Shield win for Miller at Love Lane

SUNDAY saw the Heaton Norris Shield take place at Love Lane with a huge winter prize fund on offer for the competitors.

Group winners progressed to the semi finals and runners up received their entry fee back.

On paper in Group 1 Greater Manchester county bowler Andy Raymond looked the man to beat but came unstuck in his first game, losing to an on song Chris Talbot.

With one match remaining three bowlers were all in contention of qualification.

Andy Jones was bang in form and staved off Andy Raymond in his final match to upset the odds.

In Group 2 Jamie Bramley defeated Iain Dunbar, Liam Lambert and Hadfield’s Dave Thomas to progress.

Group 3 became extremely tense with a one game shoot-out between Chris Barlow and holder Rodger Mille.

In a thrilling climax Barlow produced a good last bowl to reach the semi finals and win 21-19.

The final group had an additional player with five competitors in action. Shaun Miller moved into the next stages with four good wins.

The nearest the bottle event for charity prior to the semi finals was then won by Bob Whyatt.

The semi finals began with Jamie Bramley flying into an early lead against Andy Jones.

The man from Dukinfield came back strongly though and Bramley crashed into the final 21-16.

The other match up was more one-sided than expected with Shaun Miller polishing off Chris Barlow to win 21-13.

The final saw Shaun Miller win the toss and gain early control to lead up against Bramley.

With Bramley coming into form later in the game two pieces of hard luck went against the Sale Excelsior man.

The game finally levelled off at 20-20 and Miller held his nerve to land the shield 21-20.

The first prize of £70 and a free £25 place in the Lune Road classic went to Miller. Runner up Bramley collected £40 with the semi finalists each picking up £20 apeice.

It’s pairs next week all welcome anyone wishing to enter should contact Jamie Bramley on 07922 789909.