Best of 2016: Glynn Cookson shows class to reach last four at All England

What? British Senior Merit

When? July 30

Where? Llay Miners Welfare, Wrexham

Glynn Cookson, a winner in 1997, had doubted beforehand whether he could get is hands on the All England title – crown green bowls most coveted prize – before he made a short trip to North Wales.

He made the journey buoyed by winning the Cheshire Senior Merit for a fifth time the previous month, and proceeded to give the hundreds present a reminder of his class.

The Wharton Cons star won four matches to reach the semi-finals, where he succumbed 21-17 to Shropshire ace Andy Moss.

“I’m proud to have done myself justice,” said the 58-year-old.

How we reported it: http://bit.ly/2hqZJno

How we Tweeted it:

RESULT: Dream ends for #Winsford star Glynn Cookson, who loses an epic semi final 21-17 against Andy Moss (Shropshire) #AllEngland16

— Andrew Simpson (@simmo_on_sport) July 30, 2016

Our sports writer remembers:

“Glynn had been in relaxed form when I interviewed him a few days before this year’s edition of the All England championship.

“He played down expectation, and rightly pointed out he had nothing to prove after winning the competition previously.

“He’d also been runner-up to Callum Wraight as recently as 2009.

“Glynn’s steely determination was in evidence this time around, and I started to wonder if one of the most remarkable stories I’d reported on was about to unfold when he beat Ashley Daykin, who held aloft the trophy two years earlier, in style to reach the quarter finals.

“He ran out of steam against Moss, who went on to lose in the final, but Glynn had reminded us all that he remains one of the best bowlers in the country on the biggest stage.”