HOLDERS Alan and Thomas Vickers remain on course for a hat-trick of competition wins after easing through Saturday’s preliminary round.

The Wharton Cons father-and-son tandem was one of four qualifiers at Winsford’s Meadow Bank.

Frodsham Red Lion’s Nicola Boulton and Ritchie Jamieson, champions in 2007, are the only other former winners left in the field.

Couples from nine different clubs will participate in July’s intermediate round, with Castle Private providing four duos.

Among them is Mark and Rob Winnington, the former having won the competition previously with three different partners.

The next stage will take place on Saturday, July 9.