THE COWLEY CUP
A Mid Cheshire League Annual Trophy
1931
THE ANNUAL CHARITY EVENT
The Cowley cup attracted 128 entries, from Bank Holiday Monday to the following Saturday 8th August. The weather had prevented an earlier finish, and i would question if any green in the district outside the Farmers Arms would of been fit for play after the days deluge. To everyone’s surprise, Mr Jack Brain allowed play to resume, and a fair crowd witnessed some excellent bowling.
Quarter Finals
W. Barrow (Warrington) 21 v 20 T. Rimmer (Rudheath)
P. Barnes (Rudheath) 21 v 6 C. Booth (Castle Dock)
J. Hancock (Winnington) 21 v 16 R. Kettle (Gladstone Club)
H. Stagg (Verdin Park) 21 v 15 W. Edge (Northwich)
Semi Finals
H. Stagg 21 v 17 P. Barnes
W. Barrow 21 v 9 J. Hancock
FINAL
H. STAGG 21 v 14 W. BARROW
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1936
Played at the Farmers Arms on Friday 22nd August
Quarter Finals
T. Johnson (Lostock) 21 v 17 A. Taylor (Rudheath)
A. Bebbington (Moulton) 21 v 17 G. Wilkinson (Knutsford)
T. Birch (Northwich) 21 v 12 H. Price (Rudheath)
J. Gosling (Hazel Grove) w/o abs L. Preston (Verdin Park)
Semi Finals
A. Bebbington 21 v 12 J. Gosling
T. Birch 21 v 10 T. Johnson
FINAL
TOM BIRCH 21 v 3 ARNOLD BEBBINGTON
It is very questionable if a final round in any competition has ever been won in such a startling fashion as that at Rudheath on Saturday, in the Cowley Cup Handicap, when Tom Birch, Northwich, won the trophy and prize in an amazing final from Arnold Bebbington (Moulton).
Figuring on the three marks, against Bebbington two, each player scored a single from which stage (4-3) Birch played an unbelievable game down the middle of the green, with his lead wood invariably hiding the jack, and forcing his opponent to reach the object to have any chance of scoring a further point. Missing the jack by inches, Bebbington was always finishing a yard to four feet away, and never having received a single life, he could no way be blamed for a defeat which really marked Birch as being the day’s champion, and holding the large crowd spellbound by his repeated length deliveries.
The green was in splendid condition, and the games were enjoyed by a large crowd. Mrs Alice Cowley wife of Rudheath Bowling Club President presented the prizes.
T. Birch: Cowley Cup, replica and a clock
A. Bebbington: a dinner service
J. Gosling and T. Johnson: a tea service
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1938
Played at the Farmers Arms on Saturday 27th August at 3pm.
Quarter Finals
T. Carter (Moulton) 21 v 18 F. Sinnott (Rudheath)
F. Weaver (Rudheath) 21 v 17 W.S. Lowe (Winsford Libs)
A. Bebbington (Moulton) 21 15 F. Wilkinson (Rudheath)
H. Price (Rudheath) 21 v 12 J.K. Harper (Rudheath)
Semi Finals
A. Bebbington 21 v 14 T. Carter
F. Weaver 21 v 19 H. Price
FINAL
A. BEBBINGTON 21 v 8 F. WEAVER
After repeated attempts covering the last eight years, during which period he has several times reached the qualifying stages, twice being beaten in the semi finals and once in the final, Arnold Bebbington of Moulton, achieved the proud distinction of winning the Cowley cup and replica, at the Farmers Arms on Saturday.
The success was a well merited one, for, following two victories against Rudheath club members; he played a great game to beat Tom Carter another Moulton player, at the score of 21-14, after Carter had knocked out the holder Jim Davies of Winsford, which was marred by rain in the latter stages. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
1951
COWLEY FOR MACKIE
Played at the Farmers Arms, Rudheath, the final of the Cowley bowls cup on Friday resulted in victory for Sid Mackie (2) over last years winner J. Hodkinson (Scr) 21-14. Mackie showed excellent form defeating local player C. Wilding (3) 21-8 in the semi final.
