COLNE bowler Glyn Shuttleworth is at the centre of the action at the Ighten Mount club this weekend as yet another season reaches an exciting climax.

Glyn's involved in the conclusion of the Riley Greenmaster Open Singles when the last eight competitors play off for the coveted trophy in a line-up which also includes Wigan star Billy Hilton - the pair were the final qualifiers last weekend.

The Colne man defeated Alan Gaffney in his opener by a very comfortable margin that was quickly on the cards following a remarkable 14-break that virtually clinched the game.

However, his eliminator with Rossendale player Mick Opie who earlier despatched John Ainsworth 31-18 was a much closer affair. Both players were equal to the task and for over 20 ends there was never more than couple of points between them.

But from 18-20 down, Glyn put together an eight-break without reply, which looking back probably decided the outcome.

Despite an excellent rally from Mick who reduced the arrears to 28-27 and held the jack it was not enough to overturn the score.

Indeed, Glyn once again regained the advantage with a single and a brace won through to the finals.

Billy Hilton was also in impressive form as he first ousted county player John Hodson 31-21 and then homester Ken Topham 31-24.

Ken had played well in his opener to end the hopes of Roy Foster with points to spare 31-21.

But he never quite got into the game with the Wigan man who led from the early stages.

Ken did have an opportunity at 25-23 but again Billy drew clear to clinch his first appearance in the quarter-final.

The line-up includes Glyn and Billy along with Rossendale men Keith Scaife and Andrew Cairns, Dave Worthington from St Annes, Kevin Shaw (Bolton), Martin Dillon (Burnley) and Barry Sutton (Lostock). Incidentally, the competition is completed on Sunday evening starting at 6.30pm and the draw will be made on the night.

The annual Mixed Doubles sponsored by Red Rose Reprographics gets under way this Sunday with qualifying sessions of play.

Programme of rounds takes place at 10am and 1pm and there are three vacancies for September 5 draw.

Anyone wishing to enter should contact: Mr A A Allen on 01282 424666.

The Mixed Pairs final will take place on Sunday, September 12.

The Althams Ladies Singles also gets under way tomorrow and next Saturday with qualifying rounds for the grand finals on Saturday, September 11.

Since this competition has been designated a Champion of Champions qualifier, it is a real feather in the cap for Ighten Mount, sponsors Althams and organisers of the event.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.