Harrogate Bowling

A win for Black Swan 2nd see’s them take a clear 29 point lead at the top of Division 2. They didn’t have it all their own way this week however as they hosted a very determined Bilton Spartans.

The Spartans were obviously in a fighting mood as young Brad Walker continued his excellent season with a close fought win. John Small followed up with an excellent performance of his own winning 21-8. This was soon cancelled out by Swan man Chris Allison showing his style with a 21-7 victory.
Don Rider finished the first half with another win for the Swan team giving them the slimmest advantage of 2 chalks at the mid way point.

Adam Walker got the second half off to a winning start for the Spartans but Alan Whittaker and John Gibbins stepped into the breach with fine Swan wins. Chris Bishop’s excellent finish to the game ensured the teams shared four winners each but Swan just clinched the aggregate by 4 chalks to take the match 6-4. A fair result in what was an excellent performance by both teams.

Wayside Wanderers were very pleased to take a 7-3 win from a difficult visit to Bilton Trojans. Skipper Derek Wood put in one of his best performances of the season to take his team to victory. Josh Coker is back in the headlines again however after a fine 21-9 win of his own. Collingham and Bardsey Osprey shared four winners each in a tight tie. Tony Phillips just ensuring a 6-4 win for Bardsey after his 21-7 performance however.

Almscliffe Climbers pull themselves up into second equal position after beating Low Harrogate 8-2. Adam Briggs 21-7 and Brenda Rhodes 21-9 excelling for the Climbers with Peter Marchant putting in Low Harrogate’s best performance winning 21-9. Anne Copley 21-6 and Henry Maude 21-9 got the Knights of Wetherby off to a good start in their match against Pateley Bridge. A fight back by Jenny Kirkbright 21-6 and Mike Hall 21-7 turned things around and ensure the Dales team left with a 6-4 win.

Dacre Falcons have just managed to put some daylight between themselves and the chasing pack in Division 3 after their excellent 8-2 win over a strong Starbeck team. Athol Hill capped a good Dacre night with a 21-7 victory. Almscliffe Ramblers have been finding things tough recently but really pulled it out the hat with a great performance this week beating promotion contenders Knaresborough Badgers 9-1. A dent in the Badgers title bid that they will be keen to turn around next week.
Harold Holdsworth 21-6 and Paul Kirkbright 21-8 were key to Pateley’s excellent 9-1 over Bilton Athenians. Barbara Worsnop was the only bright spot in a difficult night for the Dragon team with her 21-6 victory.

Black Swan stay clear at the top of Division 4 after beating Low Harrogate C 8-2. George Moorey unfortunately losing his unbeaten record however going down 21-20 in his close fought encounter. Geoff Pickering was Collinghams main man with his 21-6 helping them on to a 7-3 win over Dacre Kites.

Starbeck were in devastating form this week hitting Bilton Corinthians like a hurricane. Ian Robinson 21-5 the best of the night in his teams excellent 10-0 win. Ken Blakey 21-5, Joe Hutchinson 21-6, Elizebeth Lambert 21-6 and Jean Foster 21-8 were all in fine form for Pateley as they beat Low Harrogate D 9-1. It was another excellent home performance in the Dales.

In Division 5 Dacre Owls were dominant against Wayside Ramblers. Gladys Booth lead the way with an excellent 21-3 display. There was some good news for the Ramblers however as Bernhard Poulter showed just how far he is coming on in his first season by winning 21-4. There were excellent league debuts for Bernhard Kilmartin, Linda Cochrane and Tracy Kennedy who all narrowly missed out after excellent first games.

Bardsey Merlins beat Knaresborough Hounds 7-3. Enid Fairbanks 21-2, June Barber 21-5 and Remie Salazar 21-7 all in impressive home form. Harry Mitchell was the Huby Hero as his 21-9 win over Starbeck proved the best of the evening as Almscliffe Strollers won 9-1.

Back In the top flight Bilton Centurions were in fighting form as they tamed the Tigers 9-1. Skipper Ken Coker leading from the front with his 21-9 win. It was a good return for Knaresborough’s Terry Connell however winning 21-6 in his first league start of the season. It was four winners each as Bilton WMC hosted Wayside in a close fought encounter. John Renicor proving the difference between the two however after an excellent 21-8 win.

Bardsey Kestrels got 5 winners in their visit to the Lion’s den at Knaresborough. Another great display from Keith Pinder winning 21-3 ensured the aggregate for the Lions however with the game finishing 5-5. Low Harrogate’s fighting form continues as they narrowly missed out at Starbeck. With 4 winners a piece the ‘Beck took the match by 4 chalks to win 6-4 thanks largely to skipper Steve Holmes 21-8 win.

Black Swan’s momentum continues in their surge to the title as they beat Dacre 9-1. Dave Hodgson once again dominated as he won 21-8. Skipper Chaz Charleton’s fantastic season long unbeaten run unfortunately game to an end however after a close fought game.

The Harrogate Junior Merit competition takes place this Sunday at Wayside with the crop of the districts youngsters competing both for the title and a place in this year’s Champion of Champions. League Secretary Chris Light is officiating and will be getting things underway at 10am.