Bowling’s big two in line to clash in final

BOB HORROCKS (left), captain of Crompton ‘A’, receives the Law Swallow Cup from Saddleworth League president Tommy Charlton after his side’s victory over Springbank ‘A’ in the final at Springhead Bowling Club.

BOWLS: GARY Ellis and Graeme Wilson are on course for a final shoot-out in the Moorside Classic on Sunday (1.30pm).

After reaching the last 16, they have been drawn in opposite halves of the draw so there is a chance the game’s top two players may battle it out for the top prize of £700.

But they will have to weave their way through a top-class field to do so.

The likes of Andrew Cairns, Paul Bailey and Robbie Fitzpatrick will fancy their chances, while there is a strong local presence thanks to Steve Copeland, his nephew Jonathan and Dave Carpenter.

Throw in former champion Dave Hallam and ex-Waterloo winner Chris Mordue and you have a terrific finals-day line-up.

Draw: Dave Carpenter v Ashley Daykin; Andrew Cairns v Chris Mordue; Dave Hallam v Nick White; Graeme Wilson v Paul Bailey; Gary Ellis v Robbie Fitzpatrick; Paul Firth v Lee Lawton; Paul Dudley v Jonathan Copeland; Craig Gant v Steve Copeland.


TONGE have one hand on the the Manchester Premier League trophy following a 13.5-3 (191-173) victory at the Lloyd Hotel, Chorlton.
Winners were Matt Gillies (21-19), Jimmy Derby (21-20), Gary Ellis (21-17), Darren Griffiths (21-13), Andy Cairns (21-18), Stuart Mort (21-10) and Steve Squire (21-13).

Next up for Tonge is a home game against struggling Stockport outfit Nursery Inn next Wednesday.


ROYTON Park Vets Bowling Club are hosting a charity competition on Sunday, August 28.
All proceeds from the event, which starts at noon at Bleasdale Street, will go to Dr Kershaws Hospice.

The competition is limited to 16 players with £10 entry, and offers enticing prizes of £150 for the winner, £75 for the runner-up, £40 for semi-finalists and £20 for reaching the quarter-finals, with all games 21 up.

Refreshments will be available, along with entertainment in the rest of the park from 10am to 4pm.

Closing date for entry is Wednesday, August 24 and players who are interested should contact A Cooper on (0161) 626 4764 or 07717 026492.

Cheques or postal orders should be made payable to Royton Park Vets and sent to: A Cooper, 40 Bamford St, Royton, Oldham, OL2 6DJ.



RESULTS from the Oldham Veterans League’s Jack Fitton pairs finals:
Quarter-finals: Peter Dowd and Graham Stanley 21, George Rigby and Vinny Hughes 16; Bryan O'Neill and John Thornley 21, Tony Crewe and John Rowarth 10; Wilf Hurst and John Harratt 6, Terry Rogers and Jack Ashton 21; Frank Royle and Tommy Gowers 13, Bob Price and Ronnie Ankers 13.

Semi-finals Dowd/Stanley 21, O’Neill/Thornley 15; Rogers/Ashton 21, Price/Ankers 18.

Final: Dowd/Stanley 21, Rogers/Ashton 15.


ALAN Bidwell (Failsworth) and Paul Heap (Saddleworth) provide local interest in the heats of Norden BC’s Your Choice men’s singles on Sunday (6pm).