Frost-bitten green proves hard going
LOVE Lane winter bowling continued on Sunday with a frosty grip covering the green.
The conditions for those in the early games was difficult and several long games ensued. Benny Scott and Mike Dawson returning to the Lane took a notable scalp winning 21-20 against Andy Raymond and Ryan Bancroft.
Also playing down to a thrilling finale were Terry Gale and Shaun Miller from Houldsworth WMC.
In the end a Dave Gwilliam iron bowl aided himself and partner John Cunningham to victory over the Reddish duet.
Leigh Smith and Jamie Bramley came from a few behind to see off Ian Stokes and Danielle Miller.
In the quarter finals Smith and Bramley continued their forward momentum, romping to a 21-4 victory.
Wigan visitors Billy Speed and Des Bissell overcame a difficult hurdle in the shape of Ben Gloag and Anthony Dean.
Also performing well were Steve Ellis and Rodger Miller who clinched a deserved semi final berth. The remaining spot in the last four went to Dave Gwilliam and John Cunningham who were starting to catch fire.
The semi finals saw Smith and Bramley seemingly cruising 12-4 up against Speed and Bisell.
The game changed though with a huge four for the Wigan men and a close battle then followed.
With some good play a thrilling climax enabled Speed and Bissell to progress 21-18.
The other semi final was a little more straight forward with Cunningham and Gwilliam winning 21-17. Credit to Ellis and Miller who produced a mini fightback but just ran out of time to gain the victory.
The final had Speed and Bissell as massive favourites to take the title back to Wigan.
Gwilliam and Cunningham had other ideas though and smashed over the line with ease to win 21-12.
The flyer was won by Andy Raymond who defeated Ben Gloag in another really good game.
It’s the Jack/John Bramley Memorial qualifier next Sunday in aid of cancer research. The event is singles £5 entry all welcome with last strike out 9.45am for anyone wishing to play.
Qualifiers will reach the final day on Sunday March 26th 2017.