County set back on course

BOWLS:  

GREATER Manchester revived their County Championship campaign with a fine 50-chalks victory over Staffordshire yesterday.

Cumbria's defeat of Derbyshire in the same group was a positive result for Manchester, who can qualify for the semi-finals if they inflict a big defeat on the Cumbrians in their remaining group match.

The choice of George and Dragon, Hyde, for the home venue proved to be an inspired one, Manchester winning by 52 chalks.

Matt Gillies (Springbank) gave a man-of-the-match display to win 21-4, while team-mate Ged Smedley won 21-12 on his county debut.

Highlight of the away team's performance, which saw Manchester lose by only two points, was Darren Griffiths' 21-10 defeat of Steve Davies.

Victory made the Nimble Nook man the most successful Manchester player ever in terms of matches won, surpassing the achievement of Diggle's Ken Strutt.

Other winners away included Springbank's Waterloo champion Andy Buckley, Nimble Nook and Tonge star Gary Ellis and Royton's John Ashton.