SIMON Cookson is confident he can leave Spinner & Bergamot a smiling champion by the end of Friday’s Roberts Bakery Cup final.

The Wharton Cons bowler hasn’t previously got his hands on the trophy, but a return to what he feels is his best form has provided a timely boost.

“Everything is going ok on the green,” said the Cheshire regular.

“I’ve not lost many this season and, like with every final I’ve reached, I think I have a chance.

“I’ll probably feel nerves in the minutes before I start, but once I’m out on the green I’ll quickly forget.”

If he is to prevail, then Cookson will have to beat dad Glynn in the last eight.

It is not the first time father and son have met on finals night, but is little consolation to either.

Simon said: “I don’t think you ever get used to it – it’s a surreal feeling, not a nice one.

“Friends and teammates, not just family members, will always tell you they don’t like playing against each other.

“It’s hard to find the same intensity; when you want to go for the jugular to take control of a game, then something holds you back.”

A clubmate may await in the semi finals if four-time winner Thomas Vickers beats Castle Private’s Jason Cornes, himself a champion on two previous occasions.

Cookson said: “It’s a strong final eight, particularly our half of the draw.

“The green is challenging too, one none of us are too familiar with I would say.

“It has lots of nooks and crannies, and can be tricky to find a mark on.

“I’ve done alright there in the past, but the conditions might have a say too – particularly if it’s wet again.” 

Draw

Roberts Bakery Cup final

Quarter finals, Spinner, Friday (6.45pm) (handicap in brackets): John Brooker FRL (3) v Matthew Thurlwell Com (2); Alan Vickers WhC (2) v Rob Winnington CP (2); Glynn Cookson WhC (scr) v Simon Cookson WhC (2); Thomas Vickers WhC (scr) v Jason Cornes CP (2). 

Semi finals: Brooker or Thurlwell v Alan Vickers or Winnington; Glynn or Simon Cookson v Thomas Vickers or Cornes.