RUDHEATH D reached the last eight in thrilling circumstances after they were tied on aggregate with rivals from Castle B at Lostock Graylams last Sunday.

Both teams then chose a quartet of bowlers, and made a new draw, to play four more ends to decide the outcome.

A victory for Pete Brady, against Paul Lappin, proved crucial for the underdogs from the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association’s fifth tier as they progressed by a narrow three-chalk margin.

Wharton Cons A had nine winners during a comfortable success against neighbours Meadowbank A at Winsford Cons, while Frodsham Red Lion A avoided an upset against Crosstown A at Castle.

Two other Premier Division sides, Comberbach A and Middlewich Community Church, were not so lucky.

The former lost to Owley Wood A, conquers of holders Castle C in the first round, by 29 chalks at Barnton Cricket Club.

Mark Gilson and June Collins were the pick of the Weaverham side’s five winners.

Middlewich could not repeat their heroics at the previous stage, when they eliminated Castle A, after giving a 65-chalk handicap head-start to Comberbach C.

Dave Whittaker, Adrian Robinson and Norman Lovatt were victors for the Section Two side.

A line-up for the quarter-finals is completed by Rudheath B, who ended Winnington B’s run, and Norley B after they brushed aside Helsby.

Wharton Cons B accounted for Norley A.

Results

Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association

Littler Cup

Sunday, May 26

Second Round (team handicap in brackets): Comberbach A (44) 223-252 Owley Wood A (76) (at Barnton CC); Frodsham RL A (47) 245-214 Crosstown A (59) (at Castle No.2); Helsby B (110) 220-314 Norley B (106) (at Crowton); Middlewich CC (45) 236-252 Comberbach C (110) (at Meadowbank); Norley A (117) 237-259 Wharton Cons B (50) (at Winnington No.1); Rudheath B (87) 293-224 Winnington B (128) (at Hartford); Rudheath D (130) 273-273 Castle B (69) (Rudheath win after redraw) (at Lostock Graylams); Wharton Cons A (30) 237-192 Meadowbank A (76) (at Winsford Cons).