Visiting Houghton B team left all at sea by Mariners
The Sunderland and District veterans’ Harold Howey leagues got under way this week, and in division one, having narrowly missed out on the title, the Houghton Dairy Lane B team were looking to get their campaign off to a flier away to Roker Marine A.
However, the Mariners had other ideas, and they put in a five-star performance to run out 4-0 (+18) winners.
Both Marine rinks were victorious, Ray Bell defeating Keith Makepeace 24-9 and Alan Middleton grinding out a 15-12 win over Ian Lambert.
There was better news for the Dairy Lane A team as they came out on top in the game of the day, beating Silksworth Pumas 3-1 (+9).
Hylton Colliery Welfare B had a smashing 3½-½ (+9) home win over Roker Park.
Ryhope endured a tough afternoon at Washington B as the hosts ran out 4-0 (+27) winners to top the table.
Last time out, Houghton Town A narrowly avoided the drop, and they opened their new campaign up with a 4-0 (-18) loss away at North Biddick A.
In division two, Seaham Town sit top after a 4-0 (+18) home win over Hylton Colliery Welfare B.
The lads from South Hetton also made a cracking start, beating Washington A 4-0 (+16).
Pemberton A made a winning a trip to New Herrington with a 4-0 (+10) victory. It was not so good for the Pemberton B team, though, as they went down at home 4-0 (-9) to North Biddick B.
The closest result saw Barnes Park B win a thriller at Chester-le-Street 3-1 by a single shot.
South Hylton also made a winning start, beating Sunderland B 3-1 (+3).
Round two in the Storey Bowl saw holders Seaham Town notch up a second win as they ground out a 5-2 (+6) defeat of New Herrington.
Hetton Workmen’s 6-1
(+33) win at Houghton Town moved them to the top.
An early kick-off inspired Roker Park to a comprehensive 7-0 (+50) home win over Thompson Park.
The defending men’s county singles champion fell at the first hurdle in an all-Darlington RA affair, Mark Jones ending Barry Hopkins’ title defence with a 21-16 win.
Usworth’s Brian Poulter moved into the next round of the George Turley champion of champions after a 21-5 home win over Stockton’s S Slaughter.
There has been more action in the Bowls England competitions.
In the senior over-55 singles, Dairy Lane’s Mal Peach went down 21-8 away at Darlington RA against Peter Coulson.
There was better news for another Dairy Lane hope as Alan Hind notched up a cracking 21-15 win at Dunston against Mal Johnston.
In the women’s event, Dairy Lane’s Glynis Morgan defeated Durham City’s Pauline Charleton 21-17 to set up a clash against clubmate Norma Stephenson in the next round.
There was disappointment in the women’s over-55 pairs as Sunderland’s
Sue Almond was beaten 17-12 by Darlington Woodland’s Julie Robinson.
In the mixed pairs, Dairy Lane’s Mal Peach won a thriller against Dunston’s David Livingston 18-17.
Marine’s Sam Patterson sneaked home in the family pairs against Dairy Lane’s Jeff Wilson 16-15 and will play the winner of the Scott Baker (Pumas) and Pete Thomson (Marine) tie.
In the champion of champions, Usworth’s Brian Poulter recorded an impressive 21-5 win at Hundens against Vic Tunstall.
Roker Marine couldn’t repeat last year’s surprise win against Darlington RA in the Bowls England double fours. Despite having
home advantage, the Mariners were well beaten 3316. Richie Mckie lost 14-11 to Barry Hopkins and Peter Thomson went down 19-5 to Tony Macey. RA will head to either Elm Tree or Dunston next.
The build-up to the 2022 Commonwealth Games got under way as the elite England squad tackle Ireland in a test match at the Essex County bowls club in Westcliff-on-sea. The test match was played over two days, with England winning 30 of the 38 matches.
Today, Bowls England’s Bowls’ Big Weekend is taking place around the country.
There are around 941 events taking place over three days, with more than 600 clubs all told taking part.
Locally, there are events at Whitburn, Thompson Park, Seaham Town, Pelton Fell, Sunderland, Darlington South Park, Consett Park and Jarrow West End.
There will be a bit of history made on Tuesday evening as the first Bowls Durham county tie will be streamed live across the internet.
The tie between Usworth’s Brian Poulter and Silkworth Pumas’ Jaxon McKenna can be viewed via the Bowls Sunderland website (www.cityofsunderlandibc.co.uk) and on the Wrong Bias podcast Facebook page, with the feed starting at 6.25pm.
Although the outdoor season is upon us, many a bowler prefers to remain indoors, and with the easing of restrictions the Houghton indoor club are looking to restart their popular summer league on June 7.
A list has been added to the club noticeboard for anyone interested, and the sports centre is open every day.
Club secretary Margaret Nicholson can be contacted on 0191 581 26 77 for further information.