In the final, after being in arrears 12-14 a break of 9 took him to the game. In the second semi final, Hodkinson defeated C. Pemberton (Rudheath) (3) 21-17, after being 13-17 down.
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1953
Played at the Farmers Arms on Saturday 29th August at 5:30pm.
Quarter Finals
C. Brown (Winnington) 5 v 21 A. Riley (Lostock)
H. Blackhurst (Farmers Arms) 21 v 13 R. Duncan (Farmers Arms)
L.A. Carter (Farmers Arms) 18 v 21 T. Atkinson (Farmers Arms)
J. Goolding (Farmers Arms) 9 v 21 K.C. Birtwistle (Davenham)
Semi Finals
A. Riley 21 v 19 H. Blackhurst K.C. Birtwistle 21 v 15 T. Atkinson
FINAL
KEN BIRTWISTLE 21 v 9 ARTHUR RILEY
Kenneth Birtwistle, the 17 year old Davenham Rec bowler, in only his second full season, brought off a wonderful coup to win the Cowley Cup at the Farmers Arms, Rudheath on Saturday evening, a performance which must mark him as one of the outstanding players of the season (writes Thumb Bias). From a very early stage, the writing was on the wall. In the 6th round, he dismissed the local favourite John Goolding, in a manner beyond all comprehension. With a limit handicap of four Birtwistle established a great lead of 13-3 and, after a run of singles by Goolding, he was off and again with a lovely break down the centre to take him to 19-6, and finally 21-9.
In the semi final against the experienced Tom Atkinson, who had won a hard fight against Aston Carter 21-16, Birtwistle was off the mark with a break of eight, and while Atkinson caught him at 11, Birtwistle was again in the lead at 15-11 and 17-12. Atkinson seemed to have an outside chance at 15-17, but his young opponent played so well the task proved to much for Atkinson and he scored no more points, while the Davenham youth went to 21. In the final Birtwistle scored freely to 9-1, 13-4 and 16-5 and while Riley got in a couple of doubles to reach 9-16, the effort was his last, the centre of the green proving his downfall, a break of 5 winning the cup for Birtwistle.
The trophy and prizes were presented by Mrs T. Cowley.
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1954
In one of the best finals seen in Northwich for some time, despite the score, Bert Gandy defeated Jack Minshull of Davenham 21-12, to carry off the Cowley cup at the Farmers Arms, Rudheath on Saturday evening.
Semi Finals
J.Minshull 21 v 17 A. Goodier (Gladstone)
J.B. Gandy 21 v 13 A.W. Lewis (Norley)
Referee was Jim Grant, past president of the CCABA, trophy was presented by the sponsors wife Mrs T.W. Cowley.
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1955
From the Northwich Guardian, by Thumb Bias.
Played at the Farmers Arms, Rudheath on Friday 19th August.
Reg Nicholas of Kelsall sprang a surprise at the Farmers Arms, Rudheath on Friday night by winning the Cowley cup before a big crowd. In the first game he defeated Sid Mackie of Owley Wood, 21-16, then he overcome J W Farr in the semi final 21-15.
Against Len Gallimore, of Knutsford in the final, Nicholas went ahead 9-3, and was never afterwards in danger, finally getting through 21-18
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1958
Arthur Riley, Constitutional club (2) won the Cowley cup bowls handicap, when he defeated Bill Crank (Farmers Arms) (1) 21-13.
Semi Finals
Arthur Riley 21 v 17 Arthur Goodier W. Crank 21 v 17 John Dickenson
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1959
Castle Private bowler George Drinkwater, won the Cowley cup for the first time at the Farmers Arms, Rudheath on Saturday evening.
