Harris will play workmate in county singles defence!

Post date: Jan 11, 2018 2:20:49 PM

STEPHEN Harris begins his defence of the prestigious Lincolnshire IBA county indoor singles title at noon on Sunday February 18 at Sleaford when he plays his workmate and fellow bowler Rod West (Boston)!

The 20-year-old works at a print facility in Bourne and he is keen to retain the title he won at Lincoln last year - even at the expense of his pal. Harris has also qualified for the county singles sets format at Boston on February 25 where he plays Louth's K Kelly at 9am.

Stamford veteran Alan Romaine is the only local member to qualify in all three singles disciplines - the county singles, sets and Over 60 singles.

Elsewhere in the county singles John Holroyd plays Matt Whyers (Spalding) at 9am and Chris Ballard (11.30) players the winner of the Paul Bark (Horncastle) and A Hall (Dunholme) preliminary round.

Dave Hudson takes Alan Dent Jr (Louth) at Boston on February 18 at 9am while Tony Barwell meets S Dent (Louth) and Romaine faces Alan Dent Snr (Louth) at 11.30am.

In the sets, Ballard meets K Bell (Lincoln) at 12 with Keith Rippin and Tony Barwell in action simultaneously at 1.30 against Nick Orrey (Grantham) and Martin Spencer (Spalding) respectively. Romaine plays clubmate Adam Warrington at 3pm.

Romaine's opponent in the senior singles over 21 ends at Grantham on February 17 at noon, is N Burton (Lincoln) while Derek King plays G Davis (Sleaford).

Twice a winner of the event and runner-up in 2017, Martyn Dolby plays I Bertram (Louth) at 2pm alongside Keith Rippin who plays another former winner John Needham (Spalding).

For the full draws visit www.lincolnshireiba.co.uk

ALL WELCOME TO OPEN MORNING

In a bid to boost participation in the game and boost its membership, Stamford Indoor Bowls Club hosts an open morning tomorrow (Saturday) from 9.30 to noon.

While members are bringing family and friends to try the game, the club is also keen to target former players from others sports - including football, tennis, rugby, cricket, hockey and golf - to test themselves in a sport which is equally competitive.

Experienced bowlers and coaches will be on hand to show newcomers the ropes and equipment is provided free of charge.

For further information call 01780 756452.

COMPETITION WINNERS

In the national Over 60s men's pairs Peter Cox and Tony Barwell have set up an all-Stamford second round clash against Malcolm Cullingworth and Derek King following a fine win at Grantham.

They trailed R Barrett and P Hawksworth 6-13 after eight ends but hit back with 15 shots to run out 21-16 winners.

Early results in the Northants Federation include a thrilling comeback for Helen Holroyd and Paul Bailey in the mixed pairs against King and his wife Margaret, forcing an extra end when three down, then taking the match.

Defending champion Joan Robinson held a 15-2 lead against Chris Ford in the singles but in another fightback Ford recovered to win narrowly.