Pitschou changes up a gear to reach semi

DEFENDING champion Gary Pitschou (pictured) eased into the semi-finals of the Press Singles Trophy with a convincing 21-10 victory over Steve Machon.

However, he did not have things all his own way in the rain at Delancey Park Green. Pitschou made a good start and was 6-0 up after three ends, but by the end of the eighth it was level at 9-9.

He then struck for home, outscoring his opponent 12 shots to one and it was all over in 14 ends. Matt Le Ber beat Geoff Savident by the same 21-10 margin with the latter never really getting into the game as the former led throughout and won in 19 ends.

Ian Merrien beat Steven Merrien 21-14 in a very close match up to the 17th end when the former found himself 14-12 down. However, he dug deep and picked up the nine shots he needed over the next three ends.

The closest quarter-final was played out by Len Le Ber and Nigel Collins. It was level 9-9 at 10 ends, 17-17 at 18 and then 18-18 at 20 before Le Ber drew the three bowls he needed over the next two ends to reach the finish line of 21 shots.