Finals spot for Wilf

BOWLS: WILF McDermott overcame his Springbank team-mate and three-times champion Steve Copeland to reach the finals of the Oldham Evening Chronicle Bowling Handicap.

McDermott saw his rival hit back from 20-12 to 20-17 in their third-round clash, but a superb final bowl earned him a ticket to finals night at North Chadderton Social and Bowling Club on Saturday, July 9.

Joining him there will be Peter Fielding, Brian Raynor and Dave O’Brien.

Former runner-up Fielding (Crompton) was the qualifier at Delph, recording three 21-18 victories, the last at the expense of Steve Mellor (Nimble Nook).

Raynor (Chadderton Cot) came through at Royton, holding off the challenge of Martin Hodson (Springbank) to earn a 21-18 third-round verdict.

Hodson had earlier beat defending champion Gary Coverdale (North Chadderton) 21-9.

And the Hodson family were out of luck at Nimble Nook, too, Martin’s father Alan losing out 21-18 in the third round to Springbank team-mate O’Brien.


THE draw for the finals of the Oldham Evening Chronicle Bowling Handicap, to be played at North Chadderton Social Club on Saturday, July 9, is:
John Rudkin (1) v Peter Fielding (2); Wilf McDermott (scr) v Darren Griffiths (2); Barbara Cooper (5) v Andy Buckley (2); Dave O’Brien (2) v Brian Raynor (3).