HOLDER Jason Cornes was suffered a surprise exit when the 69th edition of the Guardian Cup started on Monday evening.

The Castle Private star, who was captain of Cheshire’s team in a home-leg success against Greater Manchester the previous day, bowed out at Moulton RBL – the green on which he secured  a fifth final victory in the competition last season.

Instead three-time winner Thomas Vickers (Wharton Cons) and Comberbach’s Matthew Thurlwell, who lifted the trophy in 2013, progressed to the intermediate round.

Mark Cookson (Rudheath), a finalist 12 months ago, and Steve Baskerville (Castle) qualified too at the same venue.

Wharton Cons’ Glynn Cookson, who has won the competition more times than anybody else in its long history, made it safely through at Lostock along with clubmates Alan Vickers and Daniel Nixon.

Mark Woodyatt (Rudheath) was the other reach the last 16, meaning 2007 champion Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion) misses out this time.

At Rudheath, Castle duo Kevin Duncalf and Pau Mackie, Lee Cadman (Crosstown) and Jon Gurney (Comberbach) were the quartet to qualify.

Father and son Rob and Mark Winnington, of Castle Private and Hazel Pear respectively, came through at Winnington Rec.

The former edged out two-time victor Gerald Merry (Delamere) in his final match.

Phil Cookson (Wharton Cons) and Simon Jones (Tarporley) complete the line-up for the last 16.

Two finalists from last season, Chris Koral (Frodsham Red Lion) and John Gurney (Comberbach), joined Cornes in falling at the first hurdle.

The Guardian Cup intermediate round is scheduled for Monday, June 29 at Owley Wood Club, in Weaverham.

Play starts at 6.45pm.