Stuart Greenhalgh brings us the latest news from the region’s bowls clubs, including the best of the action from the first Mid-Cheshire League matches…

LAST season’s second and third-place teams from the Premier Division met on the opening night of Mid-Cheshire League bowling.

Last year, Crewe Post Office just ran out as victors, winning 210 to Wharton Cons’ 205, but Friday’s results showed a slightly bigger win with Crewe PO winning 184-171 with both teams able to take away some positives at the very beginning of a long season.

Castle Sports C – the champions of Division Two last year – began their campaign in Division O with a home tie against Frodsham Red Lion B.

With five winners each, it was a very close game with Frodsham just winning the match 169-163.

Meanwhile, the Cheshire county team’s opening game against North Lancs & Fylde is on Sunday, May 5, with their home leg at Comberbach.

Tom Vickers vs Andy Cairns will be a tie to watch out for as both are excellent players. Hopefully Tom’s green knowledge should give him the edge.

Another interesting tie is Glynn Cookson v Michael Leach, with Glynn’s 137 county matches and Leach’s 75, there will not be any lack of experience and quality.

Full Draw

Home

Andy Hamman vs Peter Hawkes, Danny Nixon vs Dave Walker, Tom Vickers vs Andrew Cairns, Ian Howell vs Rob Houghton, Simon Cookson vs Gerald Oakland, Stuart Kellett vs Lee Longland, Neal Ocego vs Stuart Mort, Rob Winnington vs Dave Worthington, Owen Cookson vs Jonathan Lacey, Glynn Cookson vs Michael Leach, Steven P Baskerville vs Paul Howarth, Jason Cornes vs Steve Clamp

Away

Ashleigh Woof vs Tommy Johnstone, Sam Patterson vs Andy Proctor, Dave Hargreaves vs Matt Thurlwell, John Hodson vs Jamie Bramley, Callum Danson vs Noel Burrows, Gary Cochrane vs Andy Birtles, Paul Wilson vs Matt Sands, Lyndon Carr vs Scott Mills, Brian Morgan vs Adam Bishop, Simon Hargreaves vs Jack Bushell, Eamon Hernan vs Paul Bradley, John Fox vs Lee Johnstone

Elsewhere, what a fantastic day and turn-out it was for the Owley Wood Spring Open, sponsored by Naw Paving and Owley Wood recreation club.

The final was fought out by Reece Farr and Gareth Coates – both bowlers had played well all day, but Reece took the £1,000 first prize with Gareth as runner up taking home £500.

The last Mid Cheshire player in the competition, Simon Cookson, went out in the quarter finals, losing to the eventual champion.