Published at 11:37, Thursday, 12 June 2008

MIDDLETON CUP action returns to Cumbria on Saturday when Wigton will host Cumbria’s second group game against Durham.

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Around the local greens with David Taylor

The north east side are formidable opponents indoor but for several years now their outdoor side has been some way below that level.

And their most recent result, when going down 16-6 to Northumberland in their opening game, suggests that little has changed with many of their better players either unable or unwilling to turn out for the county.

On the other hand, Cumbria seems likely to be back to full- strength with Craig Docherty, Richard Chandler and Stuart Bowman all returning to the side after being unavailable for the previous game at Middlesbrough. Bearing that in mind, there seems little reason why Cumbria should not go on to score another convincing win which will leave them requiring a win of any description in the final game against Northumberland to ensure a place in the quarter-final.

Upsets can happen but this is a good solid Cumbria side, an opinion supported by the fact that a player of Scott Beattie's ability (he has recently been selected as part of England 32-man junior squad) is only named as reserve for the County Middleton side.

The game on Saturday commences at 2pm and is once more generously sponsored by local funeral director and County senior vice-president John Tremble.

ALSOP CUP

After their good win against Lancashire at Bolton two weeks ago, the Alsop side will be looking for a similar result when making the trip to Saltburn for the game against Yorkshire on Saturday.

Not surprisingly, after the opening win team manger Peter Irving has made few changes and as such the side should prove good enough to beat a Yorkshire team which hardly covered itself in glory when going down 18-4 and 38 shots overall against Northumberland.

Northumberland currently head the Alsop table but a win for Cumbria on Saturday would keep the pressure on for when the sides meet early next month at Workington.

UNDER-25 DOUBLE RINK

Cumbria’s current national Junior champions travel to Kirbymoorside on Sunday for their quarterfinal game against Northumberland commencing at 10am.

Because of age there are some changes to the side this year but it is still a good one and with John Bell a member of last years successful side but not available for the first game this season returning to the side one must take Cumbria to make further progress towards retaining their national title.

CARLIOL LEAGUE

Despite several games being curtailed because of rain on Thursday all fixtures were completed but the league table is very much as before.

Subscription despite losing 6-4 at home to Dalston continue to hold top spot four points ahead of Brampton who beat Edenside 8-2.

Courtfield are in third place four points further behind after beating British Rail 6-4 at Gillford Park.

After their win, Dalston have moved into fourth place while Edenside are in sixth followed by Railways, West End and Holme Head who went down 10-0 at Goschen Road.

In the Thursday section, West End have gone back into top spot after beating Edenside 9-1 while Subscription drop to second place two points adrift after losing their home fixture against Wetheral 8-2. Brampton move into third as a result of their 7-3 win over Linton while Stanwix who beat Currock 6-4 at Scalegate Road are in fourth place.

Courtfield beat Dalston 6-4 at the Recreation Ground and are in fifth place.

NATIONAL COMPETITIONS

In the Champion of Champions Paul Bannister gained a hard fought 21-19 win over John Baird of Subscription and now meets Stephen Farish.

In the Over-55 Singles David Stanton continued his good run when beating Brian Dixon 21-17 and now meets David McManus while Donald Holme beat Ian Wells 21-15 and he will now play Jon Russell of Yorkshire.

In the Top Club, Silloth are Cumbria’s last representatives as Aspatria went down to Yorkshire Club Springhead Park.

Incidentally, congratulations to Aspatria for the improved condition of their green.

In the Over-55 Pairs Bob Dent now meets David Cannon while Barry O’Hare plays Len Ashley of Yorkshire.

Courtfield Race Week Tournie

The forty fourth Annual tournament commences on Monday week and entries to date are quite good. As usual however there are quite a number of regular entrants who have yet to lift the telephone and dial Gerry Bardgett.

There will be a number of late entries available in each of the competitions but if you wish to be sure of your name being in the draw and the programme make sure you speak to Gerry before Monday 16 when the draw will go to press.

TEAMS

Cumbria v Durham, Middleton Cup at Wigton Saturday, June 14 - 2pm

N Karge, D Gregory, M Nanson, R Gallagher; JA Bell, I Airey, T Taylor, JN Bell; S Green, S Irwin, R Chandler, B Sherwen; C Docherty, J Baird, G Taylor, I Gallagher; K Harrison, R Gibson, P Barlow, S Farish; D Forster, S Bowman, D May, S Airey; Reserves: S Beattie, M Irwin, D McManus, S Walker.

Yorkshire v Cumbria, Alsop Cup at Saltburn Saturday, June 14 - 2pm

D Pattinson, D Blackmore, P Pattinson, A McGuiness; B O’Hare, B Ditchburn, R Irving, R Cox; D Cannon, R Dent, A Dalziel, P Metcalf; D Balfour, A Walker, R Litt, E Orchard; W Bateman, M Jackman, R Ritchie, J Hynds; H Stewart, B Fieldhouse, R Au, P Irving; Reserve M Little.

Cumbria v Northumberland Under-25 Double Rink, at Kirbymoorside Sunday, June 15 - 10am

S Green, K Harrison, JA Bell, D May; D Forster, M Irwin, S Beattie, S Bowman; Reserves: J Fieldhouse, D Pattinson.

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