Hadfield climb up rankings

HADFIELD continued their sharp rise through the bowling rankings by reaching

The Adshead Cup final. Since joining the Stockport and District League “The Field” have become an established first division team.

On Sunday Hadfield defeated Woodley Sports in the semi final by 25 chalks at a heavy Poynton Sports. Richard Armstrong 21-3 and Ian Cranston 21-7 proved to be the killer cards in turning round a ten chalk handicap.

Woodley did have Jamie Bramley 21-12 and Dave Bradshaw 21-15 in response but it wasn’t enough to stop Hadfield. The men from the hills will be strong favourites in a few weeks when they face Houldsworth WMC (2) in the final. The two teams are having contrasting fortunes with Hadfield 4th in the league and Houldsworth (2) rock bottom.

In the S and D League itself Houldsworth (1) have a fight on their hands for the first time in many seasons. New Mills have a big chance to serve up a title challenge to Terry Gales’ men over the next few weeks. Victoria’s hopes petered out somewhat when they were soundly beaten 12-4 by Poynton Sports at Webb Lane. Woodley Sports held its annual pairs on Sunday attracting some strong local double-acts to the green on Lambeth Grove.

In the semi finals Chris Barlow and Mike Bacon held there nerve to win 21-17. Lloyds duo Ben Phillips and Matt Sands then defeated Dave Jackson and Steve Ellis. The final was a cracker with Phillips and Sands seemingly seizing control to take the lead at 18-14. Barlow and Bacon bounced back though to bring a gripping match level at 18-18.

The next end saw Phillips and Sands lie two only for a Bacon iron bowl to count for his partnership and make it 19-18.

The Legion men then closed the game out superbly to land the £200 first prize with a 21-18 victory.