Tonge move another step closer to title

BOWLS: TONGE are closing in on the Manchester Premier League title after an emphatic 10-4.5 (186-156) victory at home to Longwood.

They boasted seven winners on the night to move 19.5 points clear with three games to go.

On the mark for Tonge were Jimmy Derby (21-12), Andy Cairns (21-8), Matt Gillies (21-5), Steve Squire (21-19), Dave Watters (21-19), Stuart Mort (21-18) and Tommy Dobson (21-12).

Tonge, who have no game next week because of the Waterloo Handicap at Blackpool, return to action on Wednesday, September 21, with a trip to South Manchester Royal British Legion (7.30pm).


Delph Men’s Open qualifying continues tonight (6.30pm).

Local players in action are D Shaw, P Jones, P Swords, C Brooks, A Hodson and M Hodson.

D Farrell, W McDermott, L Schofield, P Carpenter, J Engels and S Broadhurst are in tomorrow’s line-up (2pm) The final 16 bid for the title on Sunday, September 25 (2pm).



QUALIFIERS for the pairs final at Moorside on Monday are C Haynes and C Price; B Kitson and A Taylor; M O’Neill and D O’Brien; A Hodson and M Hodson; G Smedley and S Copeland; S Mellor and B Seville; W McDermott and M Garbett; A Buckley and D Buckley. Practice 6.15pm, strike-out 6.45pm.


ENTRIES are being sought for next month’s Floodlit Invitation Handicap at Lees and Hey Con Club.
The qualifiers take place on October 5 and 6, with the finals on October 7.

A first prize of £200 is up for grabs, with the losing finalist receiving £100. The beaten semi-finalists get £50 and the four who exit in the quarters £25.

Entry is £10 each, with a maximum field of 32.

Cheques should be made payable to Lees and Hey Con Club, and sent to John Clarke at Lees and Hey Con Club, Warrington Street, Lees, Oldham, OL4 5AE. The closing date for entries is October 1.

For more details, call John Clarke on 07766 327259.