Inbev fixtures released

FIXTURES have been arranged for the new Inbev Winter Bowling League season, which gets under way on Chadderton Cot’s artificial surface tomorrow week.

The first game, which starts at 9.45am, features last year’s ‘A’ division runners-up Hopwood and Rochdale outfit New Street.

Waterloo and Taunton play Springbank at noon, while promoted Tonge take on reigning champions Royle at 2.15pm.

The following day sees new team Stalybridge play Vixens at noon, and Failsworth take on Dogwood at 2.15pm.

JONATHAN Copeland, who teamed up with his father David to win the Norden pairs title, has reached the last 16 of the Your Choice men’s singles at the same venue.

The Nimble Nook player booked his place on finals night with a 21-20 defeat of Bury’s Les Toft.

Also through are G Houghton (Leigh), L Bleakley (Ramsbottom) and A Fielden (Norden).

Heats continue on Sunday (6pm) when the draw is:

J Mort (Bolton) v C Lancaster (Eccles); J Woodward (Prestwich) v R Bancroft (Hyde); A Mather (Bamford) v J Hanson (Blackburn); C Firth (Leeds) v D Holt (Syke); C Harris (Prestwich) v P Hill (Leeds); J Barlow (Wigan) v B Yates (Norden); A Bidwell (Failsworth) v J Wescott (Blackburn); D Allen (Bolton) v M Clough (Wardle).


TONGE’S Manchester Premier League match at Wigan outfit Garswood Hall was abandoned on Wednesday because of a saturated green.

Still with an outside chance of winning the title, Tonge need a positive result at home to the Nursery Inn, Stockport, next Wednesday (7.30pm).