With a three point advantage he beat Farmers own Bert Greatbanks 21-16 in an exciting final. In the semi final Drinkwater played exceptionally well to beat this years Cheshire merit winner Albert Broady (Gladstone Club) 21-18, Greatbanks accounted for Ken Birtwistle (Davenham) 21-13.
The cup and prizes were presented by Mrs T.W Cowley, wife of the donor of the cup.
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1960
Played at the Farmers Arms on Saturday 27th August at 5:30pm.
John Buckley of the Farmers Arms bowling club became the youngest bowler to reach the finals of the Cowley Charity Cup, when he scored a fine victory in the 4th round at Hartford Rec beating E. Dutton 21-17.
Quarter Finals
T. Prince (Davenham) 21 v 16 W. Wright (Winnington)
H. Shaw (NFU) 16 v 21 B. Greatbanks (Farmers Arms)
F. Pogson (Davenham) 21 v 11 J. Buckley (Farmers Arms)
F. Saunders (Lostock) 21 v 13 J. Garner (Delamere)
Semi Finals
B. Greatbanks 21 v 16 T. Prince
F. Saunders 21 v 16 F. Pogson
FINAL
F. SAUNDERS 21 v 16 B GREATBANKS
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1971
Played at the Farmers Arms, Friday 13th August.
Friday 13th could hardly be termed an unlucky day for Farmers Arms second team bowler Dave Evans, for David became the second Farmers Arms bowler to win the Cowley cup when he beat Vic Booth 21-16 with a brilliant display in the final on his own green at Rudheath.
Booth, an Owley Wood Norley league player and well known as one of Northwich Victoria's best post war goalkeepers, extended his four handicap start in the final to lead 10-0 before his opponent settled down. Then cheered on by the Farmers vociferous kop he plugged away on accurate short marks, overtook Booth at 13-12, and was never again caught. Trophies and prize were presented by Mr Jack Jolley.
Semi Finals V. Booth 21 v 10 A.W. Lewis (Farmers Arms)
D. Evans 21 v 13 G. Duffy (Moulton RBL)
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1974
Bill Crank better known to Mid Cheshire football fans as the former Lostock Gralam centre half, won his first bowls trophy on Friday evening when he carried off the Cowley cup on his own green at the Farmers Arms. Bill, despite a minus handicap, finished a comfortable 21-16 ahead of Alan Harrison of Davenham Rec (+3). He was presented with the cup and prize money by association President Jack Jolley.
The semi finals and final were postponed from Friday due to heavy rain, but the weekend break made no difference to Crank, who was on top form throughout. In the quarter final he beat clubmate Roy tomlinson 21-7.
Semi finals
A. Harrison (Davenham ) 21 v J. Gurney (Owley wood)
W. Crank (Farmers Arms) 21 v 9 D. Norris (Winsford libs)
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1975
Played at the Farmers Arms on Friday 8th August.
Phil Webb, the Winnington Park scratch player won the Cowley cup when he beat Stan Frith (Farmers Arms) 21-15 in the final at Rudheath.
Webb's semi final victim was Tommy Twaddle (Meadowbank) whom he beat 21-15, while Frith eliminated Alan Clark 21-12.
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1976
Played at the Farmers Arms on Friday 6th August.
Semi Finals
S. Littler (Beech Tree) 21 v 18 K. Birkett (Farmers Arms)
P. Scott (Case) 21 v 18 A. Robinson (Moulton RBL)
FINAL
P. SCOTT 21 v 18 S. LITTLER
The trophy and prize money was presented by Mid Cheshire president
Mr Jack Jolley.
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1980
Played at the Farmers Arms Rudheath on Thursday 31st July.
Keith Birkett won the Greenall whitley Cowley Cup for the third time when he beat Farmers Arms colleague Dave Evans 21-19 in an exciting final on his own green on Thursday.
Both off 3 there was little in it right through the tense final, with Birkett's big match experience just giving him the edge.
