AFTER the disappointment of narrowly missing out on promotion last year the Mid Cheshire Federation crown green bowls team got their 2023 campaign off to a flying start on Sunday with a resounding 19-13 victory against Barnsley.

Mid Cheshire used the tricky artificial green at Helsby Community Sports Club to their advantage in recording nine home winners.

Glyn Walton (Rudheath Sports) registered the best result with a 21-7 win.

The away team travelled to Dearne Sports in Barnsley and three players won to single figures - Mark Ball (Frodsham Red Lion) 21-4, Ian Wassell (Alsager) 21-8 and Owen Cookson (Wharton Cons) 21-9.

The 2023 Brunner Cup gets underway on Saturday.

The draw has thrown up four clashes between local clubs, with all games starting at 2pm.

Davenham Rec face Winnington Park at Middlewich RBL, Rudheath Sports play Owley Wood at Castle Sports No2, Frodsham Red Lion come up against Wharton Cons at Davenham and Barnton CC play Hartford BC at Norley BC.

Last year's defeated finalists, Castle Sports A, start against Heswall RBL, and Moulton RBL face Metro Sports.

Castle Sports B, who have entered the Brunner Cup for the first time, play Tixall BC.

Wharton Rec face a tough encounter against Houldsworth WMC.

Comberbach take on Crewe PO at Wharton Rec while Middlewich RBL travel to Mobberley where they play Packhorse BC.

The fifth qualifying session of the Rudheath Sports Spring Open saw Steven Morrey (Castle Sports) and Jorden Riley progress to the final day on Saturday, May 13.

Qualifiers to date are Simon Hargreaves, Wayne Ditchfield, Ant Lloyd, Dave McDermott, James Wilcox, Alan Manuel, Matt Gilmore and Jack Bushell.

The sixth qualifying session gets underway at 6pm this Saturday.

The Mid Cheshire League got off to a wet start on Friday, leading to some games having to be cancelled in the opening round of the Littler Cup.

The second round of the competition takes place this Friday.