Few surprises as favourites hit form
IT was another busy weekend of bowling down at West Heaton Bowling and Tennis Club in Heaton Moor.
On Saturday evening the first heats of the Thwaites Brewery open pairs took place. Most results went with the form book with very few shocks on an immaculate but pushy surface.
The best qualifying match for quality was Ian Stokes and John Cunningham’s 21-17 thrilling win.
Also progressing were Ben Gloag and Dave Gwilliam who saw off the bold bid of Benny Scott and Mark Bennett.
Having received a bye in round one Steve Ellis and Eddie Tasker completed qualification with minimum fuss. Chris Barlow and Shaun Miller rounded up the qualifying quartet with routine 21-11 and 21-9 victories.
The field on Sunday was much harder on paper and John Davies and Mike Bacon were the first pair into the finals.
The Bill Wildman pairs champions 2016 were behind in round one but survived 21-14 after a strong finish.
The second game proved much more routine with Davies and Bacon sauntering home. Jamie Bramley and Chris Talbot made finals night with two halfway wins 21-12 and 21-11.
Keith Robins and Leigh Smith won a thriller with Warrington Visitors Damien Morrison and Jimmy Harrison 21-20.
The duo who play out of Woodley Sports then denied Andy Raymond and John Hignett to qualify.
The final slot in the last eight went to Lloyds Hotel men Ben Phillips and Nathan Brown. The final is next Sunday at 6pm with eight strong pairings on display it promises to be another great night at Princes Road.
The final draw for the Ladies Country Garden Roses event was completed on Sunday at West Heaton.
The Ladies final 16 takes place on Saturday 20th August at noon. The Draw is as follows: Natalie Hughes v Jane Bowler, Helen Fearn v Melanie Fearn, Emily Gowan v Jackie Gloag, Lesley Smith v Cathy Wilson, Kaye Coulthard v Meliza Herbert, Katrina Earl v Sarah Penlington, Danielle Miller v Karen Galvin, Jackie Owen v Paula Gamon.
The second round of play at The Grange Classic took place on Saturday evening. Elliott Mcguiness, Carl Armitage, Darren Plenderleith and Greg Smith were the qualifying quartet.