TWO former winners are among the contenders to win the 10th edition of the Rudheath Spring Open, which reaches a conclusion on Saturday.

However Matt Gilmore, who lifted the trophy in 2015, and 2011 winner Garry Ellis will face competition from a clutch of mid Cheshire hopefuls on finals night.

A player from the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association has yet to win the annual competition.

Castle contingent Andy Hamman, Matt Hamman and Steve Morrey have made it through, although the latter two have been paired in a draw for the last 16.

Tom Vickers and Glynn Cookson, from Wharton Cons will meet in the quarter-finals if they can squeeze by Jamie Bramley and Tommy Johnstone respectively.

Comberbach member Matt Thurlwell is in the running too, and resumes his bid to win the title against Chris Barton.

He breezed through the final qualifier last weekend along with Morrey.

Holder Darren Plenderleith, who won the British Individual Senior Merit title last summer after taking the Rudheath Spring Open crown in May, was eliminated by Lee Kington last month.

The event, run this year by Dave Wilding, has been a huge success since the inaugural final – won by Lee Lawton from Failsworth – in 2009.

Play starts on Saturday at 6pm following a half-hour practice session.

Admission for spectators is free, and the bar will be open.

Food is available to buy too.

Draw

Rudheath Spring Open

Finals night

Saturday, May 26

Last 16 (from 6pm): Lee Dale v Andy Hamman; Ben Phillips v Lee Kington; Jamie Bramley v Tom Vickers; Glynn Cookson v Tommy Johnstone; Matt Gilmore v Josh Mordue; Gary Ellis v Mike Geraghty; Chris Barton v Matt Thurlwell; Steve Morrey v Matt Hamman.