LOCAL bowlers Colin Campbell and yours truly Terry Connell were the last two qualifiers for the third round of the Alexandra Classic sponsored by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and Scottish and Newcastle Retail.

On Sunday, Colin emerged in the last 16 line-up after playing consistently well in both his rounds.

In his opener with another well known local player Mick Lang, he had quite a tussle for almost all the game.

For 30 ends it was nip and tuck as the scores peeled on no fewer than eight occasions and neither player led by more than a couple of chalks.

But from 21-21, Colin drew away with six and one in reply for 27-22 and after holding jack at 29-25, Mike saw his last opportunity fade as Colin weighed in with two singles.

Meanwhile, Blackburn man Reg Horman was having a similar contest with Kevin Bond from Nelson who was always slight favourite, apart from when he went 17-13 down.

But a 10 break soon put him in the driving seat at 23-17 and he followed up to run out 31-23.

The eliminator had expectations of a close contest, but in the event it was no contest at all.

Kevin is a recent addition to the county team, but his form deserted him as Colin simply romped home almost unchallenged 31-12.

Results - FIRST ROUND: T Connell 31, P Slinger 25; J Hanson 31, E Thomas 15; C Campbell 31, M Lang 25; K Bond 31, R Horman 23. SECOND ROUND: Connell 31, Hanson 16; Campbell 31, Bond 12.

Third and fourth round matches take place this weekend - SATURDAY: K Shaw, V O'Donnell, J Rushton, T Connell.

SUNDAY: I Broadhurst, M Chapman, H Hargreaves, C Campbell.

ON SATURDAY yours truly recorded two bruising victories for a place in the last 16 for the first time in five years, writes TERRY CONNELL.

I say bruising because after a lay-off due to illness, and only the odd competitive game so far this season, two 31 ups in heavy conditions took its toll on a few under-used muscles.

Nevertheless it was all worthwhile and as all we bowlers know very enjoyable whatever the circumstances when you are successful.

The first round against Witton player Peter Slinger was always going to be quite a challenge especially when I went 17-6 behind.

However, some consistent play on a long swinging mark paid dividends and as my game improved, Peter began to lose the accuracy that had been exemplary up to then. When Peter saw his lead evaporate at 22-21, he did little to prevent me going through 31-25.

Meanwhile, John Hanson from Chipping, had seen off the challenge from Ernie Thomas who has run well in the sweep on previous occasions. However, Ernie from Preston who this year walked the Great Wall of China for charity, was not on his game and went down 31-15.

The eliminator in continuous pouring rain took the shine off an important match, but it did not prevent yours truly from continuing where I left off against Peter.

In a dozen ends, I was 10-2 in front and that opening spell set the pattern and the seal on the outcome.

John reduced the deficit at 17-11 but with a couple of five breaks on the longer marks, I raced clear to clinch the game 31-16.

The winners from the next four sessions of play will compete in the grand final night on Saturday, July 10.

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