SILKSWORTH GET OFF TO FLIER IN EARL CUP
CHAMPIONS SHRUG OFF FREEZING COLD TO START TITLE DEFENCE WITH STORMING WIN
Holders Silksworth defied the freezing conditions to make a winning start to their Earl Cup title defence on Monday.
It was a morale-boosting triumph for Silksworth, who outgunned last season’s runners-up, Barnes West End, 6-1.
Houghton Dairy Lane had a tough time last season, but they are off to a winning start this year, thanks to a good 6-1 success at newly promoted Hylton CW, while Roker Marine defeated Houghton Town 6-1.
There were also impressive 6-1 away wins for Usworth and Hetton Workmen’s, against Barnes Park and Seaham Town respectively.
In the Second Division, the result of the night saw Grindon Mill hit Washington for a ton in a 7-0 whitewash.
Whitburn defeated North Biddick 6-1 and there was a home defeat for South Hylton at their new base, going down 6-1 at the hands of Ryhope.
The best finish of the night saw Thompson Park get home by a single shot to beat Sunderland 5-2.
The remaining game saw Pemberton fail to turn a team out. They conceded the match against Roker Park.
Swan Cup holders Houghton Dairy Lane thumped Roker Marine 7-0 in their opening match, while SIlksworth, runnersup last season, had a good 6-1 win at Seaham Town.
In the Second Division, Grindon Mill enjoyed a cracking 5-2 win over Hylton CW.
Last season’s relegated duo, Usworth and Thompson Park, went head to head and it was the Washington side who ran out 6-1 winners. Ryhope defeated Roker Park 6-1.
In their pursuit of a third consecutive Harold Howey Trophy title, Barnes West End made a victorious start with a hard-fought 3-1 triumph at Ryhope B.
Houghton Dairy Lane B and Barnes Park B, second and third last season, met on opening night, with the Barnes lads coming out on top 4-0.
Promoted Whitburn were beaten 4-0 at home by Washington Glebe B. Chester-le-Street suffered relegation last season, but they have made a winning start to life in the Second Division, sinking Pennywell 4-0.
Storey Bowl holders Seaham Town survived a scare at Wearmouth in their opener.
Despite only having one rink up, the holders got home 4-3.
Houghton Town sealed a good 85-38 win at Pennywell and Roker Park defeated Thompson Park by 23 shots.
The second round of games take place this afternoon. Holders Seaham Town entertain Roker Park, runners-up Hetton Workmen’s get their campaign underway at Houghton Town and Hylton CW host Wearmouth.
The first County game takes place at Gosforth today as the Durham County ladies’ Stella Logan squad take on Northumberland.
Last season, Durham completed the double over their neighbours and will be looking to improve on last season’s fourth-place finish.
Durham’s Gary Smith’s made a late decision to head to the final Open Singles Circuit event at Ipswich in an attempt to qualify for the Grand Finals weekend in November at Potters.
Smith needed to make at least the quarter-finals to collect enough ranking points for a place in the top 32.
A first round 9-4, 7-3 win over the home club’s Simon Toop was followed by a straight forward 10-1, 9-2 defeat of Erewash’s Jacqueline Henderson.
However, Smith’s hopes were dashed at the last-16 stage as the host club’s Dom Warren inflicted a 9-1, 6-6 defeat to end Smith’s qualification hopes.
Smith finished 41st for the season, with club mate
Michael Laydon 35th.
The only local hope at the Grand Finals weekend will be South Shields’ David Bolt, who finished 13th.
The final national indoor title was decided at Bournemouth at South Shields’ conquerors, Nottingham, lifted the Top Club title, beating Falcon 111 in the final.
There was some sad news for the local bowls scene as Ethel Pattison (87) sadly passed away.A popular character both on and off the green, Ethel was a former Services and Barnes Park member and was also part of the City of Sunderland Indoor committee.