ROB Winnington played a starring role as Cheshire progressed to the semi finals of the British Senior County Championship.

Vice-captain Winnington from Castle Private had the widest margin of victory in all home and away matches as Cheshire defeated Derbyshire to confirm their progression as Section One winners.

The 21-3 success against Chapel Park’s Steve Barber helped steer his county to a 223-173 home victory at Knutsford Bowls Club, with clubmate Jason Cornes a 21-14 victor against Burbage’s Richard Peach on the same green.

In the away tie at Stretton Bowls Club in Burton on Trent, Castle Private’s Paul Mackie (21-17) and Dave O’Brien (21-18) along with Wharton Cons players Glynn Cookson (21-11), Dave O’Brien (21-18), James Harrop (21-15) and Tom Vickers (21-14) achieved wins in Cheshire’s 217-208 loss.

Castle Private’s Andy Hamman (21-11) and Ian Howell (21-18) as well as Wharton Cons’ Danny Nixon (21-10) and Simon Cookson (21-20) were defeated, as was Comberbach’s Matt Thurlwell (21-9).

Cheshire will face Wales on Sunday, August 2, with Warwick and Worcester to face Shropshire in the other semi.