DAVENHAM tied with Coronation in the closest first round match in the Norman Cup on Saturday, but progressed as a reward for having more winners at Mobberley’s Church Inn.

Comberbach cruised through at Oxton Cons’ expense, while Owley Wood squeezed past Grange by a three-chalk margin at Halton.

Barnton CC were well-beaten by Poynton, the same fate that befell Middlewich RBL against Helsby.

Meadowbank could not prevent Victory Hall from reaching the second stage, while Castle Private were pipped by South Manchester RBL after conceding a 15-chalk handicap head-start.

Winnington and Winsford Cons have byes to the last 16.

Cheshire County Bowling Association
Norman Cup Round One
Saturday, May 31 (team handicap in brackets)
Altrincham Boro (35) 189 LMRCA (40) 221
Castle Pvt (scr) 179 South Manchester RBL (15) 182
Davenham (35) 213 Coronation (35) 213
Heswall RBL A (15) 203 Navigation Hotel (40) 178
Hop Pole (25) w/o Manor Road (30)
Lloyd Hotel C (35) 232 Parkside (30) 176
Middlewich RBL (45) 199 Helsby (45) 238
Mobberley Victory Hall (30) 220 Meadowbank (35) 201
Owley Wood (25) 203 Grange Sports (20) 200
Oxton Cons (30) 189 Comberbach (25) 227
Poynton (20) 224 Barnton CC (45) 180
Shavington (25) 213 Plough Inn (35) 186

Byes: Lever Club; Metro Sports B; Winnington; Winsford Cons