Armstrong on hat-trick trail

BOWLS: TWO former champions and six players itching to get their name on the trophy for the first time will contest the climax of the Green Final Bowling Handicap at North Chadderton Social and Bowling Club tomorrow night.

The Chronicle-sponsored competition remains the most prestigious in local bowling circles and Armstrong (St Pauls), winner in 1987 and 1991, is among the favourites to win for a third time.

He takes on young Royton prospect Ben Gledhill, who reached the finals with a solid display at Nimble Nook. Second up are John Ashton (Royton) and Dene Hibbert (Ashton Cricket).

This is a clash of current and former Greater Manchester players, Hibbert receiving two start after taking a break from the game and currently contesting Division Three bowls in the Chadderton League.

John Wade (Syke), the champion in 2006, has been finding some decent form of late and he will also have to concede two start to former North Chadderton member Darren Mountford (Moorside), who will be appearing on his first finals night.

Finally, Geoff Woolley (Moorside), who has appeared on finals night before, takes on Friezland’s Steve Fieldhouse, for whom this will be a new experience.

Gates open at 6pm, admission/charity donation is £1 and play starts at 6.30pm. A raffle held during the finals will raise money for local charities.

BETTING: 3-1 Armstrong, and Wade; 7-2 Ashton; 9-2 Hibbert and Woolley; 5-1 Mountford; 12-1 Fieldhouse 12-1; 14-1 Gledhill.