Billy Atkinson, Matty Gilmore and Tony Vyskocil all went through to the Wallasey Merit 1/4 finals on a wet night on the Wirral last night. Billy Atkinson accounted for both father and son in two games against the Wharton family from Sacred Heart. He beat Steve Jnr in his first match and then accounted for Steve Snr in his second game. Matty Gilmore beat clubmate Robby Fitzpatrick on his way to the last eight and Tony Vyskocil had a tremendous 21-04 against Les Henderson to move into the last eight. The conclusion of this tournament is on Saturday 26th June, 6-00pm at Magazines Bowling Club.
Dave Gilmore drove an early dagger into Sacred Heart in last nights Harold Jones cup semi final, with a tremendous 21-02 in the first four, to set the Vics on their way to another Harold Jones cup final. Well supported by easy 21-09s from Robby Franklin and Billy Atkinson the Vics also had good wins from Anthony Thompson and Matty Gilmore ( both21-13) and a couple of 21-14s by Ian and Karl Sherbrooke. The Vics eventually running out 43 shot victors over Sacred Heart, who travel to West Kirby for a league game on Thursday when once again the England game will prove to be a big distraction. Hopefully we will have more players left at the end of Thursday’s game to help out with marking etc.
The Vics had seven representatives in the Wallasey League Federation side against Furness yesterday, with 5 winners amongst them. The Wallasey side managed to win both home and away for a great 26-7 points victory. In the home leg at Manor Road Tony Vyscocil led the way with 21-07, followed by Dave Gilmore 21-15, Rob Franklin 21-16, and Matt Gilmore 21-14. Our sole representative in the away side, Billy Atkinson, produced a good 21-11 victory. Other excellent performances in the home fixture came from the two Manor Road players, Allan Bainbridge 21-06 and George Stead 21-08. The Queens Royal trio of Les Henderson 21-12, Geoff Lynch Jnr. 21-12 and Paul Saville 21-09, all produced notable performances. Unfortunately our own Anthony Thompson and Ian Sherbrooke missed out this time and although Craig Saville (Queens Royal) also missed out he did manage to scoop a share of the lottery cash with team mate Geoff Lynch Jnr. No doubt Craig knew how to celebrate his good fortune.
On Monday next, 21st June, the Vics Wallasey side play Sacred Heart at Burton’s in the Harold Jones Cup semi final, 6-30pm start. Then on Wednesday, 23rd June at Cammell Laird, the Vics Birkenhead League side play Albany in the Sansom Cup semi final. This match also starts at 6-30pm.
The “C” team travelled to Pensby/Hoy Recs yesterday afternoon for a top of the table clash at a very good Pensby green. After a tight match with both teams having 5 winners, Pensby came out on top by 18 shots. The Vics will be looking to reverse the result in the home tie in a fortnight’s time. Ernie Peers and Bill Spraggett both had convincing 21-10 victories and with C.K.Pau, Eddie Dodd and Lennie Sherbrooke all winning, the aggregate point should not be beyond the team in the return match. This result does however mean that the Vics lead at the top of the table is now only 2 points.
The afternoon “B” team beat Burtons by 25 shots at home yesterday afternoon to set up a close game next week for the aggregate point. Chris Williams stormed to a 21-03 on his reappearance from injury, and averages leader, Don Ibbotson won again 21-10 to keep his position at the head of the table. With Bill Powell, Eric Neal, Bill Tottey and C.K.Pau all winning well, Stan Ridgways team bounced back to form after the double defeat against Woodland.
The afternoon “A” team suffered a demoralising 76 shot defeat, away at Albany yesterday afternoon. Mally Johnson with a 21-18 victory, being the only winner on a day when nothing went right for Brian Ibbotson’s side. With only 7 points gained from nine matches the Vics will need to show much improved form over the second half of the season to steer clear of relegation trouble. Some big home wins, to gain aggregate points, are a must from now on.
There will be a Committee meeting at the Clubhouse next Tuesday 22nd June At 5-30pm. Matters to be discussed will include Afternoon Team selections, Membership numbers, Wirral Council attitude and watering of the green.
Dissapointingly, Wirral Council in their reply to requests for corner fencing and signs banning football etc on the green, say that there is no evidence of bike riding or roller skating on the green. They also state that in their experience notices only get vandalised and therefore serve no purpose. With the school holidays due in the next six weeks we will continue to persue our request for fencing of some description.
Skipper Ian Sherbrooke 21-15 ( against Robby Hall), Neil Sherbrooke 21-08 (18-01 up at one stage) and Bernie Owen with a 21-12, were the only winners against Higher Tranmere on Friday night. Special mention must go to C.K.Pau and Dick Peake for turning out at short notice to enable the Vics to field a full side on a night when 4 players were unavailable for various reasons. The Vics are finding it a bit difficult at the moment in the Birkenhead League with very little competition for places, but everyone must stick together and with a semi final next up against Albany ( 23rd June @ Cammell Laird) hopefully things will improve result wise.