Slick Shields turn on the style to seal Denny Plate final date

South Shields were disappointed by their first round Denny Cup exit back in October.

But their second chance, after dropping down to the Denny Plate, has paid big dividends – and they will compete in next month’s final.

Previous wins over The Parks, Houghton, Copeland, Darlington and Boston set up a Plate semifinal against Suffolk-based Beccles, who had managed 90 shots or more in four of their five wins en route to the last four.

The two teams went head to head on a neutral green at Grantham and the confident Shields squad were quickest out of the blocks as they led 22-9 at the five-end mark.

The lead was stretched to 44-18 by 10 ends and, by the 15th end, mark the writing was on the wall as Shields were ahead by 23 shots.

In the end, Shields ran out convincing 83-46 victors.

Gary Farquhar’s quartet of Dave Paterson, Josh Minto and James Sneller were always in control against Mark Todd and ran out impressive 25-9 winners.

Jaxon McKenna, Paul Sainthouse, Stewart Hubbard and Shaun McIntosh defeated Andy Clarke 23-11, while Phil Dixon, Mal Peach, Kris Storf and David Bolt eased to a 21-14 win over Ian Catchpole.

The remaining rink of Neal Ridley, Stevie Cairns, Ian Riches and Ian McIntosh ground out a low-scoring, hard-fought 14-12 success against Alan Norman.

The fine victory sets up a final appearance against West Berks at neutral Nottingham on Sunday, April 8 (1.30pm).

Although they are an unknown quantity, West Berks last season knocked out previous Denny Cup champions Whiteknights, so the fancied Shields squad will need to be at it from the off.

They must play the final without Wearsider David Bolt, who will be in Commonwealth Games action with the England squad in Australia.