STEVE Morrey has discovered the identity of his opponent after a draw for the British Senior Individual Merit was published.

The Castle bowler, who claimed the county title for a second time last month, travels to Derby venue Rolls Royce Leisure for the 2019 edition.

And once there he will take on Dave Bennett in the first round.

A regular for St Oswalds in the Warrington and North Cheshire Bowls Association, he finished as runner-up to Damian Morrison at the Lancashire Merit.

Morrey is in a testing top-half of the draw that includes three former ‘All England’ winners in the form of Noel Burrows (Cheshire), Graeme Wilson (Yorkshire) and Callum Wraight (Shropshire).

Should he see off Bennett, then Merseyside champion Kevin Kearns is a potential opponent at the next stage.

However Morrey knows what he is letting himself for.

He reached the last four on his previous visit to the British Crown Green Bowling Association’s annual showcase two years ago at Nuneaton.

Meanwhile in 2014, coincidentally after winning the Cheshire Merit, his run to the semi-finals was halted by eventual runner-up Ant Bracken (Warwick & Worcester).

“After two semi-finals, maybe it can be third-time lucky,” said Morrey.

“It’s a competition that’s at the top of a list of ones I want to play in every year.

“I feel that I’m capable of winning it, and hopefully if I can squeeze through the first round then I can get on a roll.”

The 104th British Senior Individual Merit takes place on Saturday, July 27, from 10am.

Admission is £10 for adults.

Northwich Guardian: The draw for this year's British Senior Individual Merit was made this weekThe draw for this year's British Senior Individual Merit was made this week