Can rivals break grip of champs?

THE Stockport and District bowling league fixtures have been released by the committee.

The opening round of fixtures for most will take place on Tuesday 3rd April 2018.

Houldsworth WMC have steamrollered the league for some years now as the top flight has struggled to remain competitive.

Victoria BC and Grapes Hotel have strengthened notably but whether it will be enough to stop the power of the Houldsworth remains to be seen.

It could be a vital first game of the season with Victoria travelling across Stockport to play Houldsworth at Leamington Road.

Great Moor will have two teams in the top flight and both will be eyeing up survival battles.

Nursery Inn have been relegated to the second division following a miserable campaign last term.

It may not be as easy to bounce back up as the last time they dropped down.

Yo-yo team Houldsworth (2) will be amongst the favourites for promotion along with LMRCA.

In the third division is been a rapid drop for Crown Hotel but they surely must be the team to beat this time round.

The team from Great Moor open up with a must win home clash against Houldsworth WMC 4.

In the bottom division West Heaton will surely be involved and they begin at home to Crown Hotel (2).

The league as a whole definitely needs a boost and a competitive top flight is surely crucial to maintaining interest.

The Workshops and Parks league has dropped in terms of number of teams as bowls in Stockport slowly slides.

Over at Love Lane on Sunday the green was in superb order and a glorious day was in store.

The pairs event went to Ian Stokes and Danielle Miller who scored 50 points.

The silver medal was secured by Macclesfield men Bob Whyatt and Wayne Greenwood who reached 47 chalks.

The third and bronze medal slot was achieved by Jamie Bramley and Shaun Miller with 43 points.