CASTLE launch what they hope is a successful bid to win the Brunner Cup for a second time when the 2019 edition starts on Saturday.

They have been paired with a familiar foe in the first round and take on Hazel Pear, who play in the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association's fourth tier, at Winsford Conservative Club.

The 2017 winners suffered an early exit last summer after a depleted side lost to Tixall, conquerors of Wharton Cons in the final, in the last 16.

The Winsford club are also in action this weekend and meet West Kirby Victoria.

There is a strong presence of teams from Northwich and Winsford in the rest of the draw too, and a derby meeting at Crowton pits Rudheath against Lostock Graylams.

Comberbach, Davenham, Meadowbank, Wharton Rec and Winnington Park are also in action.

Tixall, the holders, start the defence of their crown against Oxton Cons while Sale Excelsior - the most successful club in the competition's history with 11 final wins - have Swettenham blocking their path to the next stage.

All matches start at 2pm.

Fixtures

Cheshire County Bowling Association

Brunner Cup

Saturday, May 11 (from 2pm)

First Round

Castle v Hazel Pear (at Winsford Cons)

Comberbach v Mobberley Victory Hall (at Lyme Green)

Frodsham RL v Nursery (at Victory Hall, Mobberley)

Heswall RBL v Wharton Rec (at Grapes, Runcorn)

Hop Pole v Pack Horse (at Knutsford BC)

Houldsworth WMC v Meadowbank (at Mere)

Manor Road v Davenham (at Norton Arms)

Metro v Lloyd Hotel (at Cheadle Cons)

Poynton v Parkside (at Linden Club)

Rudheath v Lostock Graylams (at Crowton)

Sale Excelsior v Swettenham (at Comberbach)

Tixall v Oxton Cons (at Helsby No.2)

Wharton Cons v West Kirby Victoria (at Woodland Hotel)

Winnington Park v Hoylake Central & Melrose (at Waverton Institute)

Byes: LMRCA, Plough TRC