A lot of spectator interest on Saturdays in Cumbria Indoor Bowls Club on the Viaduct Estate in Carlisle revolves around the Denny Cup.

This national inter-club knockout competition is to bowls what the FA Cup is to football.

The club has a tremendous record in this competition and continues to be a major force.

On January 20, the side travelled to York for the national quarter-final against Nottingham, and as they had done two years previously at Darlington, scored an excellent win over the Midlands club which has taken them into the national semi-final which will be played at Rugby on April 21.

Why such a long delay? Who knows, but it is far from satisfactory, bearing in mind that most indoor bowling clubs will be reaching or past the end of their season. Representations have been made to the national body for change, let’s hope they are successful.

In the semi-final this year, Cumbria will meet Portsmouth-based club Victory while the other semi-final will be contested by Moonfleet from Dorchester and Norfolk, who defeated Cumbria in the semi-final two years ago at Bristol.

With the semi-final place in safe keeping, Saturdays have been rather quiet but that will not be the case this week when the Heineken UK Open Pairs tournament takes place in the club.

The sets format is being used which is excellent news for spectators – two seven end sets followed by a three end tie break if required.

There are 32 pairs participating and have been drawn into eight groups of four for the round robin section.

As usual, there is a fair smattering of local players taking part as well as visitors from all over the UK. It will be followed by the knock-out section on Sunday.

There is more than £2,000 in prize money up for grabs. Play commences on Saturday at 10.30am. On Sunday, play also commences at 10.30am and it is anticipated that the final will start around 3.45pm.

The club is open to all at the weekend and there is no charge for entry.

Back to the nationals and Cumbria Indoor Bowls Club’s Over-60 Double Rink side has been making steady if unspectacular progress and most recently played Darlington.

Both fours won and Cumbria will, therefore, be making the trip to the New Earswick Indoor Bowls Club at York for the quarter-final match against Nottingham on March 6.

Nottingham has won this competition for the last two years, so it will be no easy task, not beyond the Cumbria eight but they will probably have to produce an improved performance to come out on top and earn their place in the national semi-final which is at Nottingham on March 27.