Champions set for showdown

BOWLS:

FOUR former champions have qualified for the finals of the Oldham Evening Chronicle Bowling Handicap – and the two most prolific winners are on a last-eight collision course.

Peter Craig, the winner four times, and triple champion Steve Copeland will meet in the quarter-finals at Royton on Saturday, July 7 (6.30pm).

Mark Dwayre, the winner in 2004, will take on Crompton stalwart Bob Horrocks, while Alan Hodson – the hero in 2008 – plays 2010 runner-up Lee Schofield.

And in a line-up positively bursting with interest, Barbara Cooper carries the flag for the women.



TONGE’S Gary Ellis and Graham Hickey have qualified for the finals of the J W Lees Classic at Hopwood Unionist Club.

Ellis defeated Rochdale’s Alan Rushton 21-18 in the second round, while Hickey saw off his Tonge team-mate, Thomas Dobson, 21-17.

The final heats take place on Friday (6.30pm).

Ellis has reached the finals of the Greater Manchester Merit after coming through at the Eagle and Child, Whitefield, along with Tonge team-mate Squire.

The finals will be held on Saturday week at Elton Liberal Club, Bury.



WATERLOO and Taunton’s Paul Leah qualified for the finals of the Metro Classic at Stretford with a 21-16 verdict over Stockport’s Dave Gwilliam.





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