In the semi final Birkett beat John Webb (Winsford Libs) 21-15 and Evans outplayed Ken Winnington (Farmers Arms) 21-12.
Crosstowns Eric Hamman had to scratch from the competition because of injury.
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1981
Defying the worst weather conditions this season, Winsford Libs Gerald Merry landed his second prize, at the Farmers Arms on Friday.
Dressed up like a North sea trawlerman, Merry beat home green man Ian Davies 24-20 in a rain drenched final, to add the Greenall Whitley Cowley Cup to the Roberts Bakery trophy he won three weeks earlier.
By the time the final arrived on Friday, the splendid Farmers green was awash, but this didn't deter Merry, or his opponent from treating the large crowd with some fine play.
Semi Finals
G. Merry (Winsford Libs) 21 v 15 S. Burgess (Meadowbank)
I. Davies (Farmers Arms) 21 v 17 R. Pickering (Castle Private)
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1982
Played at the Farmers Arms on Friday 13th August at 6:30pm.
The interesting draw is that of Stan Frith, former Farmers Arms bowler, who has already taken the Guardian Cup and the Roberts Bakery titles, down against 17 year old Farmers Arms young champion Jason Cornes. Quarter Finals
C. Koral (Owley Wood) 21 v 18 P. Thompson (Owley Wood)
S. Frith (Owley Wood) 15 v 21 Jason Cornes (Farmers Arms)
M. Winnington (Farmers Arms) 21 v 12 D. Hough (Beech Tree)
K. Birkett (Farmers Arms) 18 v 21 K. Burrows (Wharton Cons)
Semi finals
J. Cornes 21 v 20 C. Koral
K. Burrows 21 v 20 M. Winnington
FINAL
JASON CORNES 21 v 20 KEITH BURROWS
Referee was Mr C Buckley; first prize was £100 and the Trophy. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
1984
COWLEY CUP FOR WATSON
Thursday 30th august.
Lostock's Mike Watson shocked three current Cheshire County bowlers to win the Greenall Whitely Cowley Cup in another major upset, at the Farmers Arms on Thursday.
a Brunner cup medal winner when with the outstanding Farmers Arms team in the Mid 70's Mike used his local knowledge to beat Owley Wood bowler Steve Nixon 21-13 in the quarter finals. His next victim was the rising young Beech Tree player and 1982 champion Jason Cornes 21-18.
In the final, Mike produced his best form of the night to out play Owley wood's experienced Phil scott by the wide margin of 21-12 and collect the £125 first prize from Greenalls area manager Brian Forster.
Total prize money was £380, the gate raised £22 and the referee for the evening was Ray Plant.
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1987
Holder Mark Winnington (Castle Private) begins his defence of the trophy at the Slow and Easy against Bob Barrow of the Farmers Arms.
Taking part in the Cowley Cup this year there is a record entry of 190 players, the 1st Round taking place on 16 greens.
FINAL CRANK WINS CUP FOR SECOND TIME
Played at the Farmers Arms on August 22nd at 6:45pm
Quarter finals
W. Crank (Farmers Arms) 21 v 18 P. Hayes (Beech Tree)
P. Scott (Owley Wood) 21 v 17 R. Crellin (Wharton Rec)
S. Brittleton (Wharton Rec) 21 v 14 M. Morrey (Wharton Cons)
C. Drinkwater (Vale Royal) 21 v 15 R. Brearley (Owley Wood)
Semi Finals
W. Crank 21 v 16 S. Brittleton
P. Scott 21 v 11 C. Drinkwater
FINAL
BILL CRANK 21 v 16 PHIL SCOTT
Brian Forster of Greenall Whitley presented.
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1990
Played at the Farmers Arms on Saturday 25th August.
