Copeland wins a titanic battle

IN FORM . . . Steve Copeland.

BOWLS:

Three-TIMES champion Steve Copeland and double champion Alan Hodson fought out a Green Final Bowling Handicap heavyweight contest at Nimble Nook.

The third-round showdown between the talented Springbank team-mates produced some tremendous bowling with Copeland finding a superb precision delivery at the final end to win 21-17 and book his place in the finals.

Earlier, Hodson had hit back from 18-10 down to beat another previous winner, John Wade, while Copeland had seen off the challenge of young Jordan Duckworth.

Copeland’s Springbank pairs partner Ged Smedley was hoping to join his pal on finals night and that looked to be very much on the cards when he reached the third round at Moorside.

But Springhead’s Bob Carr had other ideas, registering an impressive 21-12 victory to reach the last eight.

Delph’s slick surface proved to be a real test for the bowlers and it was yet another Springbank player, Simon Cawley, who adapted best.

After beating Ian Gorbutt and Frank Cassidy, he booked his place on finals night with a 21-15 verdict against Lee Chambers.

The final heat at North Chadderton saw success for competition chairman Keith McHugh (Hopwood), who beat Paul Heap (Springbank) 21-11 to qualify. Earlier McHugh had overcome former competition winner Brian Raynor and Malcolm Warhurst.