WHARTON Cons must try again to lift the Brunner Cup for a fourth time after they suffered a heavy defeat in Saturday’s final against Tixall.

The Winsford outfit never recovered from a slow start at Metro Sports and Social Club in Stretford, where they returned only two winning cards in a 247-177 reverse.

Instead their opponents, conquerors of last year’s champions Castle in the last 16, claimed a third title in the past five years.

“Tixall were worthy winners on a tricky green,” said Mike Proctor, president of the Cheshire County Bowling Association, afterwards.

They were untroubled after Phil Lee (21-6) and Matt Gilmore (21-15) got the better of Jimmy Harrop and Glynn Cookson respectively in the early stages.

Tom Vickers battled hard to score 18 against Peter Jones before Mark Winnington recovered from 19-14 down – and held his nerve when opponent John Dalziel was all but 19 – to record his side’s first success.

Wharton – runners-up now on six occasions – trailed by 23 chalks after the first four jacks but defeats in the next four, including another one to single figures for Shaun Yearsley, left them with too much to do.

Captain Dave Hamlett senior, who admitted beforehand that Tixall were favourites, at least restored some pride when he prevailed 21-17 against Mick Andrews.

Long since over as a contest, Anthony Thompson’s 21-13 win against Simon Cookson was greeted by muted cheers from his teammates watching on.

“We were the simply better team on the day,” reflected Ian Hazlehurst, Tixall’s captain, when addressing the crowd.

Result

Cheshire County Bowling Association

Brunner Cup

Final

Saturday, August 18

At Metro Sports and Social Club

Tixall 247-177 Wharton Cons

Phil Lee 21-6 Jimmy Harrop

Matt Gilmore 21-15 Glynn Cookson

Peter Jones 21-18 Tom Vickers

John Dalziel 20-21 Mark Winnington

Robbie Fitzpatrick 21-16 Dave Hamlett junior

Mike Havern 21-14 Nicola Boulton

James Fitzpatrick 21-7 Shaun Yearsley

Dave McDermott 21-16 Graham Donnelly

Danny Barwise 21-15 Pete Illidge

Ian Hazlehurst 21-15 Dave Morrey

Mick Andrews 17-21 Dave Hamlett senior

Anthony Thompson 21-13 Simon Cookson

Tixall win by 70 chalks on aggregate