CASTLE Private lost five of the first six head-to-heads in their semi final against holders Lloyd Hotel, only to emerge as victors.

The Northwich outfit squeezed through by six shots after Craig Shaw, Tim Shaw, Trevor Whittaker and Mike Yearsley each scored maximums, overturning a deficit of 24 chalks.

They will now face Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association rivals Wharton Cons, conquerors of Sale Excelsior, in next month’s final.