Lambert lands shock final victory
OLDHAM’S Liam Lambert turned the form book upside down at Love Lane in the latest singles.
In the quarter finals Lambert overturned one of winter’s vast improvers Leigh Smith with ease.
The big story saw 14 year old Ben Mills stun Chris Barlow in a last end thriller 21-20.
Jamie Bramley overcame John Cunningham by five shots after a good run in the corners.
Ben Gloag completed the winning quarter finalists with a comprehensive defeat of Andy Jones.
Playing very short marks Gloag looked all over the favourite to win as he sent Bramley packing in the semi-finals.
After a fantastic and brave run Ben Mills was finally beaten by Liam Lambert 21-12 but collected prize money.
The final looked like Ben Gloag’s to lose after being on fire in the quarter finals and then the semi finals.
Liam Lambert had other ideas though and with the game poised at 19-19 he played the jack through to clinch the title 21-19 to shock Gloag.
Last Sunday saw the second round of matches in the fixed pairs series.
In Group 1 holders Leigh Smith and James Jones giving away two start won all three games to qualify.
The second spot was close and had Chris Barlow and Shaun Miller needing 14 chalks to pass Ben Gloag and Terry Gale.
The final match saw Barlow and Miller crash into the semi finals by just one chalk by scoring 15 chalks.
In Group 2 Jamie Bramley and Andy Jones turned in two polished displays to go unbeaten.
The second place went to John Cunningham and Ian Stokes who booked themselves a semi final berth.
In the first semi final Barlow and Miller aided by a degree of good fortune just pipped Jones and Bramley 21-18.
Defending champions Smith and Jones never looked in doubt winning by sevens shots clear of Cunnigham and Stokes.
With two start Barlow and Miller built up a healthy lead both playing the back edge of the green very well.
The game was nearly all over at 18-10 but James Jones cannoned in off a short bowl to stop the rot.
The game changed with Smith leading into the full corners and putting the pressure on they suddenly led 19-18.
With the game then all tied at 19 all Jones and Smith saved there worst end for last and were denied 21-19.
The green at Love Lane is in magnificent order play continues next Sunday at 10am.