8. CROWN GREEN BOWLS: Harrop completes historic double

What? Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association Guardian Cup final

When? July 20

Where? Davenham Rec

Jimmy Harrop will remember the summer of 2018 for a long time.

The Wharton Cons member, a regular for Cheshire as well as his club’s first team, has long been considered one of the best players in the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association.

However he was as aware as anybody that his record in major individual finals did not back that up.

He changed that statistic in the space of a few weeks, following up a brilliant triumph in the Roberts Bakery Cup final with another when he lifted the Guardian Cup.

A victory against Tom Vickers, a friend and also a teammate, meant he became the fourth bowler to prevail in both major singles competitions in the same season.

However he is the only double-winner to achieve the feat by winning them for the first time.

How we reported it: Joy for Jimmy after historic Guardian Cup win

And if you want more: Harrop's relief after Roberts Bakery Cup success

How we Tweeted it: 

Our sports writer remembers:

“It’s great when we have a first-time winner of the Guardian Cup because it provides a place in the limelight for a new name – a different story to tell.

“Jimmy is a popular guy on the circuit, and a respected player too, so it was particularly uplifting to see how others reacted to his wins in the Roberts Bakery Cup and the Guardian Cup.

“I think it’s also fair to say he let them know about it!

“There was something to cherish too from seeing his son Finley, who often marks his dad’s card while he’s playing, celebrate with him.

“Covering the Guardian Cup final is one of my favourite parts of the job, and it continues to throw up fantastic storylines year after year.”