Greater Manchester opt for tricky home venue

BOWLS:

GREATER Manchester will reach the semi-finals of the Endsleigh County Championship should they beat Cheshire on Sunday (2pm).

In a bid to make inroads at their home venue, Manchester have opted to play at the notoriously-difficult James Norths green at Hyde. The away leg is at Red Lion BC, Frodsham.



TONGE gave their Manchester Premier League title chances a lift with a 12-1.5 (198-146) victory over Tottington.



SPRINGBANK’S Ged Smedley and Steve Copeland reached the finals of the £1,000 Thwaites men’ pairs at Norden thanks to a 21-19 third-round victory over North Chadderton’s Graham Flint and Darren Wardle.

Play continues on Sunday (5.30pm) alongside the AC Ventilation women’s pairs.



STEVE Copeland has been installed as favourite to win the Oldham Evening Chronicle Bowling Handicap at Royton on Saturday week. Three-times winner Copeland plays Peter Craig, the four-time champion, in the quarter-finals. Copeland is a 9-4 chance, with Craig on 5-1.










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