IN searing heat, it was fitting that a scorching start should prove decisive as Castle Private secured a place in the Brunner Cup final for the first time on Saturday.

They defeated Tixall, pre-match favourites, by 18 chalks at Sale Conservative Club to record a victory that was more comfortable than they will have envisaged.

No matter, for the Cheshire County Bowling Association’s premier team knockout title could stay in mid Cheshire for a second year following Wharton Cons’ success last time around.

Five-time former winners Lloyd Hotel block Castle’s path to that target.

Before plotting how to negotiate that obstacle, the Northwich outfit has something to savour in making history for the club after a thoroughly merited 219-201 success.

“This is a huge upset,” said Mark Winnington afterwards, Castle’s captain in the competition.

“Beforehand I probably only gave us a 40 per cent chance, but everybody played their part in what is a great victory. They’re a good side, but we never looked back after starting strongly.”

Steve Morrey’s success against two-time former Cheshire Senior Merit champion Matt Gilmore – Tixall’s star turn – was a highlight as Castle won three of the first four blocks.

They led by 22 at that point, a lead swelled by seven shots after the teams shared the next four head-to-heads.

When Ian Howell scored Castle’s sixth success from nine, the job was done despite a late rally by the Wirral club.

Winnington added: “None of our lads had played on the green previously, so it was always going to be difficult to predict what would happen.

“It would be great to keep the cup in mid Cheshire, although the choice of green to play a side like Lloyd will be critical to our chances.”