MATTHEW Thurlwell believes that playing more regularly has given him the belief he can beat the best of the rest.

The Comberbach bowler, who won the Guardian Cup for the first time in 2013, has since been rewarded by Cheshire’s selectors for his improved form.

His next target is to add a Roberts Bakery Cup success to a growing CV.

“I started playing a lot more after moving back to Northwich a couple of years ago,” he said.

“I improved, and that ended with me winning the Guardian Cup.

“It’s continued from there, really.

“I don’t feel I’m more of a target since I won one of the big comps; I’ve beaten all of the top local players, and also been stuffed by pretty much all of them too.

“A move to one of the big clubs, whether that’s Castle or Wharton Cons, doesn’t appeal.

“I go on the green at number one for Comberbach, so I’m used to having an expectation on me.”

Thurlwell has been paired with John Brooker (Frodsham Red Lion) in the last eight, with Wharton Cons’ Alan Vickers or Rob Winnington (Castle Private) next up for the victor.

It is a less daunting side of the draw, with three of the other four bowlers – Glynn Cookson, Jason Cornes and Thomas Vickers – able to boast of 14 finals-night successes between them.

Thurlwell said: “John is a dangerous opponent.

“He’s been around a long time and has a lot of experience, so I can’t take him lightly.”

Despite playing for a club across the road in Comberbach, Thurlwell can’t count on know-how of the green at Spinner & Bergamot to give him an edge.

“We’re next door to each other but I’ve not played there often,” he added.

“I’d prefer a dry night, so the bowls can run on. If it’s wet, that will suit one or two of the others more than me.

“I feel good though, and my form is strong.

“Bowls is such a confidence sport; if yours is high, then it’s easier to convince yourself you can win.”

Draw

Roberts Bakery Cup 

Quarter finals, Spinner & Bergamot, 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.