County set out to regain crown

Andrew Buckley

GREATER Manchester will on Sunday start as clear favourites to regain the County Championship crown they last won two years ago.

Derbyshire provide the opposition and although many of the names in their line-up are unfamiliar in this area, Manchester home-team skipper Andrew Buckley (pictured) is under no illusions as to the size of the task.

“Anyone that makes it to the county final has to be a good team, so we know we will have to play well to beat them,” he said.

With more rain forecast, conditions at the home venue of Hopwood Unionist Club in Heywood are likely to be heavy.

“I just hope it’s the same down there (Ashbourne BC, Derby) and if it does rain it certainly shouldn’t inconvenience our lads, who are used to it,” added the skipper.

Among some intriguing games at Hopwood are the clash of Darren Griffiths and John Hambleton – who has had a big bet on himself and Derbyshire to come out on top – Andrew Lowe against the talented David May, and Peter Craig versus the highly-rated Darren Smith.

However, the best could be reserved until last when Manchester’s regular No. 12 Mark Dwayre aims to continue a fine record for the county when he takes on Andy Spragg, one of the sport’s leading exponents.

Play gets under way at 2pm and the draw is:

At Hopwood (Manchester players first): Darren Griffiths v John Hambleton; Matt Gillies v Brian Hill; Chris Hayes v Dale Spragg; Andy Buckley v Jon Guess; Paul Heap v Mark Whelan; Andrew Lowe v David May; Colin Lane v Mac Backhouse; Nicky Brooks v Paul Mottram; Michael Holden v Paul Stretton; John Wade v Andy Milsom; Peter Craig v Darren Smith; Mark Dwayre v Andy Spragg.

At Ashbourne BC: Jimmy Derby v Steve Adams; Andy Cairns v Dave Allsop; Nigel Greenhalgh v Andy Fearn; David Walker v Richard Goldby; Steve Copeland v Darren Carter; David Thornley v Matt Kelly-Wally; Mike Gee v Neil Worthington; Ryan Goodman v Brian Smith; Gary Ellis v Paul Chamberlain; Alan Hodson v Calvin Jackson; Gareth Gwilliam v Simon Mills; Lee Turner v John Dewey.




TONGE had five winners at Warrington side Pierpoints on Wednesday, but lost their match in the Manchester Premier League by three chalks.

Matt Gillies (21-10), Gary Ellis (21-12), Colin Lane (21-13), Steve Squire (21-17) and Nicky Brooks (21-20) were the men on target for Tonge, who went down 8-7.5 (177-174).

Tonge will take on Altrincham side Budenbergs next Wednesday (7.30pm).




THE Failsworth League’s Castle cup semi-finals and final will take place at North Chadderton Social and Bowling Club on Sunday (10.30am) when the draw is:

Dog and Partridge (71) v Shaw Comrades (77), Werneth Cricket ‘A’ (80) v Nimble Nook ‘B’ (86).

SUE Wild and Debbie Wood beat Michelle Renshaw and Shirley Street 15-10 in the final of the Dr Kershaws pairs at Hollinwood Cricket Club.



Losing semi-finalists were Rachel Fish and Karen Houlston, and Maureen Hicklin and H Lewis.

Despite the bad weather, over £300 was raised for Dr Kershaws.




TONGE’S Colin Lane has qualified for the finals of the Your Choice men’s singles competition at Norden BC, along with Andrew Lowe (Healey), John Wade (Syke) and J Grey (Healey).

Heats continue on Sunday (6pm).




ENTRIES are being accepted for next year’s £1,550 John Willie Lees Classic at Hopwood Unionist Club.

The first 64 entries at £10 will be accepted, winners of two games are on finals day and £25, and the winner walks away with £500.

Heats (6.30pm) will be held on Fridays May 29, and June 5, 12 and 19, with the final 16 on Sunday, June 28 (4pm).

Entries (cheques payable to S McHugh), with SAE and choice of date, should go to: Steve McHugh, 185 Middleton Road, Hopwood, Heywood, Lancs OL10 2LH. Tel: 01706 367282.