Bowls - with Ian Laird

Jun 27 2008

WYTHALL stayed on course for the Premier title with a convincing win at home to in-trouble Black Horse.

Alan Watkins led the way with his fine 21-5 win over Jaqui Barnett. Phil Richardson matched that in his game with John Cole. Best for the losers was Bryan Handley, who sunk Clive Dolphin, 21-12.

Surprise, surprise, Stoke Prior notched their first win of the season, at home to Tally-Ho. Dave Buttery beat Tony Jones with 21-9 and Derek Burton stopped Chas Pritchard on 10. Dave Barker and Peter King saved the whitewash with 21-20 wins apiece.

Kings Norton Ex-Service just held off visitors British Legion by seven shots. Phil Ward and Paul Tombs grabbed 21-11 and 21-12 wins over Gary Humphries and Les Day. Gavin Day provided the big reply, stopping John Newsome on 11.

In Two, Bournville Social, on a roll for the title, blasted in with a 68-shot win at Alcester. Best of their seven winners was Gary Smith, leaving Elsie George with just two on her card. Alf Thomson made things dark for Simon Sumner, 21-10.

West Midland Police stayed in contention with a 38-shot win at home to Grasshoppers. John Brookes leaped over Graham Phillips with a super 21-2 return. Best for the visitors was Gordon Phillips with seven shots off Alan Seager. Hall Green eased their way out of the relegation zone with a 13-shot win at home to struggling Henley-in-Arden. John Bird and Norman Laing flew in with 21-10 wins against John Townson and David Steele. Gary Eborall, 21-9, was best for the losers against Peter Fagan.

In Three, Maggies remained in contention with a 49-shot win at home to Oak. Mark Baker cooked Billy Carter with his 21-6 return. But Jamie Carter got it right for the visitors, 21-8 over Ritchie Wright. Ye Olde Knowle crashed in by 43 shots at home to Warstock. Jean Molsey and Ray Graveling, both 21-7 winners over Jackie Manders and Darren Short. Jim McGrann, 21-9, was best visitor, dumping Annie Hill, 21-9.