Semi Finals
G. Cookson (Wharton Cons) 21 v 12 J. Andrews (Owley Wood)
T. Malisch (Lostock) 21 v 12 S. Yearsley (Owley Wood)
FINAL
GLYNN COOKSON 21 v 8 TONY MALISCH
Referee for the final was Cedric Johnson of the Farmers Arms. John Goolding a honoury life member of the host club presented the trophy and prize money which consisted of £160 to the winner and £80 to the ruinner up. The gate money was £42 and a charity raffle raised £48. The competition was sponsored by Greenalls.
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1991
Northwich Chronicle, 17th July
The Greenalls Cowley cup has attracted 120 entries but holder Glynn Cookson who has heavy commitments elsewhere has decided not to enter the competition. The special council have ruled that the winners of the Cowley and Roberts bakery cups will carry a -1 handicap for three years only.
Final Rounds
Played at the Farmers Arms, Saturday 24th August.
K.Phipps (Moulton) 21 v 15 J. Nicholas (Kelsall)
I. Wilkinson (Wharton Cons) 21 v 13 M. Woodyatt (Moulton)
F. Nicholas (Kelsall) 21 v 20 B. Ellams (Red Lion)
M. Vernon (Owley Wood) 21 v 19 K. Winnington (Owley Wood)
Semi Finals
K. Phipps 16 v 21 I. Wilkinson
F. Nicholas 17 v 21 M. Vernon
FINAL
I. Wilkinson 21 v 19 M. Vernon
The trophies and prize money were presented by Farmers Arms veteran and ex landlord Harry Randles who thanked the sponsors Greenalls.
The gate money was £34 and a charity raffle made £51 on the night. Referee for the final nights play was Farmers Arms representative Cedric Johnson.
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1992
Saturday 29th August.
Wharton Cons player Ivan Wilkinson won the Greenall Whitley Cowley Cup for the second time when he defeated Cheshire colleague Gerald Merry (Delamere) 21-11 in the final at the Rudheath green.
in the first round Ivan beat Steve Sant 21-11, Merry beat Alan Hough 21-5, and Tim Halliwell beat Ray greenhalgh 21-15 and John Gurney eliminated John Nicholas 21-18.
Semi Finals
I. Wilkinson 21 v 18 J. Gurney G. Merry 21 v 12 T. Halliwell
The trophy and cash prizes were distibuted by Cedric Johnson, chairman of the Farmers Arms bowling club, buffet was provided by Mr and Mrs Twaddle licensees of the Farmers Arms.
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1994
WARREN'S THE WINNER
The Farmers Arms floodlights shone over an excellent evenings bowling on Monday night when the Mid Cheshire Cowley Cup was held.
And the evening belonged to Wharton Cons Warren Carter who took the trophy for the first time in a tight final. carter's final opponent was Castle Private's John Gurney and it developed into a game of nip and tuck before the Winsford man won 21-19.
Gurney may well of been feeling mentally strained after a tough semi final against Roberts Bakery winner Jason Cornes. Again the match swung both ways before Gurney got the better of the Lostock man by the tightest possible margin 21-20.
The semi finals were bad all round for Brunner cup finalists Lostock as Trevor Whittaker was the man beaten by Carter 21-14. Whittaker had reached the last four in another game that went to the wire before he beat Owley Wood's Mark Vernon 21-20. The gate raised £48 and was as good as any recent Cowley finals, the draw added about £68 to the league coffers.
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1995
Setting out on the trail of the Cowley cup this Monday (July 17th) coming are 178 bowlers all hoping to win the trophy at the Farmers Arms when the final is held there on Monday 21st August.
Farmers Arms bowler Alan Thompson will have home advantage when this years final is played on Monday. He becomes only the 8th bowler in 31 years to achieve such a feat. His handicap has been reduced to scratch.
Q/F
P. Mackie (Owley Wood) 10 v 21 G. Roberts (Bunbury)
A. Thompson (Farmers) 11 v 21 P. Hatton (Over Park)
A. Hamman (Slow & Easy) 16 v 21 W. Smith (Middlewich RBL)
A. Oultram (Owley Wood) 21 v 16 D. Thurwell (Comberbach)
Semi Finals
G. Roberts 21 v 20 A. Hamman
W. Smith 16 v 21 A. Oultram
FINAL
G. Roberts 21v 9 A. Oultram
Trophies and prize money presented by Ken Moran.
