Tonge take over at the top

TONGE raced to the top of the Manchester Premier League with a superb 15-2 (201-148) victory at Chorley outfit St Joseph’s.

Jimmy Derby led the way with a 21–6 success, while there were others wins from Gary Ellis (21-12), Colin Lane (21-13), Darren Griffiths (21-19), Stuart Mort (21-19), David May (21-20), Nicky Brooks (21-8) and Thomas Dobson (21-9).

Tonge’s next match is at home to fellow title challengers Lower Hopton next Wednesday (7.30pm).


CROMPTON BC will host the home leg of Central Lancs and Pennines’ British Parks Championship match against reigning champions South Yorkshire on Sunday (2pm).

There is plenty of local interest in the side, with Steve Copeland, Alan Hodson, Colin Lane, Barry Kitson and Mark Dwayre all in action.

The away leg will be held at Crookesmoor BC, where Paul Heap plays the anchor role for Central.

At Crompton (Central names first): Peter Craig v Jonathan Sneddon; Steve Copeland v Chris Kelly; Alan Hodson v David Hallam; Colin Lane v Mick Crawshaw; Barry Kitson v Matt Beever; Mike Holden v Andy Whittaker; Steve McHugh v Luke Davis; Ian Bottomley v Steve Lonnia; Barry Collinge v Chris Hill; Keith McHugh v Nigel Bratton; Mark Dwayre v Richard Howson; Tim Holt v Craig Hill.

At Crookesmoor: Andy Cairns v Mark Barlow; Keith Howarth v Peter Worfolk; Darren Scott v Glyn Davies; Ian Holden v David Mallinson; Nicky Brooks v Kevin Williams; Peter Fielding v Neil Rodgers; Peter Stott v Frank Woodhead; Graham Hickey v Andrew Davison; Thomas Dobson v Robert Grayson; John Wade v Gary Ainley; Gareth Gwilliam v Peter Tomlinson; Paul Heap v Jack Clarke.

THIS year’s Oldham Evening Chronicle Bowling Handicap is now full and the draw for the competition, which begins on Friday, June 5, will be published next week.


S MELLOR and M Fisher, B Seville and D Fish and R Crossley and C Seville will carry Oldham hopes in Norden BC’s Brennan Paving mixed pairs on Sunday (5.30pm).


CHADDERTON Bowling League delegates will meet at West End Bowling Club on Tuesday (8pm) when entries for the President’s Handicap must be handed in.