DAVE Hamlett, captain at Wharton Cons, is confident his side will rise to the occasion this afternoon when they attempt to win the Brunner Cup.
The Winsford side is chasing a fourth success in the Cheshire County Bowling Association’s most prestigious team knockout and take on Prenton-based Tixall – themselves two-time former champions – in the final.
“We’re underdogs, but we won’t be scared,” said Hamlett.
“There is plenty of know-how in our team, and so I’m not worried about them being overawed by the occasion even if our opponents bring with them loud vocal support.
“We’re ready, and are feeling upbeat.”
Cons’ most recent success was in 2012, when they saw off King & Queen, and six of their line-up that afternoon will take to the green at Metro Sports and Social Club this weekend.
Daniel Nixon would have been a seventh, but he is unavailable and Nicola Boulton takes his place.
“That’s not a bad replacement is it?” smiled Hamlett, referring to the multiple British Ladies’ Senior Individual Merit winner.
“We’d have loved Danny to be there but he’s played his part in previous rounds.”
A victory against Houldsworth WMC in the last 16 by a single-chalk felt defining, and Wharton haven’t been run anywhere near as close in wins against Metro (217-199) and Crosstown (249-156) in the rounds since.
Tixall include Castle, last year’s winners, among their victims en route.
They also eliminated Lloyd Hotel in the last eight.
Hamlett said: “They’re a side full of county players, which is why everybody will make them favourites.
“But we fancy our chances.
“It would mean a great deal to us, as a traditional club side, to get our hands on the trophy again and we’ll do everything in our power to do exactly that.”
Play starts in Stretford at 2.30pm.
Draw
Cheshire County Bowling Association
Brunner Cup
Final
Saturday, August 18
At Metro Sports and Social Club
Tixall v Wharton Cons
Phil Lee v Jimmy Harrop
Matt Gilmore v Glynn Cookson
Peter Jones v Tom Vickers
John Dalziel v Mark Winnington
Robbie Fitzpatrick v Dave Hamlett junior
Mike Havern v Nicola Boulton
James Fitzpatrick v Shaun Yearsley
Dave McDermott v Graham Donnelly
Josh Bunting v Pete Illidge
Ian Hazlehurst v Dave Morrey
Mick Andrews v Dave Hamlett senior
Anthony Thompson v Simon Cookson
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