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1996
Northwich Chronicle, August 28th.
Jason Cornes, one of the stars of Lostock Social clubs Cheshire Brunner cup adventure won the Mid Cheshire Cowley cup at the Farmers Arms, Rudheath last week.
He defeated Lostock team mate Alan Frey 21-7 in 27 ends, which seemed rough justice for Frey who had ousted Wharton Cons duo Glynn Cookson and Ron Lightfoot by 6 and 10 respectively.
Cornes beat Steve Hamman from Owley Wood by 3 and Geoff Brassington from Frodsham Red Lion by 13.
The winner received £150 and the trophy.
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1997
Played at the Farmers Arms on Monday 11th August at 6:30pm
Gerald Merry won the Cowley Cup for the third time on Monday evening. A dominant bowling performance throughout the final games from Gerald, the newly appointed England team manager, ensured he claimed the title for the third time in its history after a convincing win over Lostock’s Jason Cornes.
In a one sided final match, Merry won 21-11. That followed two equally convincing games against Graham Stubbs and Philip Cookson in the previous rounds.
Up against the area’s most talented bowlers, Gerald was never in danger in any of the games, beating Stubbs 21-9 and Cookson 21-13.
Other finalists: M. Winnington, P. Mackie, P. Illidge & A. Chantler. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
1998
Played Tuesday 18th August at 6:30pm, Cup and awards presented by Mr M D Bacon. Referee Mr R Munford of Crewe.
Quarter Finals
Steve Sant (Beech Tree) 19 v 21 Mark Winnington (Lostock)
Daniel Nixon (Lostock) 9 v 21 Glynn Cookson (Wharton Cons)
Steve Hamman (Owley Wood) 21 v 13 Stewart Bailey (Wharton Cons)
Paul Mackie (Lostock) 21 v 12 Ritchie Jamieson (Kelsall)
Semi Finals
Winnington 3 v 21 Cookson Hamman 7 v 21 Mackie
FINAL
GLYNN COOKSON 21 v 15 PAUL MACKIE
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1999
GLYNN GRABS COWLEY CROWN
Northwich Guardian, 25th August.
Glynn Cookson never looked tested as he cruised to wins against Castle private's Adrian Faulkner and Crewe Post Office bowler Nigel Parsonage, both games to the score of 21-14 at the Farmers Arms, Rudheath. Castle's Nick Jackson put up a valient effort in the final; but Cookson was simply class and stormed to an emphatic 21-8 win to lift the Cowley cup for the third time.
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2000
STAN TAKES COWLEY CROWN
Northwich Guardian, Wednesday 23rd August.
Stan Frith bounced back to form on Monday night by winning the Cowley cup. The Owley Wood man won the trophy for the first time since 1979 by beating Lostock Social Clubs Nigel Faulkner, the 1983 champion, 21-10 in the final at the Farmers Arms, Rudheath.
Frith began the night with a 21-12 win over Beech Tree's Dave Rutter and continued his dominance with a 21-16 victory over another Lostock bowler Paul Mackie in the semi final.
stan received the Cup and prize money from Max Bacon, the pubs manager and competition sponsor.
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2001
CORNES AT THE DOUBLE
Winsford Guardian, Wednesday 15th August.
Jason Cornes competed the double on Saturday by adding the Cowley Cup to his trophy cabinet.
Just two weeks after winning the Roberts bakery cup the Hazel Pear bowler regained the prize he first won in 1982. He began the evening at the Beech Tree with a 21-17 win over Chris Oswell in the quarter final. Team mate Paul Mackie was next in the last four, Cornes winning 21-12, before Winsford Cons Graham Davies in the final. Cornes took the title with a 21-15 triumph, collecting the Cowley cup, which was sponsored by Inn Partnership, for the third time, having also won in 1996.
