LOSTOCK Graylams held their nerve to reach the last 16 following a redraw after their encounter with Poynton Sports ended initially with the scores level.

Wins for Alan Lowe, Paul Turnbull and Daniel Malisch kept the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association side in contention with opponents that had whittled away most of a 40-chalks handicap deficit after the first four blocks.

Clive Nelson, Mark Woodyatt, Jon Malisch and his dad Tony Malisch then returned to the green at United Services, prevailing 99-95 after 40 per cent of both teams’ handicap was added.

It was a more comfortable afternoon for Comberbach A, who returned eight winning cards during an emphatic dismissal of Swettenham.

There was no concern either for Rudheath, who produced the day's most emphatic result after beating Oxton Cons by a 108-chalk margin.

Half-a-dozen of nine wins were to single figures.

However Comberbach B must try again this weekend after their meeting with Meadowbank at Rudheath was postponed because the green at Middlewich Road was waterlogged.

Graham Carter and Kenny Dowling were the pick of eight victors for Wharton Rec when they saw off Davenham B at Crosstown.

For their opponents, Hugh Rowland and Phil Massam both made it to 21.

Davenham A could not prevent LMRCA from reaching the last 16 at Chelford despite the best efforts of Ray Agnew, Bob Floyd and George Evans who all recorded a victory.

Hazel Pear, last year’s winners, enjoyed an afternoon off after opponents Castle C conceded their scheduled encounter at Altrincham Borough.

They join Winnington, who had a bye, at the next stage when the competition resumes on Saturday week, June 29.

Results

Cheshire County Bowling Association

Norman Cup

Saturday, June 15

First Round (team handicap in brackets)

Davenham A (45) 211-245 LMRCA (50) (at Chelford)

Hazel Pear w/o Castle C

Helsby (50) conceded to Lloyd Hotel (scr)

Hop Pole (35) 227-186 Heswall RBL B (55) (at Goshawk)

Lostock Graylams (70) 213-213 Poynton Sports (30) (at United Services, Lostock win 99-95 after redraw)

Metro Sports (30) 210-179 Heswall RBL A (30) (at Winnington No.1)

Mobberley Victory Hall (30) 204-200 Manor Road B (55) (at Kelsall)

Oxton Cons A (30) 127-235 Rudheath (30) (at Broughton & Bretton)

Parkside (50) conceded to Frodsham RL (25)

Swettenham (50) 164-220 Comberbach A (25) (at Sale Excelsior)

Wharton Rec (70) 269-226 Davenham B (at Crosstown)

West Kirby Victoria (30) 231-168 Plough TRC (50) (at Frodsham RL)

Byes: Crosstown (30), Nursery (35), Winnington (65)