SEAN Morrey emerged as the victor from a high-class finals night field to take the Castle Classic crown on Saturday.
The Crewe-based bowler had to be at his best to defeat former Waterloo champion Greg Smith – the bookies’ favourite – following a close encounter in the final.
He led by four shots early on, but when the West Bromwich ace hit back to lead 14-11 he appeared set to take the £700 first prize.
However his opponent had other ideas, and fought back to win 21-18.
It was a trait had had shown in the last eight two, recovering from 20-15 down to beat Roger Morgan (Sale) after a deciding end.
Morrey’s night had started with a comfortable win against Preston’s Ashleigh Woof (21-9) before he saw off Morgan and then surprise-package Brad Massey to secure a spot in the final.
Smith had dispatched Stoke ace Matt Fellows (21-11) and 2015 winner Matt Gilmore (21-3) to clinch a showdown with Morrey.
Winsford’s Daniel Nixon, a member at Wharton Cons, exited at the last 16 stage following a slender 21-20 reverse against Gilmore.
Another familiar face from the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association, reigning Ladies’ Champion of Champions Nicola Boulton, began her bid promisingly when she saw off Jason Jones (21-11).
However Gilmore, who claimed the All England title in 2016, proved too strong in a one-sided quarter-final clash.
Results
Castle Classic
Saturday, August 12
Last 16: Nicola Boulton 21-11 Jason Jones; Andy Delooze 8-21 Matt Fellows; Matt Gilmore 21-20 Daniel Nixon; Chris Kearns 9-21 Roger Morgan; Brad Massey 21-14 Leighton Roberts; Ross Meese 21-6 Paul Chamberlain; Sean Morrey 21-9 Ashleigh Woof. Bye: Greg Smith
Quarter-finals: Fellows 11-21 Smith; Gilmore 21-2 Boulton; Meese 15-21 Massey; Morrey 21-20 Morgan
Semi-finals: Gilmore 3-21 Smith; Morrey 21-15 Massey
Final: Morrey 21-18 Smith
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