TEN years ago it would have been difficult to imagine Glynn Cookson’s domination of the Guardian Cup ending at all.

Already the most decorated player in the competition’s history, he had just lifted the trophy for a ninth time after beating John Gurney at Comberbach.

It was the third occasion the Wharton Cons star had won back-to-back Mid-Cheshire Merit titles.

At that moment only one other bowler, Jason Cornes of Castle Private, had successfully defended the crown since the tournament’s inaugural edition back in 1947.

That was then.

Since 2005, Cookson has added only one victory to his collection.

In the same period, six bowlers – Rob Winnington, Nicola Dolby, Thomas Vickers, Dave O’Brien, Matthew Thurlwell and Cornes – have won first prize.

At Owley Wood on Friday Vickers, Cookson’s teammate at Wharton, emerged unbeaten on finals night for a fourth time.

It is not proof the old master’s brilliance has less lustre.

Indeed he was runner-up at the Weaverham green, recovering from 12-5 down to level at 18-across in an absorbing final against Vickers.

Fortune favoured the latter with a strike at the next end, and he secured a 21-18 victory shortly afterwards.

Cookson threw his cap to the floor in exasperation during their head-to-head, evidence his will-to-win is still strong.

“The strength in depth at the top end of mid Cheshire bowls is there for all to see,” he said afterwards.

“I love it; it keeps me on my toes and makes me more determined.”

It is for others to decide if the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association’s latest crop is better than previous generations.

The Premier Division continues to be dominated by two teams – Castle and Wharton Cons – who between them supplied all but one of the contestants for last Friday’s Guardian Cup final.

Lee Cadman, from Crosstown, bucked the trend.

Perhaps then it is more telling to look elsewhere.

When Cheshire take on Wales in the British Senior County Championship semi finals on Sunday week, 15 of the 24 starters will be from clubs in the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association.

Cornes is captain for the home leg at Winsford Cons, where he is joined by five Castle clubmates, four Wharton Cons regulars and two from Comberbach – Thurlwell and Stuart Kellett.

Meanwhile Cookson, O’Brien and Steve Curbishley (Castle) are in the away side.

Cheshire have not claimed the title since 2003, finishing as runners-up the following season.

This is the probably the best chance they have had since to reach the final.

Cookson may not win the Guardian Cup as regularly, but the improved standard of his rivals means he can set his sights on a much bigger prize.

I’m sure he’d doff his cap to that.