CASTLE resume a bid to win the Cheshire County Bowling Association’s most prestigious team title when they take on Houldsworth.

A clash this Saturday between two sides with sights set on lifting the trophy later this summer is the stand-out tie at the quarter-finals stage.

They meet at Wilmslow Bowling Club.

“We know we’ll have to be at our best,” said Steve Curbishley, who plays for the Northwich team, following his victory in the Guardian Cup final last weekend.

“It’s a game that could be a final, such is the strength of each side with lots of county players, but we have to look at it as just one more step towards where we want to get to.

“We won’t be daunted at all, and go there in good form.”

There is another club from the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association still in contention, and Wharton Cons take on Manor Road at Subscription Bowling Club in Runcorn.

The Winsford outfit have already taken the scalp of Lloyd Hotel at an earlier stage, and they are motivated too after finishing as runners-up last season.

“It’s a big match for us,” said Nicola Boulton, talking to the Guardian after winning the British Ladies’ Senior Individual Merit on Saturday.

“We want to go all the way again, but at this stage we can’t expect any game to be straightforward.

“Beating Lloyds in the manner that we did was a boost though, and has perhaps sent a message to the other teams left in it that we should be taken seriously.”

Play starts at both venues from 2pm.

Tixall, the defending champions, take on Sale Excelsior at Winsford Cons.

Meanwhile Wharton Cons act as hosts too when Hoylake Central meet Packhorse.

Fixtures

Cheshire County Bowling Association

Brunner Cup

Saturday, July 20

Quarter-finals (from 2pm)

Hoylake Central & Melrose v Packhorse (at Wharton Cons)

Houldsworth WMC v Castle Sport (at Wilmslow BC)

Manor Road v Wharton Cons (at Subscription BC)

Sale Excelsior v Tixall (at Winsford Cons)