval Creations), producing a superb display to go one step further than last year and lift the crown at Moor Lane Bowls Club on Thursday 14th May.

Following his runner-up finish in 2025, Hanley returned in fine form and showed consistency throughout the day, navigating a strong field to ultimately come out on top in the final.

The competition began with a full opening round, with several early matches setting the tone despite changeable weather conditions. While showers threatened throughout the day, the event ran smoothly and avoided the worst of the rain, allowing play to continue in good spirits.

Among the early performers were Anne O’Loughlin, who progressed with a solid 21–9 win, and Roy Woolley, who advanced with a 21–12 victory. Paul Johnson also impressed in the opening round, recording a 21–13 win, while Mark Heath secured a 21–10 success to move into the next stage.

As the competition progressed into the second round, the standard continued to rise. O’Loughlin edged through a tight contest against Woolley, winning 21–18, while Johnson maintained his strong form with a convincing 21–6 victory over Heath. Keith Hanley entered the draw at this stage and quickly found his rhythm, producing a controlled 21–13 win to move into the latter stages.

Further strong displays came from Allan Hemming and Stephen Lediard, both progressing comfortably, while Karen Kinchin battled through a competitive match to secure her place in the quarter-finals. Chris Baker also moved through after a hard-fought win to round off the last eight line-up.

The quarter-finals saw the intensity increase, with several high-quality ties. Paul Johnson produced one of the performances of the round to defeat Anne O’Loughlin 21–3, while Hanley came through a tough test against Hemming, winning 21–18. Lediard continued his strong run with a 21–19 victory over Mark Denman, and Kinchin held her nerve to defeat Baker 21–16.

In the semi-finals, Hanley showed his class once again, overcoming Johnson 21–14 to book his place in the final. In the other semi-final, Lediard proved too strong for Kinchin, running out a 21–14 winner to set up the decider.

The final saw two of the day’s most consistent performers go head-to-head, and it was Hanley who rose to the occasion. Delivering another composed display, he secured a 21–16 victory over Stephen Lediard to take the title.

Stephen Lediard (Royal Oak) finished as runner-up after an excellent run through the competition, while Keith Hanley (Water Orton) was a deserved winner, showing quality and control throughout the day.

As is tradition, Warwick & Worcester will have two qualifiers progressing to the BCGBA Veterans Merit, which takes place at Prees Cricket & Recreation Bowls Club in Shropshire on Wednesday 1st July, starting at 10.00am.



For those wanting to see the full draw and results, they can be viewed here:

👉 View full draw