Harrogate Bowling

Week 1 Report

With some key pre-season signings Black Swan got their title challenge underway with an excellent 8-2 home win over Starbeck. Richard Hebblewhite getting them off to winning ways with a 21-6 win. Alan Whittaker shored up the middle order 21-9 and Martin Hemmingway rounded off a good night for the club with a 21-1 win.

Champions Wayside started their defence in style beating Low Harrogate 9-1. Brian Walker dominating at home 21-5 with Chris Rigby finishing the evening with a 21-9 win. Bardsey will be looking to push the top two this season by mounting their own title challenge. It was a good start as they beat new boys Knaresborough Tigers 8-2 away. Things were much tighter for the Lions on their travels at Dacre. With 4 winners a piece it was Chris Drinkel 21-4, Lance Graham 21-6 and Trevor Ingledew 21-7 who ensured the aggregate for the Knaresborough club and a 6-4 win.

Paul Worsnop capped his first team debut in fine style with a resounding 21-7 win in the local derby between Bilton Centurians and Bilton WMC. Alan Rothery responded with a strong performance also winning 21-7. Despite the Clubmen having five winners they missed out on the aggregate by 2 chalks with the match points being shared 5 a piece.

In Division 2 it was an early meeting for the two title favourites Pateley Bridge and Black Swan. All games were tight but with three new signings on display it was first blood to Swan with a 7-3 victory. It was also a close fought battle between Bardsey Osprey and Bilton Spartans with the Ospreys using their home advantage to take the game 7-3.

Carl Bushby skippered Almscliffe well in their Division 2 debut with his corner bowling outreaching his opponent resulting in a crushing 21-1 win. It was another good all round home performance however from the Wanderers ensuring a good start to their season with an 8-2 win.

Ron Matthews 21-1, John Mokes 21-7 and Mike Hatfield 21-8 were all in fine form for Wetherby as they opened with an 8-2 win over Low Harrogate. Bilton Trojans showed their intentions of mounting a serious promotion bid after dominating Collingham 9-1. Ken Plummer 21-6 and Hazel Parker getting good wins in the first half, and Peter Elsworth 21-4 and Rose Coker 21-8 bringing the back 4 home well. With Easter weekend that is unfortunately all the results available. All 5 Divisions will be covered next week however but can also be viewed at www.harrogatebowling.co.uk.