20 Jul All love and joy for the Over 80s
AFTER the unseasonal windy weather in the preliminary round at Ravensknowle Park two weeks ago the quarter finals held at Primrose Hill went ahead in beautiful conditions at a venue that was also hosting a wedding reception.
All four ties, drawn on the day, went with the handicap and providing some excellent entertainment for the many supporters in attendance.
Two very closely contested ties started proceedings with Waterloo’s Mick McCluskey the first back to the clubhouse following a 21-19 success over Michael Wood of Brockholes. This contest was nip and tuck all the way through with Wood ahead 11-6 at one point only for McCluskey to claw his way to within one point at 15-14. The Waterloo bowler then surged ahead to lead 19-16 before being pegged back by Wood but a double saw him home.
At the same time Milnsbridge’s Roy Sutton was attempting to keep tabs on Peter Clay of Almondbury who shot onto an 11-4 lead. That advantage was stretched to 17-11 by the 16th end but a consistent period of bowling from the Milnsbridge bowler saw him edge ahead 20-18 before taking the tie two ends later.
After a short tea break Marsh United’s Trevor Sykes was too hot for Norman Hall of Brockholes. Sykes was in outstanding form claiming two on no less than eight ends, twice hitting doubles on three consecutive ends to take that contest 21-6.
That left Ray Clayton of Netherton Con on the green in a contest with Gordon Walker of Kirkheaton Con. This was another quarter final that was close with the Netherton man 10-7 ahead before Walker won six consecutive ends to race into a 15-10 lead. Clayton was left playing catch up, claiming another four points though Walker always held the upper hand and finished with a 21-14 success.
There was some excellent bowling on show with a string of corner-to-corner encounters on the lush Pip Hill green keeping those watching enthralled. The four winners progress to the finals day at Skelmanthorpe Windmill on 1st August.
