THERE were some exciting games and some surprises when eight of Wellington Bowling Club's top bowlers fought it out in the quarter finals of the Open during the past week.

Three times competition winner Mike Connor found he had to work really hard in his match against Pete Nichols who gave him some frights along the way.

Pete started well, leading 4 – 0 after four ends but Mike settled down and despite some very good bowling by Pete, Mike went through to the last four 19 – 14.

Steve Bradnum was on top form against last year's champion Phil Ellis. He led 5 – 0 after just two ends and was looking good. Phil fought back and was only two shots down, 9 – 7 at the half way point but Steve kept up the pressure and won it 21 – 16.

Nick Channon has won the Open three times so Arthur Carter knew he had a job on his hands.

Despite his fears Arthur set off at great pace and was leading 10 – 4 after eight ends. He was looking good but Nick began a long fight back and managed to draw level on 12 – 12 by the fourteenth. The last ends were really tight but Nick managed to pinch it 20 – 18.

Ian Hollingsworth and Steve “Butch” Horrill had a good old battle on their hands. But Steve had the winning of it early on. He led 10 – 2 after eight ends. Ian started to pick up his game and by the fourteenth they were level on 12 shots each. The last ends were very tight but Ian came through in the end to win it 19 – 16.

The semi-finals will bring together Nick Channon v Steve Bradnum and Mike Connor v Ian Hollingsworth.