Record–breakers expect tough test

BOWLS: TONGE Bowling Club may have won this year’s Manchester Premier League title by a record margin, but they won’t be taking anything for granted in 2011.

Gary Ellis, one of several star players in the Tonge team, is well aware of the dangers posed by other high-quality teams in the league.

He said: “I did think at the start of last season that if we played to our ability we might win by 15 or 20 points. I didn’t think for one minute we could win by the 50 which we did.

“The top players in the team played really well, but some of the others who might be regarded as lesser players, did very well, too.

“When you get to the point when the man who is 10th in your averages is winning as many games as he is losing then it’s clear you are are going to win the league.”

Ellis responded to criticism from those who accused Tonge of gathering all the best players at one club.

Stuart Mort (Standish) joined the club in 2009 and he was followed last year by Simon Coupe (Preston) and Andrew Cairns (Rawtenstall). Each is considered to be among the game’s top group of players.

Said Ellis: “They like playing here and although we have a lot of top-class players, there is a decent team spirit.

“There are no real Hooray-Henrys who consider themselves superstars.

“Stuart was looking for a club to play for after Budenbergs and he enjoyed himself here. Simon came with him the following year and he has enjoyed it, too.

“Every team in the Premier League has brought players in from other clubs. I don’t think we are ridiculous in that respect.

“There are three who come a fair distance in Stuart, Andy and Simon, I suppose, but the rest have been playing here for years.”


THERE will be four matches in the ‘A’ Division of Chadderton Cot’s Inbev Winter Bowling League tomorrow – weather permitting – starting at 9am when Hopwood face Springbank.
Hopwood take on North Chadderton at 11am, Waterloo and Taunton play New Street at 1pm and Royle meet Springhead at 3pm.

‘B’ Division action on Sunday sees Stalybridge play Dogwood at 9am, Failsworth v Chadderton Cot at 11am, Failsworth v Vixens at 1pm and Prestwich v Nimble Nook at 3pm.