CASTLE C can use their victory in the Littler Cup final on Sunday as a spur to ensure they earn promotion, according to their captain.

Rick Hudson told the Guardian that a confidence-boost from claiming the silverware following a 367-309 win against Lostock Graylams could only help his team.

They currently occupy fourth place in the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association’s fifth division with a game in hand on those in front.

“We’ve set a high bar in the first-half of the season,” said Hudson.

“Ideally we’d like to keep going in the league if we can, and to step up to the next level.

“That would hopefully make other bowlers think about coming to join us.”

Castle did not need the benefit of a 35-chalks handicap head-start at Moulton RBL, where they prevailed by 58 on aggregate at the end of a contest played in high temperatures.

They returned eight winning cards, while Tom Payne lost only narrowly to 20.

Hudson said: “I’d not won anything previously, so for me this is a highlight of all the time I’ve played the game.

“Quite a few others in our team hadn’t played in a final before, but they weren’t overawed.

“It was nip and tuck – a lot of the games were close and hard-fought – and Lostock really pushed us all the way.”

Tony Malisch’s side raised their own hopes after halving the deficit in the early stages when Mark Woodyatt and Jonathan Malisch recorded victories.

However that momentum was lost again when Mark Walsh and Steve Moores both reached 21 for Castle.

After eight blocks, following wins for John Bloor, Eric Webber and Paul Knop, they could see the finish-line.

Lostock finished strongly, although successes for Roy Knop, Dennis Brewin and Steve Wakefield gave the end result an emphatic feel.

Hudson added: “I don’t think anybody can complain that the best team on the day didn’t win.

“It’s nice to come out on top when it’s been close, and for us it’s made that bit more special to win it in the competition’s 100th year.”

Result

Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association

Littler Cup

Final

Sunday, July 16

At Moulton RBL

Castle C (145) 367-309 Lostock Graylams (110)

Frank Robinson 5-21 Mark Woodyatt

Tom Payne 20-21 Jonathan Malisch

Mark Walsh 21-10 Danny Hitchen

Steve Moores 21-11 Andrew Woodyatt

John Bloor 21-6 Barbara Faulkner

Pam Plant 15-21 Ray Brandreth

Eric Webber 21-17 Graham Powell

Paul Knop 21-13 Norman Hardy

Rick Hudson 14-21 Alf Whittaker

Roy Knop 21-19 Daniel Malisch

Dennis Brewin 21-20 Peter Dawson

Steve Wakefield 21-19 Tony Malisch