TOM Vickers, targeting a fifth Guardian Cup crown, remains on course to claim the title this season after prevailing in a last 16 clash on Monday.

The Wharton Cons star, who last lifted the trophy three years ago, eliminated 2010 winner Dave O’Brien (Castle) at Davenham.

He will be joined on finals night by two other bowlers, Castle’s Andy Hamman and Matt Thurlwell of Comberbach, who also know what it takes to triumph in the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association’s premier singles knockout.

They ended the run of Geoff Boulton (Alsager) and Joe Tomkinson (Owley Wood) respectively.

Vickers has since been paired with Hamman, a teammate for Cheshire in the British Senior County Championship, in a draw for the quarter-finals.

Wharton Cons will also be represented in the last eight by Jimmy Harrop, who has reached the same stage in the Roberts Bakery Cup this season, and Daniel Nixon.

Matt Hamman, from Castle, is one to watch too after sending out five-time champion Jason Cornes – a clubmate at the Premier Division outfit.

His campaign started with a slender 21-20 win against Dave Jones (Tarporley) earlier this month.

Meanwhile Simon Jones (Tarporley) and Phil Scott (Rudheath) complete the line-up after victories in head-to-heads with John Lightfoot (Rudheath) and Jon Malisch (Lostock Graylams).

The 2018 edition reaches a conclusion on Friday, July 20.

Draw

Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association

Guardian Cup Final

Friday, July 20

Last eight

Jimmy Harrop (Wharton Cons) v Matt Thurlwell (Comberbach)

Simon Jones (Tarporley) v Daniel Nixon (Wharton Cons)

Andy Hamman (Castle) v Tom Vickers (Wharton Cons)

Matt Hamman (Castle) v Phil Scott (Rudheath)