A CROWN green bowler smashed a bowling wood into his opponent's face as violence flared during a match between two local clubs, a judge heard.

Derek Entwistle, chairman of Dobbies Bowling Club, Radcliffe, deliberately struck Harvey Moore, of Turton Bowling Club, as he knelt down.

Mr Moore, a prison officer suffered a fractured cheek bone, causing a visible dent in the side of his face.

Judge Michael Lever, presiding at Bolton Crown Court yesterday, said it was an astonishing incident involving two men in their 50s.

He said Mr Moore could have been killed by being struck with a bowls wood in this way.

He said only Entwistle's age had saved him from an immediate prison sentence. Alaric Bassano, prosecuting, said surgery was required and Mr Moore was off work for11 weeks while he recovered. The incident on Thursday May 9 this year happened at Dobbies Club, Radcliffe. Entwistle, of Cromer Avenue, Tonge Park, Bolton, pleaded guilty to unlawfully inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Moore.

Mr Bassano said the incident happened when Mr Moore was called to make a measure between bowls and the jack in a game in which Mr Entwistle was playing.

Entwistle became agitated. He picked up a bowl and hit Mr Moore on the face.

Afterwards Entwistle apologised for what he had done, Mr Bassano added.

Philip Cattan, defending, said Entwistle, a married man of previous good character, had been apologetic and remorseful immediately after the incident. He said bowling had been Entwistle's life and this source of social contact, comfort and enjoyment was now lost to him.

He said at the time of the incident Entwistle had been receiving anti-depressant treatment from his doctor.

Judge Lever imposed a six months sentence which he suspended for two years and he ordered Entwistle to pay Mr Moore £1,000 compensation.

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