Local Bowls Roundup: Ellis and Wilson fly the flag in Merit

GARY ELLIS and Graeme Wilson provide strong local interest in the All-England Merit at Pilkington Recreation Club, Doncaster, tomorrow (10am).

Ellis, the 11-2 favourite to win the £1,000 top prize, takes on Yorkshire’s Nicky White in the first round, while Oldham-based Yorkshireman Wilson, 7-1 second favourite, plays Lyndon Carr (North Lancs and Fylde).

Ellis and his younger brother Greg are in the last 16 of the Huntley Unionist Club Open in Bury on Sunday (4pm).

Also in the field are their Tonge team-mates Jimmy Derby and Darren Griffiths.

TONGE, despite fielding a weakened team, beat struggling Stockport outfit Nursery Inn 10.5-5 (173-162) in the Manchester Premier League on Wednesday.

Gary Ellis led the way with a 21-2 victory, while there were other wins from Darren Griffiths (21-10), Mark Dwayre (21-14), Matt Gillies (21–10) and Barry Walker (21-14).

Tonge entertain South Manchester RBL next Wednesday (7.30pm).

HEATS continue in the £3,000 Moorside Classic tonight (6.30) when the draw is: Ian McNeill v Brian Yates; Alan Hodson v Mike Holden; Glyn Storer v Tony Roberts; Graham Law v A N Other; Mike Smith v Gerwyn Davies; A N Other v Frank Lord; Martin Hodson v Ged Brown; Lee Cavill v A N Other.

TONGE’S Mark Dwayre and Thomas Dobson are in action in the Thwaites men’s pairs at Norden BC on Sunday (5.30pm).

Former Royton player Mike Holden teams up with another Tonge representative, Steve Copeland, on the same bill.


THE next Chadderton Bowling League delegates meeting will be held at West End BC on Tuesday, August 12 (8pm).

Entries for the merit and pairs competitions will be collected and trophies must be returned.