TOM Vickers, last year's winner, will start as one of the favourites for the Owley Wood Spring Open on Saturday.

The competition has possibly the highest one-day prize fund in crown green bowls, with the winner due to collect £1,000 out of a total prize fund of £2,600.

This year’s competition, sponsored by NAW Paving, sees play start at 10.30am with a top-class field of 64 bowlers that includes Callum Wraight and Darren Plenderleith.

Refreshments will be available all day.

Local teams that progressed to the second round of the Brunner Cup after Saturday’s first round were Castle Sports B, who won a tight game against Tixall by three shots; Davenham Rec, who defeated Winnington Park 211-189; Barnton CC, who eased past Hartford BC at Norley; Owley Wood, who came out on top in another local clash with Rudheath; Wharton Cons, who won their tricky encounter against Frodsham Red Lion 216-201; and Castle Sports A, whose victory against a nine-man Heswall RBL was never in doubt.

The second round will take place on Saturday, May 20.

Mid Cheshire’s Littler Cup has reached the last 16 stage.

The games to decide who makes the quarter finals will take place on Friday.

Winnington B of Section 4 take on Comberbach A of the Premier Division and there is a Premier League clash between Shavington A and Wharton Cons A.

Week six qualifiers at the Rudheath Spring Open were Tommy Johnstone and Frank Cullen, while the seventh qualifying session takes place this Saturday starting at 6pm.

The women's teams from Castle Sports and Winnington Park took part in the BCGBA Club Championship at the Grange in Warrington on Sunday.

Castle Sports won their three group games and progressed to the semi final where they lost to eventual winners Wrockwardine Wood from Shropshire.

This coming Saturday, Cheshire County Bowling Association are hosting a junior fun day at Castle Sports & Social Club, David Street, Northwich, CW8 1HE, starting at noon.

Any parents or guardians that might have juniors interested, bring them along on the day.

The session is open to all abilities, with newcomers to the game especially welcome.

Light refreshments will be provided. You do not need to book in for this as it is an open invitation to all.