PREVIOUS champions Peter Fielding from Rochdale, and number one player from Preston Brian Duncan, took the two remaining semi-final places in the Alexandra Classic sponsored by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and Scottish and Newcastle Retail.

On Saturday, Peter defeated two fancied local competitors who never fulfilled earlier expectations.

His opener against Clitheroe man Malcolm Wensley who usually runs well in the sweep, had all the makings of a good contest.

But when the Rochdale man nudged in front 11-6 there was no way back for Malcolm who simply never got into his game.

The conditions did not favour him and Peter quickly swept away to a comfortable 31-17 win.

Meanwhile, John Metters and Brian Tomlinson were having quite a tussle that turned out to be a marathon 48-end match.

That was due in part to the low number of brace recorded, which reflected the competitiveness of the game.

Almost all the way John held a narrow lead of two or three points and a couple of strikes maintained his position.

But when John gained a five-point advantage at 27-22, he looked on his way to a straightforward victory. However, Brian reduced the deficit to 28-27 before John scored three singles to clinch the game.

The eliminator was a great contest and a game of mixed fortunes for both players.

Peter began in confident mood as he opened up a 12-5 lead, but John replied with interest to gain control 17-13.

The next dozen ends were nip and tuck and from 21-21 to 27-27, there was nothing between them but the Rochdale man finished with a flourish to win 31-27.

On Sunday, Brian Duncan played two consistent games in such a manner to suggest he could well clinch another Alex Classic title.

His third round opponent previous runner-up Stuart Mort from Wigan was given few opportunities after the champion cleared 12-7. Although Stuart kept in the game until 21-16, Brian went further ahead and eventually ran out 31-20.

The eliminator with Bill Tuson from Chorley, was an easy passage for Brian who virtually had the game won when he led 16-6 after 15 ends. Indeed, he was never troubled on his way to a 31-13 triumph and a place in the last four for the fourth time.

Disappointment for local supporters was the dismissal of Rev Geoffrey Hilton who never did himself justice against Bill Tuson and missed out on several good opportunities.

But the last four line-up of Brian Duncan, Peter Fielding, reigning champion Kevan Shaw from Bolton, and Macclesfield player Ian Broadhurst has all the ingredients for a great finale.

The semi-finals and final takes place tomorrow, 6.30pm start and admission is £1 including programme and ticket for the draw for a set of Henselite bowls raffled after the competition.

The draw for the semi-final will be made on the green at 6.15pm.

Results - Third round: P Fielding 31, M Wensley 17; J Metters 31, B Tomlinson 27; B Duncan 31, S Mort 20; B Tuson 31, G Hilton 25.

Fourth round: Fielding 31, Metters 27; Duncan 31, Tuson 13.

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