Stuart Greenhalgh with his latest Mid Cheshire crown green bowling column…

SINCE winning the Mid Cheshire Federation Merit a couple of years ago, Owen Cookson has gone from strength to strength.

With three competition titles already under his belt this season, he went into the final night of the Cowley Cup at Rudheath full of confidence.

His first match of the night was against Mid Cheshire legend John Gurney.

It was highly likely that the arctic conditions on the night did little to help anyone, but especially the older bowlers.

It was still a great win for Owen against John, who has had a great end to the season. The match ended with Owen winning 21-10.

In his semi-final, Owen played Steven Field from Barnton CC A in Section Two.

Barnton were runner up in Section Two and are highly likely to be competing for a top spot next season in Section One.

Steven, who had already taken the scalp of Robert Winnington in an earlier round, gave Owen a tough semi final but just fell short, losing 21-15.

Meanwhile, Owen’s Wharton Cons teammate Tom Vickers, in his quarter-final, beat David Dickenson 21-14.

His semi-final was against Castle Sports’ Jason Cornes which Tom won 21-16.

The final was a close match; unsurprisingly, as Owen was playing one of the most consistent bowlers within Mid Cheshire.

This was Owen’s toughest match but he just came home as the 21-19 winner.

Elsewhere, Castle Sports defeated Derbyshire Park BC 168-115 in the last 32 of the World Club Championship.

They followed this up in the last 16 by beating Birchley St Marys 151-123 to take their place in the final eight on Sunday at Spen Victoria’s two greens.

Their last-eight tie was against Esclusham, and it was not to be their day with only three winners in a 152-136 loss, Steve Morrey 21-20 against Carl Roberts, Adi Faulkner 21-15 against Daren Lacey, and Jason Cornes 21-12 against Levan Pugh.

In the semi finals, Crossgates beat George & Dragon 168-113, and Greville Arms defeated Esclusham 150-139.

The final was slightly one sided with Crossgates winning 149-117.