Tonge boost squad for title defence
Reporter: Bowls round-up by KEITH McHUGH
Date published: 05 February 2010
TONGE have strengthened their squad for the defence of their British Team Championship title at Irlam Steel in the spring.
As reigning champions, Tonge must concede eight chalks start to the rest of a top-quality field.
But with Jimmy Derby and Darren Griffiths - both missing from last year’s team - back in the reckoning and new recruit Simon Couple also available, Tonge will surely be the team to beat.
They begin their challenge against Huddersfield side Almondbury Libs on Irlam’s number one green on Sunday, March 21.
The winners will play St Josephs (Chorley) or Millhouses (Sheffield) on the number two green in a bid to reach the finals on April 18.
Said Tonge manager Tom Ellis: “It won’t be easy giving eight start, but I think we are up to it. We have got a really strong squad.
“But all the teams who have qualified for this event have proved themselves by getting there. You can’t underestimate anybody.”
Also in the event are another Chadderton League side, Hopwood, who qualified by beating Tonge in the final of the Greater Manchester Cup.
They kick off on April 11 with a match against Coventry outfit Copsewood.
QUALIFYING rounds for this year’s Oldham Evening Chronicle Bowling Handicap will be held on Fridays June 4 and 11 at venues to be decided.
The finals will be held at North Chadderton Social and Bowling Club on Saturday, July 10.
MATCHES in Chadderton Cot’s Inbev Winter Bowling League this weekend are:
Saturday (‘B’ Division) - Stalybridge v Failsworth at 9am; Prestwich v Dogwood at 11am; Vixens v Lees/Springhead at 1pm; Prestwich v Vixens at 3pm.
Sunday (‘A’ Division) - Waterloo and Taunton v Hopwood at 9am; Springbank v Nimble Nook at 11am; Royle v New Street at 1pm; Royle v Springbank at 3pm.
HOPWOOD Unionist Club, Heywood, are running an early-season five-man team competition.
Al matches will comprise three singles and one pairs, with names to be drawn from the hat.
Heats will be held on Saturdays and Sundays March 27 and 28 (noon and 2pm) and Monday, March 29, Tuesday, March 30, Wednesday, March 31 and Thursday, April 1 (6.30pm).
The quarter-finals will be held on April 6, 7, 8 and 9 (6.30pm) with the semi-finals and final on Sunday, April 11 (1pm).
Limited to 16 teams, entry costs £25 (cheques payable to Hopwood Unionist Club).
Payment, SAE and choice of date should go to: Peter Burt, c/o Hopwood Unionist Club, Manchester Road, Heywood, OL10 2AP. Tel: 01706 360003 (Monday-Friday, 9am-noon).
If the full complement of teams take part, the winners will receive £250, runners-up £150, losing semi-finalists £50, and quarter-finalists £25.
ENTRIES are being accepted for the Women’s Talbot Trophy at Marton Institute, Blackpool.
Limited to the first 64 entrants, the £850 competition has heats on Saturday August 7 (10am and 1pm) and Friday, August 20 (10am and 1pm).
The final 16 will play on Saturday, September 11 (10.30am) when the winner will receive £250.
Entries (£10, cheques payable to Marton Institute) should go with SAE and choice of qualifying session to: Julie Holcroft, 8, Ord Avenue, Blackpool, FY4 4DW. Tel: 01253 312846.
ANOTHER club taking entries are Norden BC, for the Brennan Paving mixed pairs competition.
Heats will be on Sundays May 2, 9, 16 and 23 (5.30pm), with the finals on May 30 (4pm). Entry fee is £10.
For more information ring Steve or Jean on 01706 527219 or 0776 7674699.
