Chilly opening night for S&D campaign

IT was a freezing night that greeted the opening of the Stockport and District league season.

Many players had been hunting around at the back of their garages to find their bowls and get back playing again.

Two teams had outstanding starts to the season, posting memorable results to kick start their campaigns. Hadfield were in ruthless form at Paradise Street, knocking home a full house of ten winners against Houldsworth’s second string.

John Rothwell and Luke Thomas shared the kitty with quick 21-4 victory’s as there team belted home a 13-0 victory.

The only team to better that result were New Mills who secured seven winners and the aggregate away at Poynton Sports.

The home side were unfortunate though in some regards with two 21-20 losers and two 21-19 losers.

Points make prizes though in the S and D League and Nick Thorpe (21-8) was the card that sealed the deal for the Millers.

The clash of the big guns at Leamington Road saw Houldsworth secure a good start against title rivals Grapes Hotel.

Ben Gloag looked to have put a dent into the big club winning 21-7 but it wasn’t enough and the home side ran out comfortable 10-4.5 winners.

Elsewhere, LMRCA would have been delighted with four winners and the aggregate away at Whaley Bridge with their new signings doing the business.

The remaining other result in the top flight was George and Dragon picking up five winners away at Webb Lane against Victoria with the aggregate also secured.

The only team not in action last week were Great Moor who began on Tuesday at home to Poynton Sports.

The latest four qualifiers at The Woodley Classic were Andy Hammann (Northwich), Paul Dudley (Radcliffe), Ryan Clark (Sheffield) and James Wilcox (Huddersfield).

The third qualifier takes place this coming Sunday with the final action a week later on Easter Sunday.

It was a busy competition weekend and Callum Wraight took home another Meole Brace Open with a narrow 21-18 win over Birmingham’s Greg Smith.