THE hosting of a big-city final over Easter is testimony to the unstinting efforts of Moorfield Bowls Club.
The club has done a lot of development work, not least with its thriving junior section. This Sunday, it takes another step forward by staging the Liverpool Merit's last 16.
Some top-quality play is promised from 1pm at Moorfield Sports & Social Club, Moorfield Road.
Club stalwart Joe Argent said: 'It is another feather in our cap.
'Last season, we were asked to stage the Widnes Merit - the last 16 in four divisions and we made a good job of it, I think.
'Word must have got around. The Liverpool competition organisers were looking for a venue and someone told them to try us and we are happy to take it on.'
The first session of the year for Moorfield Junior Bowls is on Saturday, April 14 at the club (10am-noon).
This is for six to 16-year-olds of both sexes - and all abilities, from beginners to learners and more-experienced bowlers.
'We will be running every Saturday until it snows!' added Argent, call 0151 424 9522. n The second and final set of qualifying sessions in the Webbs Spring Doubles at Runcorn's Grapes Inn saw three more local pairs reach this Saturday's finals day (11am).
Widnes husband-and-wife team Brian and Linda Hough beat Welsh duo Fred Robinson and Bob Handley and then Keith Taylor and Kevin Duncalf to earn a last-16 tie.
This will be against last year's winners Danny Eustace and Anthony Gartside.
Hometown entrants Simon Jones and Neil Ocego from Pavilions in Weston Point, also made it through.
Widnes United Services Club's John Rawlinson and Alan Briscoe likewise qualified with wins against Warrington's Phil Hampson and Doug Heaton and Runcorn's Norton Arms duo Jon Terretta and Dave Hughes.
They have been drawn against the only local pair through from the first weekends - Les Harrington and Andy Blakemore of Pavilions.
This guarantees at least one local pair in the last eight as unprecedented Halton success in the competition is sought.
