GLYNN Cookson, chasing a fifth Cheshire Senior Merit title, bowed out at the semi finals stage of the latest edition against eventual winner Steve Morrey.

The Wharton Cons star lost by two chalks on Sunday to his opponent from Queen’s Park at Coppenhall. Another of the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association’s seven representatives, Comberbach’s Matt Thurlwell, reached the last four too. He lost 21-17 to Robert Eaton.

Rob Winnington, from Castle Private, defeated defending champion Noel Burrows (Alderley and District) and last year’s runner-up Chris Talbot (Macclesfield) before succumbing to Morrey in the quarter finals.

The new champion, representing South Cheshire, is a regular too for Castle Private A – helping them to reach the Brunner Cup final last summer.

Thurlwell ended the run of Dave Hamlett junior (Wharton Cons) at the same stage, while Cookson sent Carl Armitage (Stockport and District) packing.

Matt Hamman (Castle Private), lost in the second round to Armitage while clubmates Paul Mackie and Jason Cornes – a four-time previous winner – fell at the first hurdle on the Crewe green. Cookson and Thurlwell will now represent Cheshire at the British Crown Green Bowling Association’s Senior Individual Merit competition next month.