Bolt has the blues after World Bowls Tour loss

SOUTH SHIELDS ACE AND DURHAM COLLEAGUE EDGED OUT AT CARLISE QUALIFIERS

South Shields’ David Bolt and Gary Smith, of Durham, missed out at the World Bowls Tour qualifying events in Carlisle last weekend.

In the International Open Singles final, Bolt was beaten by West of Scotland’s Graeme McDougall, and in the Scottish International Open Singles final, Smith lost out in a three-end tie-breaker to Cumbria’s Paul Wallace.

The winners of each event earn a place in the lucrative televised stages later this year.

But there is another chance for TV stardom as the qualifiers for the World Singles and World Pairs take place this weekend, also at Carlisle.

In local competition, Houghton Ladies will be looking to bounce back from their opening league loss to Aycliffe as they tackle Hartlepool on Wednesday in the latest round of fixtures.

The following sides have been selected: At Houghton: M.Metcalf, G.Armstrong, F.Phythian, E.Faith, J.Watt, E.Barkes, S.Forster, J.Rodgerson. Reserves: A.Todd, G.Eltringham, S.Moody, O.Charlton.

At Hartlepool: M.Hall, E.Morris, A.Vout, N.Stephenson, D.Fenwick, J.Baker, B.Robson, J.Smith. Reserves: E.Barren, M.Eggleston.

The latest round in the Seniors Inter Club League also take place this week.

In Area Three, Houghton Sancroft have a bye and, following the Parks B dropping out, don’t have a game until November.

In Area Two, Houghton Gilpin head to Darlington B on Friday with the following side: D.Robson, M.Winter, D.Hockaday, W.Longley, E.Downes, T.Mclaren, R.Thorpe, D.Gibson, R.Leonard, P.Robinson, W.Roberts, R.Robson. Reserve: D.Scott.

In Area Four, Houghton Kepier’s home fixture against Durham B has been delayed until Wednesday October 18 (12.30pm). The following squad has been selected: P.Taylor, TBC, D.Armstrong, F.Kell, TBC, W.Wells, T.Baister, B.Johnson, A.Newton, D.Ward, TBC, K.Hembrough. Reserves: D.Forth, J.Eggleston, S.Barnes.

The Durham County Vice Presidents visit Houghton for the first of two friendlies. Houghton’s team is: W.Race, G.Charlton, J.Lilley, R.Thorpe, A.Pratt, J.Taylor, R.Spargo, B.Robson, C.Martin, J.Summers, D.Taylor, D.Robson, P.Martin, O.Charlton, J.Eggleston, M.Eggleston, C.Middleton, E.Barkes, S.Summers, M.Glover, I.Whitfield, E.Barren, A.Lilley, K.Armstrong.

The Durham County Women’s Atherley squad have a practice match next Saturday against South Shields at the Jack Clark Centre, with the Houghton trio of Maureen Hall, Joan Baker and Norma Stephenson selected plus South Shield’s Jackie Tallack, I.Kirkly, A.Jamison, Pam Carlin, J.Chapman, M.Pattern and Maureen Charles. In the Atherley first round, Durham face Nottinghamshire in December.

The County Seniors face Yorkshire on Thursday in the annual John Dodsworth Trophy clash, at Durham. Last season Durham lifted the trophy with a win at Scarborough.

Finally, there was some sad news for the local bowls scene as Peter Bulmer sadly passed away. The former Barley Mow and SIBC member was a popular figure and a much underrated lead.