MATCH of the Day in today's Canada Life Denny Cup - the all-England four rink inter-club competition - is the clash between previous finalists Hartlepool and Stanley.

In some respects the two clubs represent the past and the present of this prestigious event, which is known as the FA Cup of bowls.

Hartlepool were a dominant force 15 years ago, appearing in five finals, the last in 1988, and while Stanley have yet to win the trophy they have contested the final three times, in 1993, 1994 and 1997 and are keen to improve on their runners-up record.

Both clubs contribute heavily to Durham County, both indoors and outdoors, and they have a healthy respect for each other.

Hartlepool, victors over reigning champions Cumbria in the last round, are now guided by former England manager Mal Hughes, and not surprisingly stick to an unchanged side.

Their home rinks are: John Mansfield, Tony Macey, Mark Parvin, John Wells (skip); Graham Adams, Bryan Price, Paul Hartley, Ian Jackson (s); Away: Rob Emmerson, Barry Playfor, Terry Barnes, Joe Gibson (s); Marc Squirrell, Steve Packham, Dale Oran, Cliff Simpson (s).

In the remaining regional games Thornaby will play Saltburn, the two Blackpool clubs meet in a local derby and Sunderland face the winners of the Tynedale v Concordia clash from the last round.

l At the AGM of Durham County (EBA) Bowling Association Cockton Hill's Gordon Stewart was elected president, Les Parnell (Stockton) moved up to senior vice president and Harry bridges (Houghton Dairy Lane) is the junior vice president.

Owton Lodge stalwart Cliff Simpson was elected to the post of publicity officer in succession to Lewis Gordon, of Darlington Woodlands, who stood down after 14 years in the position. All others were re-elected.

l In the Ladies National Inter-Club Yetton Trophy Great Aycliffe went down by 12 shots to Hartlepool, despite leading at the halfway stage.

On the strength of a dynamic start on the Aycliffe green by the home rink led by Jenny Basham - she was 14-1 in front after ten ends - Aycliffe enjoyed a 37-30 lead midway through the tie.

But Hartlepool hit back wearing down the opposition to win 82-70.

Rink scores (Aycliffe first) - Home: Jenny Basham 18, Pat Tweddle 14; Brenda Mangles 23, Ann Eglintine 23; Away: Esther Helm 17, Madeline Coates 18; Lynda Jones 12, Ena Kirkbride 27.

l Houghton surprised in the Durham Ladies Inter-Club game taking 8 of the 11 points at stake against reigning champions Hartlepool, winning three rinks and sharing the spoils on another.

Scores (Houghton first) - At Houghton: M Middleton 20, P Tweddle 18; JB Smith 23, F Cunnah 11; M Coulson 15, A Eglintine 15. At Hartlepool: R Lawson 18, M Coates 24; J Moore 21, E Kirkbride 11; J Lewins 14, D Smart 20.