MATTY Hamman believes he is a better bowler than previously and that has improved his chances of taking another title.

The Castle member is among the contenders to lift the Roberts Bakery Cup at Davenham on Sunday and with it end a wait to claim a singles crown in the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association.

He won the Cowley Cup in 2012.

“It’s been too long,” he told the Guardian.

“But I feel like I’m getting closer; I reached the Guardian Cup semi-final last year and ran into Tom Vickers, while I got to the last eight in this one for the first time.

“I’ve definitely got better, and it’s definitely a competition I want to win.”

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His name is starting to appear more regularly in the latter stages of individual competitions, while has also made a place his own in Cheshire’s senior side.

Hamman was an integral part of a Castle side that finished first in the Premier Division last season.

He said: “Castle’s success has certainly helped me.

“We have a squad of 13 or 14 guys and so you don’t want to lose because that could be your place for the next game gone.

“It keeps you on your toes because you don’t want to be watching while they score 252 the following week.”

A draw for the last eight this weekend has paired him with Simon Jones.

Coincidentally, the Tarporley bowler edged a close encounter between them during a Guardian Cup qualifier at Comberbach on Monday.

If he wasn’t already, Hamman is now aware just how dangerous his opponent can be.

“Hopefully I can get my revenge,” he said.

“I’ll need to step up a notch after the way he played.

“I haven’t come across him often, but we all know he’s a very good player that plays below the level that he’s capable.

“But my form has been good, and I’m really happy with how I’m playing.”