BOWLS: BOTH the 1998 Champion Mark Royal and 1999 Champion Chris Love progressed into the semi-finals of this season's Sufffolk County EBA singles championship.

Both the 1998 Champion Mark Royal and 1999 Champion Chris Love progressed into the semi-finals of this season's Sufffolk County EBA singles championship. Mark overcame Terry White of the Bungay Bowls Club. Mark took control of the game from the start and looked to be cruising at 20-6 up. Terry then made a small recovery eventually losing 21-13.

Chris Love moved into the semi-finals with a 21-14 victory over Colin Gathercole of the Risbygate Bowls Club. Chris made the better start only to be pegged back by Colin. After 19 ends of bowls Chris led by a single shot 15-14, he then produced a match winning finish scoring the 6 shots required without dropping a further shot to secure victory.

Chris will meet David Newman of Haverhill in his semi-final, David defeated Mark Betts of the Ipswich Bowling Club 21-11 after always being in front. At one stage Mark trailed by just 3 shots but could not get any closer as David ran out a comfortable winner.

Mark Royal's semi-final opponent will be Kelvyn Earthroll, who overcame Duncan Snape. Kelvyn held the upper hand early on, racing into a 9-1 lead, although Duncan closed the gap to 3 shots (9-6) Kelvyn kept the pressure on eventually winning 21-15.

Both semi-finals should prove close and entertaining games, with players just one game away from the National Finals at Worthing. Semi-finals are scheduled for Sunday 22nd July at the Marlborough Bowls Club.