WHARTON Cons began their latest bid to be crowned as the county’s best in style on Saturday, writes Andrew Simpson.

The Winsford giants cruised through to the last 16 of the Cheshire County Bowling Association’s Brunner Cup at the expense of Poynton Sports.

Their reward is a date with West Kirby Victoria.

“We want to win it this year,” said vice captain Glynn Cookson.

“I feel we are as good as anybody else in the competition and have a better chance this time around.”

Cons bowed out against eventual winners Lloyd’s Hotel in the semi final last season.

But the trophy has not adorned a cabinet at the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association champions’ Tin Mission home since 1993.

Cookson added: “We felt we were better than what we showed in the last four against Lloyd’s, who went on to win it.

“Our view afterwards is that we failed to show ourselves in the best light, which makes us more determined now.”

They are joined at the next stage by four other Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association teams.

Frodsham Red Lion, runners-up four times since 2002, proved too strong for Crewe’s Hop Pole at Tarporley RBL.

Castle Private were in fine form too, scoring a full house against Egerton Arms at Budenberg.

Elsewhere Comberbach returned 12 winners as well in dispatching Parkside, while Rudheath Private edged through by a six-chalks margin at the expense of Bromborough Pool.

Mid Cheshire’s other representatives – Barnton CC, Davenham Rec and Owley Wood – bowed out against Metro Sports, Knutsford Cons and Tixall respectively.

The third round takes place on Saturday, June 11, from 2.30pm.

Cheshire County Bowling Association
Brunner Cup
Round Two
Saturday May 7
Altrincham Boro 220 Wilmslow RBL 194 at Congleton
Davenham Rec 177 Knutsford Cons 196 at Congleton CC
Egerton Arms 144 Castle Private 252 at Budenberg
Frodsham Red Lion 230 Hop Pole 184 at Tarporley RBL
Gladstone 217 Congleton CC 195 at Crowton
Helsby SCC 226 Winsford Cons 220 at Castle Private Two
Houldsworth WMC 245 Heswall 155 at Barnton CC
Ledsham Royal conceded to Navigation Hotel
Lloyd’s Hotel 234 Budenberg 186 at Urmston
Metro Sports 229 Barnton CC 188 at Church Inn (Mobberley)
Oxton Cons 182 West Kirby Victoria 232 at Vauxhall Motors
Parkside 137 Comberbach 252 at Victoria (Holmes Chapel)
Rudheath Private 220 Bromborough Pool 214 at Helsby
Sale Excelsior 240 Waggon & Horses 153 at Crosstown
Tixall 244 Owley Wood 136 at Waverton
Wharton Cons 241 Poynton Sports 161 at Coronation (Congleton)