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
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