Eccleston extend their advantage as closest challengers drop points

IN the Widnes & District Pensioners’ Bowls League, the chasing group of Moorfield No1 and The Grapes lost ground on Eccleston this week.

Both had away matches while Eccleston extended their flawless home record with a win against Subscription No1.

John Ryan won 21-9 in the first four. Then Ken Parr (21-5) and Derek Roylance (21-7) led the way for Eccleston in the second four.

Meanwhile Widnes Bowling Club No1 were doing Eccleston a big favour by beating Moorfield No1.

The first four for Widnes did them proud. John Cleary (21-19), Dave Steadman (21-18), Jimmy Nolan (21-15) and Mal Bellfield (21-9) put Widnes 23 chalks up.

This was a lead that they would not relinquish.

Bob Watson (21-17) was the only winner for Widnes in the second four but he was given strong support by the other three Widnes bowlers who each scored 17.

The Grapes went to Halewood No1 and came away with five winners. The best performances, though, were by Halewood pair George Smith who won 21-9 and Sonny Kenny who triumphed 21-10.

They helped Halewood to snatch a point as the match finished with each side scoring 142 chalks.

Fords No1 remain in last place in Division One despite recording their third win of the season when they entertained Willow Brook who are one of five teams now just two points ahead of them.

Les Westerside (21-8) led the way for Fords in the first four and Fred Overy (21-6) gave him good support in the second four. Fords No1 won by 17 chalks.

British Plate continue to lead the way in Division Two. Ron Pickavance (21-8) was one of four winners in the first half of their match against Castle Park as they went into an 84-42 lead.

There were two winners for each side in the second half but the performances of Len Whitehead (21-4) and Brian Winstanley (21-3) sealed the win for British Plate who are now two points clear of Victoria Park No2 who have a game in hand.

Moorfield No2 came close to causing an upset when they entertained Victoria Park No2.

The visitors were a player short and had to concede 21 chalks. However their seven players included five winners with Bill Walker (21-9) leading the way as they won by nine chalks.

The Ball came from behind to snatch a draw at Pavilions with Tommy Price, Bill Byrom and Ken Hill all winning 21-13 in the second four after Alan Richards (21-7) was one of three winners for the home side in the first four.

Dundalk Halton and Runcorn War Memorial Club had four winners each but Dennis Rigg’s 21-4 win in the first four proved to be decisive.

He helped to put the home side 16 chalks up at the mid-point in a match that they eventually won by 12 chalks.

United Services Club had eight winners when they entertained Halewood No2 in the Third Division.

Alan Ratcliffe (21-9) in the first four and Gordon Hart (21-5) in the second four caused most of the damage.

Fords No3 had seven winners when they entertained Cronton.

Mike Glass (21-8) in the first four and Ken Wallace (21-9) in the second four led the way for Fords.

Close behind are Widnes Bowling Club No2 who had a close shave at Subscription No2 despite winning five of the eight games played.

Bill Forester and Henry Roberts each won 21-8 for Subs, but Colin Martin, making a welcome return for Widnes, came from behind to win 21-18 in the last game on the night to snatch the two points for Widnes.

Meanwhile, Birchfield had seven winners as they registered a comfortable victory at home to Fords No2.