BOWLS: Cheshire win county opener during weather-hit weekend

Stuart Greenhalgh brings us the latest Mid-Cheshire bowls news…

THE weather took a bad turn this Friday, causing many games in the Mid-Cheshire League to be called off.

In the Premier Division, Wharton Cons A played their home tie against Owley Wood A and dropped only one point as they beat their visitors 209-146.

The only other Premier Division match played was Middlewich CBC at home to Castle Sports A – both teams had five winners each with Castle winning 179-172.

New boys Victoria played their first Mid Cheshire game – a home match against Barnton Cricket Club A. Barnton did manage three victories in the match but Victoria came through, winning 194-133.

Meanwhile, Cheshire’s opening county match was played Sunday against North Lancs & Fylde.

After the rain of Friday night, the green was still in great condition but was a little bit friendlier to the away team than many would have hoped.

The game went right down to the wire – with two games left at each venue, the teams were level.

Cheshire’s home venue saw some excellent bowling by many of the home team which helped Cheshire tip the balance at the end to run out winners by 426 points to 417.

Tom Vickers’ match against Andy Cairns was a masterclass of corner bowling by Tom – after being 4-0 down, went on a run in the corners to lead 13-4.

There was then a small comeback by Andy but it still left him trailing 15-11 before Tom finally won 21-13.

Personally, it was sad that Michael Leach did not make the trip up to Cheshire to play his match against Glynn Cookson.

Glynn instead lined up against Darren James and it was obvious quite quickly that he had his eye in, running out to an early 9-2 lead and playing the corners with ease.

Glynn finally ran out a 21-12 winner, only giving up one “2” to his opponent.

Jason Cornes winning 21-7 and Kevin Duncalf fighting for every point and winning 21 -18 along with Mike Heald winning away just turned the match in Cheshire’s favour.

There is now a break before Cheshire’s next game on July 7.

Mid Cheshire’s next Federation bowls match is this coming Sunday – May 12 – against Halifax.

The home match will be played at Wharton Cons. The match will start at 2pm with practices starting at 12.45.

After a loss in their first match, the team will be hoping for a win to turn their season around. All support would be welcome.