Wales test for county contingent

BOWLS:

GREATER Manchester open their Endsleigh County Championship campaign on Sunday with a group match against Wales.

Irlam Steel is the home green, while the away venue is the artificial surface at Betws-yn-Rhos, Abergele.

Draw (at Irlam, Manchester names first): Darren Griffiths v Mike Riley; Andy Cairns v Nick Hughes; Jimmy Derby v Carl Roberts; Andy Buckley v John Bailey; Lee Turner v Chris Slater; Matt Gillies v Nicky Jones; Michael Clough v Kevin Nicholas; Thomas Dobson v Graham Rogers; Ben Phillips v Francis Penlington; David Walker v Ant Bailey; Peter Craig v Andrew Hughes; Gareth Gwilliam v Roger Morgan.

At Abergele: Gary Ellis v Ivor Jones; Nigel Greenhalgh v Jason Jones; Jonathan Copeland v Keith Williams; Chris Heyes v Keith Bailey; Steve Copeland v Steve Lawley; Steve McHugh v Lewis Scott; Jack Hargreaves v Dan Jones; Chris Haynes v Peter Jones; Charlie Roberts v John Short; Alan Hodson v Colin Campbell; Steve Squire v Gwerydd Buckland; Matthew Jones v Paul Walley.



TONGE defeated Sale XL 12-1.5 (197-166) in an amazing home Manchester Premier League fixture.

Despite having six winners in the first seven games, the aggregate was level, such was the close nature of most of the matches.

Gary Ellis and Steve Squire had comfortable wins late on to

complete a flattering scoreline for the reigning champions.

Tonge winners were Matt Gillies (21-18), Andy Cairns (21-18), Jimmy Derby (21-19), Darren Griffiths (21-19), David Watters (21-19), Graham Hickey (21-20), Thomas Dobson (21-15), Ellis (21-7) and Squire (21-10).



BRENNAN Paving mixed pairs continues at Norden BC on Sunday (5.30pm).

Chadderton duo Paul Heap and Chris Kewley missed out on a place on finals night when they lost 21-15 to T and K Kelly (St Helens).

Vacancies remain for Sundays, May 13 and 20. Entry costs £10 per pair. For more details, ring Steve or Jean on (01706) 527219 or 0776 7674699.