HOLDERS Lloyd’s Hotel made a winning start to their title defence after sending out Victoria Stockport at Knutsford on Saturday.

They set up a second round date with 2007 winners Budenbergs, victors against Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association representatives Beech Tree, as a result.

Elsewhere Frodsham Red Lion, runners-up last time out for the fourth occasion, eased through at the expense of Woodlands Hotel at Tarvin.

Houldsworth WMC were the day’s highest scorers though, racking up 244 chalks in their crushing win over Manor Road on Crowton’s green.

Eight mid Cheshire teams - Barnton CC, Castle Private, Comberbach, Davenham Rec, Owley Wood, Rudheath Private, Wharton Cons and Winsford Cons – enter the competition in round two next month.

Cheshire County Bowling Association
Brunner Cup
Round One
Saturday April 9
Beech Tree 184 Budenbergs 206 at Knutsford Cons
Gladstone 226 Lever 168 at Neston
Grange Sports 210 Congleton CC 229 at Railway Mobberley
Manor Road 167 Houldsworth WMC 244 at Crowton
Nursery 182 Heswall RBL 215 at Kingsley & Newton
Victoria Stockport 174 Lloyd’s Hotel 221 at Knutsford BC
Woodlands Hotel 193 Frodsham Red Lion 238 at Tarvin