Local aces set sights on top prize

BOWLS: FOUR of our area’s leading players will bid for the £1,000 top prize in the Champion of Champions tournament at the Waterloo Hotel, Blackpool, tomorrow (10am).

Failsworth’s Lee Lawton takes on Wigan’s Nicky Shaw, while Nimble Nook’s Gary Ellis, Andrew Buckley and Darren Griffiths face the respective challenges of Matt Bower (Sheffield), Callum Wraight (Shrewsbury) and Matt Gilmore (Merseyside).

Ellis, who last week successfully defended his Waterloo Handicap crown, is the 7-2 second favourite behind former Oldhamer Graeme Wilson.

Wilson, beaten 21-20 by Lee Heaton in the Waterloo semi-final, is a 5-2 shot.



TONGE remained in contention for the runners-up slot in the Manchester Premier League following their 12-1.5 (195-125) demolition of Tottington at home on Wednesday night.

Darren Griffiths collected the kitty with a 21-4 win, while the other successful Tonge players were Jimmy Derby (21-15), Lawrence Hallett (21-6), Steve Squire (21-14), Mark Dwayre (21-10), Andy Cairns (21-13), Thomas Dobson (21-9), Stuart Mort (21-16) and Gary Ellis (21-17).

Tonge’s last two games are away from home. They go to Wigan for a rearranged match against Garswood Hall on Tuesday, while the following night they are at Sale XL. Both matches start at 7.30pm.



THIS weekend’s fixtures in the Inbev Winter Bowling League at Chadderton Cot are:

Tomorrow (‘A’ division): Nimble Nook v Tonge at 9.45am; Royle v Waterloo and Taunton at noon; Springbank v Hopwood at 2.15pm.

Sunday (‘B’ division): Lees/Springhead v North Chadderton at 9.45am; Vixens v Failsworth at noon; Prestwich v Stalybridge at 2.15pm.


SPRINGBANK BC are running a four-bowl individual handicap on Sunday, October 4 (noon).

The first 32 entries at £5 will be accepted. Contact Paul Heap on (01457) 820382 or 07766 915513.