County bowlers aim to finish on a high

GREATER Manchester complete their County Championship campaign with a group game against the Potteries on Sunday (2pm).

The reigning champions have failed in their bid to successfully defend the Crossfield Cup, but will be aiming to go out on a high after two group defeats.

The home venue is Hopwood Unionist Club, Heywood, while Potteries have chosen the Birches Head Hotel, Hanley.

At Hopwood (Manchester names first): Darren Griffiths v Dean Ferris; Matt Gillies v Andrew Owen; Jonathan Copeland v Barry Booth; Jimmy Derby v Anthony Shaw; Jack Hargreaves v Joe Williamson; Paul Heap v Gary Owen; Andy Buckley v Kerry Morris; Paul Leah v Darren Clutton; Nicky Brooks v Nick Tideswell; Steve Copeland v John Simpson; Peter Craig v Mark Ferris; Matt Dwayre v Paul Phillips.

At Birches Head: Andy Cairns v Joe Melvin; Nigel Greenhalgh v Lee Dale; David Walker v Richard Burgess; Mike Gee v Martin Hallam; Ryan Goodman v Peter Hulse; Lee Turner v Phil Burndred; Glen Beeley v Matt Stevenson; Mark Garbett v Martin Simcock; John Bancroft v Tony Porter; Paul Wakeling v Fred Donaldson; Gary Ellis v Lee Brown; Gareth Gwilliam v Paul Charlesworth.


TONGE had a stunning 15-2 (192-164) victory at Altrincham side Budenbergs to strengthen their position at the top of the Manchester Premier League.

Their eight winners were Steve Squire (21-14), Nicky Brooks (21-10), Matt Gillies (21-17), Jimmy Derby (21-20), Gary Ellis (21-12), Darren Griffiths (21-16), Stuart Mort (21-15) and Laurence Hallett (21-18). Tonge’s next game is at home to Liverpool outfit Richmond next Wednesday (7.30pm).


SPRINGBANK are staging a two-man team competition, sponsored by John Willie Lees, in September.

Matches will be 21 up with homesters conceding two chalks and the jack. Only one home green player per team is permitted.

Heats will be held on September 21, 22, 23 and 24, with the finals on September 25. Play on each night starts at 6.30pm, with practice from 6pm.

Entry fee is £20 per team (cheques made payable to Springbank Bowling Club) and should go, with choice of date, to: Paul Heap, 36b Mossley Road, Grasscroft, Oldham, OL4 4HB, tel 01457 820 382 0R 0776 6915513.


BARRIE Seville and Steve Mellor carry Oldham hopes in the next heats of the Thwaites men’s pairs at Norden on Sunday (5.30pm).

There are still a few vacancies for this event, while one place is available in the women’s competition. For more details, ring Steve or Jean on 0776 7674699.