JASON Cornes is confident his teammates are ready to take Cheshire to a first county championship final in more than a decade.

The Castle Private bowler, captain for the home leg of this Sunday’s semi final against Wales, believes they can exploit the experience gained in recent seasons to move a step closer to winning the coveted Crosfield Cup.

With 15 of the 24 starters from clubs playing in the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association, it would be a success for bowls in Northwich and Winsford too.

“It’s a big incentive,” said Cornes.

“Now we’ve come this far, we want to be in the final. And that’s something none of them – with the exception of Glynn Cookson – have had a taste of yet.

“For me, the biggest accolade for a bowler is to win a county title. In terms of team prizes, it can’t be beaten.

“Perhaps the Brunner Cup is a close second, but I still get a buzz pulling on that county shirt.

“The group we have now has developed together over the past five years or so – the likes of Thomas Vickers, Rob Winnington, Andy Hamman and Jimmy Harrop.

“They’re all in their late 20s or early 30s, and have the know-how to win games like this one.”

Wales visit Winsford Cons on Sunday, when play starts at 2pm.

The away leg, where Castle Private duo Steve Curbishley and Dave O’Brien join Cookson, is at Trefnant in Denbigh.

Cheshire last lifted the trophy in 2003, their 11th success overall.

They lost to Greater Manchester in the showpiece the following season.

This time around, they progressed from Section One following a final-day success against Derbyshire.

Cornes said: “We weren’t favourites to get through, even going into the last game.

“One or two lads decided they weren’t going to play this season, so we had gaps to fill.

“However it’s gone well, and now we’ve a chance of making the final.”

A significant factor has been the contribution of bowlers from Castle, Comberbach and Wharton Cons, who will again be represented this weekend.

Cornes added: “It’s brilliant, and shows how good the players are in the area.

“I think you can gauge the strength of a league from how many bowlers it has in the county set-up, which proves it’s a great moment for bowls locally.”

And what of Cheshire’s chances?

“I expect it to be tight,” said Cornes.

“But we’re strong enough. Having one or two more down to shout us on would help too!”

 

British Senior County Championship

Semi final (home leg)

Cheshire v Wales

Sunday, August 2

Winsford Conservative Club

Thomas Vickers (Wharton Cons) v Leighton Roberts (Esclusham)

Steve Morrey (Queen’s Park) v Paul Hallett (Esclusham)

James Harrop (Wharton Cons) v Nick Hughes (Conwy)

Andy Hamman (Castle Private) v Keith Bailey (Beaumaris)

Jason Cornes (Castle Private) v Chris Slater (Rhos Park)

Stuart Kellett (Comberbach) v David Jones (Esclusham)

Simon Cookson (Wharton Cons) v Gerwyn Davies (Gresford Colliery)

Ian Howell (Caste Private) v John Bonatti (Coed Talen)

Rob Winnington (Castle Private) v Andy Delooze (Gresford Colliery)

Paul Mackie (Castle Private) v Andrew Hughes (Gresford Colliery)

Matthew Thurlwell (Comberbach) v Mike Riley (Broughton)

Shaun Yearsley (Wharton Cons) v Craig Griffiths (Esclusham)

 

Reserves

Graham Donnelly (Wharton Cons)

Barry Ellams (Frodsham Red Lion)

Adi Faulkner (Castle Private)

Matty Hamman (Castle Private)

Joe Illidge (Wharton Cons)