CROWN green bowls in Stockport has been given a shot-in-the-arm thanks to a major award for one of its top administrators.

Tony Bryning was recognised in front of candidates from all other sports in the area - including cricket, rugby and football - as he received the Stanley Matthews Trophy at the annual Sport Stockport Dinner.

As chairman of the Stockport Bowls Development Group, the 72-year-old, from Poynton, has been one of the driving forces behind the annual Bowls Festival at Alexandra Park, which is approaching its sixth year in August.

Among the festival highlights are competitions for juniors and the visually impaired, two sides of the sport close to Tony's heart.

"I'm more chuffed for bowls, really, than myself," said the man who is also the sport's Cheshire County Development Officer. It's a bit of a fillip for the game."

IT'S back! The new Gooddies Manchester Premier League season starts tonight with 14 teams chasing the championship of the toughest set-up in the country.

New kids on the block are the Railway of Congleton, who entertain Liverpool outfit Richmond, while champions Lloyds are at home to Tottington.

The crack Chorlton side got off to a winning start by qualifying for the April 19 finals day of the British Team Championships at Irlam, seeing off Midlands outfit M and B Cheslyn Hay then Wakefield raiders Alverthorpe in convincing style.

Skipper Steve Ridley's 21-6 victory in the second qualifier meant that there would be no way back for Alverthorpe.

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