Central launch Parks defence at Springbank

SPRINGBANK has been chosen by Central Lancs and Pennines as the home venue for the first game in the defence of their British Parks title.

There is plenty of local interest in Sunday’s match against North Derbyshire (2pm start) with Steve Copeland and Alan Hodson (Springbank), and Mark Dwayre and Colin Lane (Tonge) among the home contingent.

Matt Gillies (Tonge) and Paul Heap (Springbank) will play in the away leg in Chesterfield.
At Springbank: P Craig v D Barracliffe; S Copeland v S Palmer’ M Holden v Dave Allon; A Hodson v Dale Allon; M Dwayre v D Wheatcroft; B Collinge v B Hill; J Wade v I Eaton; S McHugh v M Turner; P Fielding v D Watson; C Lane v D Shaw; N Brooks v M Binney; K McHugh v K Hampson.

At Hasland Park, Chesterfield: A Cairns v A Weston; K Howarth v D Shaw; P Stott v J Marshall; M Gillies v L Pashley; D Scott v L Hawkins; P Heap v C Hardacre; T Holt v D Spragg; G Hickey v L Davies; I Holden v M Backhouse; J Taylor v I Johnson; T Dobson v S Sharpe; D Holt v A Spragg.


Tonge drop title hint

TONGE strengthened their position as early favourites to win this year’s Manchester Premier League title when they recorded a superb 12-4 (189-170) victory at South Manchester RBL.

Jimmy Derby, the club’s only remaining contender for the league’s “Last Man Standing” award, led the way with a fine 21-9 success.

In-form Thomas Dobson won 21-18 in his anchor role at number 10, while Tonge’s other winners were Andrew Cairns (21-20), Colin Lane (21-13), Gary Ellis (21-14) and Simon Coupe (21-12).

Tonge will hope to boost their title claims next Wednesday (7.30pm) when they entertain the Lloyd Hotel, Chorlton.


ONLY seven places remain in this year’s Oldham Evening Chronicle Bowling Handicap, so anyone wishing should note that the final chance to enter comes up on Tuesday. Details on previous stories — search sport for “bowls handicap”.


HEATS in the Saddleworth League’s Bryan O’Neill pairs will be held on Saturday, May 29, with the finals on Sunday, May 30.

Entries will be accepted until May 20. Ring Bob Horrocks on 0797 2206461.


OLDHAM’S J Lord and R Fish lost 21-20 to J Taylor and D Craig (Whitworth) in the final qualifying round of the Brennan Paving mixed pairs at Norden BC, Rochdale.
R Crossley and C Seville, B Seville and D Fish and S Mellor and M Fisher carry local hopes in the heats on Sunday (5.30pm).

There are still vacancies in Norden’s Thwaites men’s pairs which starts on June 20 and continues for the following seven Sundays, with the finals on August 15.

For more information, ring Steve or Jean on 01706 527219.