Stars out in force at Delph

BOWLS:

SEVERAL top local players feature in the opening heats of the Delph Men’s Open tonight (6.30pm).

Oldham Evening Chronicle Handicap champion Brian Raynor and runner-up Darren Griffiths, Steve Mellor, Barry Seville, Alan Bidwell, Matt Gillies and Paul Heap make it a competitive night’s action.

Tomorrow’s second session, which starts at 2.30pm, includes Andrew Buckley, Dave O’Brien, Peter Fielding, Paul Leah and Dean Hibbert.

There are two vacancies on September 9 and six on September 1. To enter, contact John Atkinson on (0161) 681 2486.



TONGE, featuring six winners, swept aside Garswood 12-4 (167-156) to strengthen their grip on the Manchester Premier League title.

Matt Gillies (21-12), Jim Derby (21-13), Gary Ellis (21-11), Andy Cairns (21-9), Stuart Mort (21-12) and Darren Griffiths (21-15) were the victorious sextet.

Tonge, who have four games remaining, are at home to Longwood on Wednesday (7.30pm).



CHADDERTON father and son David and Jonathan Copeland have qualified for the finals of the Your Choice men’s pairs at Norden.

David beat Oldham’s Barry Seville 21-18 in the second round, while Jonathan overcame Barry Clarke (Rochdale) 21-11.

Four-times Oldham Evening Chronicle Handicap winner Peter Craig slammed Carl Whittaker (Milnrow) 21-5, while Andy Fergus (Wardle) is also through after defeating Stephen Shaw (Norden) 21-10.

Heats continue on Sunday (6pm) when Failsworth’s Len Kewley is on the bill.



HEATS in the Chadderton League’s pairs competition will be held on Monday (practice 6.15pm, start and strike-out 6.45pm). The finals will be held the following Monday, September 12.



FRIEZLAND BC are running an open pairs competition on Sunday, September 11 (10am practice, 10.30am start). It costs £8 to enter. Contact Christine Dearden on 01457 820030 or Gayle Dearden on 07989 124463.