Griffiths geared up for Classic defence

BOWLS: DARREN Griffiths will on Sunday defend the Moorside Classic title he won in such brilliant fashion last year.

The Nimble Nook and Tonge star defeated Leek’s Dean Ferris 21-19 in the final 12 months ago and he begins this year’s finals day with a last-16 clash against Springbank’s Ged Smedley.

Griffiths’ team-mate Colin Lane takes on Ian Howarth, while Failsworth’s Lee Lawton plays Dave Gwilliam.


TONGE’S relentless march towards the Manchester Premier League title continued on when they won 13.5-3

(178-173) at the Lloyd Hotel, Chorlton.

Winners for Tonge were Andrew Cairns (21-13), Gary Ellis (21-14), Steve Squire

(21-12), Darren Griffiths

(21-15), Stuart Mort (21-17), Jonathan Copeland (21-19) and Simon Coupe (21-20).

Tonge entertain Longwood next Wednesday (7.30pm).




TONGE’S Andrew Cairns teamed up with Syke’s Peter Craig to win the Thwaites men’s pairs at Norden BC.



They defeated David Walker and Chris Livesey (Bacup) 21-13 in the final.




THERE are places available on all qualifying nights in the Springbank pairs.



Heats will be held on Monday To Thursday, September 20-23 (6.30pm), with the finals on Friday September 24.

Details from Paul Heap on 0776 6915513.




FAILSWORTH Bowls League delegates meet at Stanley Road Conservative Club next Tuesday (8pm) when the main item on the agenda is the pairs merit draw.