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2003
Northwich Chronicle, 13th August.
A brilliant display by 14 year old Tom Vickers won him the Cowley Cup, at the expense of one of Mid Cheshires top seniors.
Paul Mackie was his opponent in the final at Winsford Cons and Vickers, of Wharton Rec, his 21-10 conqueror.
Castle Private County cap Mackie beat Mark winnington (Red Lion) by six and another emerging youngster Jon Gurney (Farmers Arms) by nine.
Meanwhile, Vickers beat John Spruce 21-19 and Andy Hamman 21-8, before turning in the performance of his young life.
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2004
Held at the Farmers Arms, Monday 23rd August at 6:45pm
Q/F
Rob Winnington (Red Lion) 19 v 21 Steve Brittleton (Meadowbank)
Mick Green (Beech Tree) 19 v 21 Danny Nixon (Wharton Cons)
John Gurney (Castle) 21 v 12 Fred Worrall (Red Lion)
Paul Hatton (Over) 21 v 13 Andy Oultram (Ring O'Bells)
Semi Finals
Brittleton 15 v 21 Nixon Gurney 21 v 13 Hatton
FINAL
Danny Nixon 21 v 10 John Gurney
Cup and awards presented by Christine Waine, Winner £150
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2006
GLORY FOR SIMON
One chalk seperated father and son in a thrilling Cowley cup final on Monday.
Wharton Cons bowler Simon Cookson kept his cool to beat dad Glynn Cookson (also wharton Cons) and claim his first senior individual title at the Farmers Arms. The pair had never met in a competative match before. glynn told the Guardian he was disappointed to lose 21-20, but delighted for Simon. He said he was ready for the inevitable ribbing that would endure in the coming days.
'If it keeps him happy,' he laughed. 'It was a brilliant final and I'm proud of Simon, he'll get a real confidence boost from winning a competition like this.' Cookson senior admitted it was difficult to concentrate.
He said:'I can assure you it's not easy playing against someone you know so well, be it a friend or a family member. Normally I watch Simon and am desperate for him to win, so it was a strange feeling meeting him in a final.' The crowd at the Rudheath venue were treated to a fitting final to the handicap competition.
'It was a real treat,' said George Horwill, secreatary to the Mid Cheshire bowling association.
Earlier, Simon and Glynn had seen off home bowler Dave freeborough (Farmers Arms) and Graham Stubbs (Kelsall) respectively in the semi finals, both by the margin of 21-8.
The only female finalist, Beech Tree's Julie Green, fell to Freeborough in the quarter final. And glynn has backed Simon to get even better now he has won his first title. He said,'Its given him a real boost.'
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2008
FAMILY SEE'S PAUL TAKE TITLE
Winsford Cons Paul Blackburn clinched the Cowley Cup on Sunday, securing his first trophy. Paul, of Willow Close, clinched his first honour on the Mid Cheshire bowls circuit by defeating Comberbach's Gerald Merry in the final 21-10.
On his way to victory Paul breezed past Arthur Land and Barry Ellis both of Frodsham Red Lion.
Paul said,' I didn't think I would win it. I thought if I got through to the semi final then there was a chance. I played better than I expected to do, I havn't been playing that well recently and my form was much better at the start of the season. But I was just concentrating and thought i've got a chance.'
A crowd of 60 people turned up at Rudheath on Sunday, the first time the finals competition has been played over the weekend, and Paulwas backed by a share of the crowd.
'There was one or two shouting for me in the final but I was just trying to concentrate and get on with my game. My Son, who plays for Wharton, was watching and my dad and brother, who play for Winsford, were there too. Everyone congratulated me at the end, it was very sporting of everyone'.
