Women aim to have a Spring in their step

SPRINGHEAD Liberal Club will host the home leg of Greater Manchester women’s match against Shropshire on Sunday (2pm).



Local players in action at the home venue are Alma Tickle and Chris Kewley (Springbank), Eileen Dawson and Karen Houlston (Delph), Ann Burgess (Coalshaw Park), Diane Fish (Royton Cricket), Michelle Renshaw (Dunwood Park) and Jacquie Lord (Grapes).



WATERLOO and Taunton’s Charlie Roberts and Tonge star and defending champion Gary Ellis are among three Greater Manchester representatives in the British Crown Green Merit at Broomfield Bowling Club, Birmingham, on Saturday (10am).

The other Greater Manchester qualifier is Hopwood’s Keith McHugh.



TONGE suffered a dent to their hopes of retaining their Manchester Premier League title when they were beaten 10-4.5 (199-179) at Sale XL.

Only Nicky Brooks (21-16), Gary Smith (21-16) and Darren Griffiths (21-20) won for Tonge, while Graham Hickey lost the chance of the league’s “last-man standing” award when he lost 21-15.

Tonge’s next match is on Wednesday, August 7, at leaders St Joseph’s.



THERE is lots of local interest in the Middleton team which will take on Airedale and Wharfdale in a vital Federation Division Four match on Sunday (2pm).

The home leg is at Tonge and away leg at Rufford Park, Yeadon, Leeds.



NIMBLE Nook’s Barry Seville and Steve Mellor qualified for the finals of the Thwaites men’s pairs at Norden thanks to a 21-16 third-round verdict over Rochdale’s Mark Armson and Michael Johnson