A perfect illustration of the widespread fame of the Southend Men's Open Bowls Tournament came yesterday (Tuesday) when duos from Barnsley and Luton were among those winning through to Thursday's quarter-finals of the men's pairs competition.

Two more rounds were completed in sweltering heat and leading the Yorkshire charge was R Fitzgerald after a fourth round 23-18 success over R Smith (Ford Sports).

He now takes on Hockley's Fred Benee who, after overcoming surprise first day Hadleigh hits Louis Walker and Albert Hall 20-13 in round three, made the last eight with a 23-14 success after 20 ends over Mick Bartholomew (Runwell).

Benee looked on the way out when 13-9 down after 15 ends, but then had a two, six, three, nought and three to triumph.

Making a big splash for Bedfordshire is Greg Fountain, from the Leaside Club, who earned a quarter-final date with John Betton (Southend) by beating Peter Devaliant (Rochford) 22-19. This was despite the local man picking up seven shots on the last three ends.

Betton was unstoppable in round four, including three fours and a six in his 25-11 victory over Runwell's Wally White.

Favourites for the title in many eyes must be the superb in-form partnership of David Platt and Alan Hart, from Stock. After picking up two big wins on Monday, they finished off their opponents after 18 ends in both Tuesday's clashes.

They started the day by seeing off Phil Millership (Prittlewell) 35-10 and then showed no mercy to Ken Durrant (Essex County). This time they had two fives and a six when triumphing 29-13.

Their quarter-final with highly-experienced John Seddon and partner Dave Fulcher promises to be one of the highlights of the fight for semi-final spots.

Seddon was 13-0 up after seven in the third round against Tom Nelson (Thorpe Bay) and, although the latter did his best to make a battle of it, victory was always going to the Benfleet man who finished with a two, two, four, flourish to triumph 26-7. Seddon then beat E Buzer (Prittlewell) 20-13.

John Graves continues to go well for Shell. Opponent Len Pemberton, with partner Bill Driscoll (Essex County) seemed to be cruising into the quarters when four up with four to play.

However, Graves took the jack back to where he had five woods unmarked and followed through for a six. This plus two twos saw him home 21-17.

Graves now meets B and G Cable, from Southend, who had a super fourth round start against Ken Adams (Prittlewell) to lead 19-0 after seven. They eventually triumphed 33-17.

Other round three results: Pemberton 22, A Stacey (Dagenham) 13; Devaliant 19, P Tomlin (Woodside) 17; Buzer 22, V Henstock 8; Durrant 24, A Dunnage (Runwell) 5.

Today's (Wednesday's) play in the Personal Touch holiday firm sponsored Open centred on the first two rounds of the triples competition with action taking place at Priory Park and other greens in the Southend area.

By Dick Marshall

Reporter's e-mail: dick.marshall@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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