THE City of Ely Bowls Club ended a busy weekend with success in both The Denny Cup and The Egham Trophy. In a packed morning schedule, the club faced local rivals Cambridge Chesterton in the third round of The Denny Cup. Both home rinks started brightly w

THE City of Ely Bowls Club ended a busy weekend with success in both The Denny Cup and The Egham Trophy.

In a packed morning schedule, the club faced local rivals Cambridge Chesterton in the third round of The Denny Cup. Both home rinks started brightly with Greg Harlow opening up a seven shot lead within the first five ends.

However, Ian Miller skipping for Chesterton against Andrew Easy, made life a little uncomfortable with some great shots to take a lead of 5-2. Away from home, Jamie Reynolds for Ely moved into a comfortable 7-3 lead at the same stage but Nicky Brett was struggling to contain Chesterton's Mark Law trailing by six shots to one.

As the game progressed Ely gradually began to build on their overall score. Derek Rains, leading for Greg Harlow, was in excellent form again for and Andrew Easy continued to show his class by playing some fantastic shots.

By 15 ends, Ely were 20 shots in front overall and looking in a strong position.

However, Chesterton fought back hard over the last three ends to give Ely a fright by outscoring them 15 shots to 6, the final score being 82-77. Northampton await in the next round to be played on the November 28.

The following day an equally tough match was anticipated with City's top men teaming up with the ladies in The Egham Trophy encounter with St Neots.

Ely stamped their authority on the match right from the start with Jamie Reynolds rink of Margaret Reeder, Kerry Reynolds and Andrew Ware opening up a 14 - 0 lead after five ends.

The home rinks both started well with Andrew Easy continuing his fine form from the previous day in the Denny Cup. Ryan O'Flanagan skipping against Greg Harlow had other ideas though, and produced a fine display of bowls to keep the World Number four and his rink at bay.

As far as a contest went the match was over by the completion of 10 ends, Ely had opened up a commanding lead and eventually ran out winners by 99 shots to 56 overall. Ely will now play Wellingborough in the zone final before the competition goes to the national stages.