Duo’s sights on finals’ day

BOWLS: NIMBLE Nook duo Andrew Buckley and Jimmy Derby were carrying local hopes today in the last 16 of Blackpool’s Waterloo Handicap.

Both came through their last-32 matches yesterday, Buckley edging out Moseley’s James Seville 21-20 and Derby overcoming the challenge of Springbank’s Paul Heap, 21-17.

Buckley, who also plays for Springbank, was today facing Blackpool’s Mel Byron for a place on finals’ day tomorrow, while Derby, also of Tonge, was taking on Barrow’s Andy Thornton.

Springbank’s Matt O’Neill lost 21-18 to Stoke’s Barry Booth yesterday, while Mike Holden, the former Royton player, was beaten 21-13 by Preston’s Wayne Ditchfield.