Hodson starts title defence

Alan Hodson: defence of his title

Bowls

TWO weeks after they were scheduled to be held, Oldham Chronicle Bowling Handicap heats at Nimble Nook and Royton will be played tonight (6.30pm).

Torrential rain a fortnight ago washed out any chance of play so fingers will be crossed that the weather is kinder.

Alan Hodson (pictured) begins the defence of his crown at Royton, which also sees the appearance of two other former champions in John Wade and Steve Copeland.

And 2004 winner Mark Dwayre is among a strong field which will assemble at Nimble Nook.

Practice at both venues is from 6pm, with play starting at 6.30pm.

NIMBLE NOOK

D Mountford (North Chadderton) handicap 3 v M Dwayre (Royton) 2; P Roberts (Springhead) 4 v G Flint (North Chadderton) 3; S Bentley (North Chadderton) 3 v G Shaw (Springbank) 2; R Kelly (Hollinwood Cricket) 4 v J Anderson (Royton) 3; A Jackson (Chadderton Cot) 4 v J Mountford (North Chadderton) 3; A Bidwell (Springbank) 2 v J Ramsbottom (Royton) 3; B Cooper (Royton) 5 v T Gowers (Springbank) 4; J Lord (Delph) 3 v Phil Wakeling (North Chadderton) 4.

ROYTON CRICKET

C Kewley (Nimble Nook) 5 v J Wade (Syke) 2; A Whiteley (Wrigley Mill) 3 v L Roberts (Springbank) 2; A Hodson (Springbank) scr v R Goodman (Hopwood) 2; R Nisbet (Nimble Nook) 3 v S McHugh (Hopwood) 2; A Smallwood (Nimble Nook) 4 v D Williams (Chadderton Hall Park) 4; K McHugh (Hopwood) 2 v M McDermott (Springbank) 2; P Fielding (Syke) 1 v S Copeland (Springbank) 2; G Woolley (Springbank) 2 v L Kewley (Star) 4.

o TONGE bounced back to form in the Manchester Premier League with a 10-4.5 (201-141) home victory over Sale XL.

Stuart Mort and Steve Squire led the way with 21-7 victories, while there were also wins for Darren Griffiths (21-8), Mark Dwayre (21-9), Laurence Hallett (21-11), Thomas Dobson (21-16) and Gary Ellis (21-20).

Tonge will be aiming to strengthen their title claims at Tottington next Wednesday (7.30pm).