FRANK Robinson says the Roberts Bakery Cup final on Friday marks his biggest moment since starting to play the game.

Not that the Castle Private member will suffer stage fright.

A regular for his club in the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association’s third tier, he is an outside bet to lift the trophy for the first time.

“I’ve never reached this stage,” he said.

“Everybody will say I’ve got no chance, so I’ve nothing to lose have I?

“I won’t think too much about that if I’m honest – I’ll just go there to play my game and enjoy being part of it.”

He has been paired with Mark Winnington, of Hazel Pear, in the last eight at Winsford Cons.

It’s an opponent Robinson admits he has never beaten.

“He’s got the better of me every time so far,” he added.

“But that’s only ‘so far’.

“Friday is another chance for me though, and it would be a good time to get that first win against him."

Castle Private C have lost only once in Section Two this term, leaving them top of the table.

Robinson has won six of his nine matches, averaging 19.67, so heads into the most significant week of the season so far in good form.

On Saturday, he hopes to help his side reach the last four of the De-Knoop Cup by beating Sale Excelsior in Congleton.

“I’ll then be off to work the same evening,” he said.

“It’s a busy couple of days, but I’m looking forward to it.

“There will be a lot of guys from my team to cheer me on [at Winsford], which will be great.

“Hopefully then we can win our semi final.

“We don’t want to put pressure on ourselves by saying ‘we’re going to do this or that’. It won’t work.

“If we play with a smile, then we’ll be at our best.”

He’ll approach his ‘big moment’ in exactly the same way.

Five-time winner Thomas Vickers, the current holder, has been paired with Pete Illidge (Rudheath) in the quarter finals.

Frodsham Red Lion’s Nicola Boulton, a victor in 2008, takes on eight-time champion Glynn Cookson (Wharton Cons).

Simon Cookson (Wharton Cons) and Paul Mackie (Castle Private) complete the last eight.

Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association

Roberts Bakery Cup final

Friday, June 17 

Last eight (handicap in brackets)

Frank Robinson (Castle Private) (4) v Mark Winnington (Hazel Pear) (2)

Pete Illidge (Rudheath) (2) v Thomas Vickers (Wharton Cons) (-2)

Nicola Boulton (Frodsham Red Lion) (2) v Glynn Cookson (Wharton Cons) (scr)

Simon Cookson (Wharton Cons) (2) v Paul Mackie (Castle Private) (2)