The last 16 of the Men’s Singles was played tonight, and no fewer than 3 former champions including the current holder bit the dust!
Firstly Gosforth’s John Harthen, the current holder lost at home to St. Georges’ Michael Barrass 21 – 19, in a tight tussle throughout Michael scored 2 on the last end to take the victory, well done to Michael this evening. The other former champions to go out was another Gosforth player Michael Bennett, who lost at Seaton Sluice yesterday morning to Iain Dickinson, with another 21 – 19 scoreline. However, Bennett was 18 – 11 up until Dickinson fought back to take the tie in a high quality game. The last former champion to go out was Barrass’s club mate Phil Harvey who lost to Rory Adamson at Health & Security with yet again another 21 – 19 scoreline.
The other ties mainly played at Gosforth saw the last remaining former champion Mick McGreevy record another home win, this time over Benfield’s Jonny Morgan. Across the green it was better news for Morgan’s club colleague Jonty King, who beat home favourite Simon Richardson 21 – 17. The other two ties at Gosforth saw a home win for Steve Harvey over Portland’s Simon Taws 21 – 13, and the final game saw another win this time for Rockcliffe Rollers Darryl Illingworth, who beat Gosforth’s Chris Brown 21 – 13.
The final game was played at Benfield and St. Georges Neil Aitchison continued his good form, and Neilo defeated home player Matthew Bishop in a close contest, where Neil scored on the last 3 ends, from 16 all, to win 21 – 16.
To note you will also be pleased I have removed my photo!!
Well done to all the players this evening, and the next round (1/4 finals) will take place next Monday.