STEVE Morrey could not match his previous showing at the British Senior Individual Merit and exited at the second-round stage.

The Castle star, crowned Cheshire Senior Merit champion in June, struggled to adjust in wretched conditions at Rolls Royce Leisure in Derby last weekend.

He battled hard to see off Dave Bennett, representing Lancashire, in his opening game.

The heavy rain did not relent, and he remained competitive during a head-to-head with Merseyside champion Kevin Kearns before going down 21-19.

"I didn't play anywhere close to as well as a I know I can," he told the Guardian afterwards.

"It was so slippery, which made it almost impossible at times to get as close to the jack as I wanted."

Ryan Prosser (Warwick & Worcester) edged out Gary Owen (Potteries and District) in the final.

Morrey has made it to the last four on two previous occasions at the 'All England' Championships, as it is referred to by bowlers, including two years ago at Nuneaton.

In 2014, coincidentally also after winning the county title, his run to the semi-finals stage was halted by eventual runner-up Ant Bracken (Warwick & Worcester).

He turns his attention next to the Brunner Cup and the Northwich side's bid to reach the final.

They take on Packhorse, from Macclesfield, at United Services Club in Sale.