The trophy, along with the £500 prize money, is taking pride of place on the Blackburn's mantelpiece. 'Its sat up there at the moment but I don't know how long she will let me keep it up there', Paul joked.
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2009
DAVIES CAPTURES MAIDEN INDIVIDUAL TITLE
Winsford Guardian, Thursday 20th August
A Winsford bowler won his maiden individual title on Sunday. Wharton Cons Graham Davies defeated clubmate Dan Nixon in the final of the Mid Cheshire bowling associations Cowley cup at Rudheath.
'It's a moment I will remember,' he said afterwards.'I've been trying to win a final since I was a teenager, it's great to finally get my hands on some silverware'.
Davies edged out Nixon 21-17 after a close encounter. He admitted that the win would be a huge boost to his confidence.
'I've been playing well all year so I knew my opponents would have to play well to beat me,' he said. 'I think winning the Cowley cup will help me to break through a mental barrier, which can only help in the future'.
Davies, who made the short trip to the Tin mission from Winsford Cons over the Winter, captured the Norley and district leagues merit a fortnight ago. He has been busy playing in major competitions across the North West of England over the past few months, culminating in victory in the Derek Fletcher classic at Radcliffe in June.
Davies added,'I've had a taste of playing in big matches and finals. I'd never won a senior competition before this season, so it's good to prove to myself that I can do it.
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2010
CORNES COLLECTS COWLEY CUP NUMBER FIVE
Northwich Guardian, Wednesday 8th September.
Jason Cornes added a new chapter to the competitions history as he claimed a record fifth victory on Sunday.
But the Castle Private star, who last won a major individual title in Mid Cheshire five years ago, was pushed all the way by Jim Harrop (Wharton Cons), he eventually squeaked home by a single chalk at Rudheath.
Bowlers from the Northwich club have now claimed two of the Mid Cheshire bowling association solo crowns:Dave O'Brien won the Guardian cup in July, this season. Cornes accounted for Jon Gurney (Comberbach), who conquered Glynn Cookson (Wharton Cons) 21-20 in the last eight and Kevin Duncalf (Beech Tree) en route to the final.
Harrop, a familiar face on finals night this summer, overcame team mate Tom Vickers in the quarter finals before ousting Beech tree's Ian Williams.
His wait for a major singles title will now run into next season. Meanwhile Cornes pocketed the £150 first prize from Sponsors Rudheath Social club after winning the Cowley cup for the first time since his previous final success in 2005.
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2013
COMBERBACH BOWLER CELEBRATES
Northwich Guardian, Thursday 19th September.
After waiting half a century to celebrate a first solo success, Comberbach bowler Dennis Leather intends to savour the moment.
And so he should after beating Tom Vickers to win the Cowley Cup, his first singles title since joining the Mid Cheshire bowling association as a teenager. He is now 66.
'Im over the moon,'he said. 'In my eyes, to beat Tom is to win against the best player in the league at the moment. He nearly had me too.'
Leather lay game at 19-10 at Rudheath, only for the Wharton star, already crowned roberts bakery cup winner earlier this season, to record a break of nine to draw level.
His opponent stopped the sequence at the next end, holding his nerve to complete a 21-19 victory.
He added,' I just tried to stay focused on what I needed to do. There's no point in worrying if a player like Tom has a run like that, he's capable of it. I could hear my clubmates reminding me I only needed to have one more solid end. I had a lot of support around the green, so it was a relief to get over the line when I did'.
A former member of the Middlewich Road venue, he told the Guardian that Knowledge of the greens quirks helped him.
Leather said,' I had kept an eye on Tom's semi final against Nick (Hamman), and noticed that he'd found a mark that worked and he stuck to it. I knew I had to keep him away from there to stand a chance. Luckily I managed to'.
Leather was 20-19 down against Comberbach teammate Craig Bourbonneux in the semi finals, recovering with a strike to squeeze through. Victories against Anthony Hallwood (Barnton CC) in the quarter finals and Jason Cornes (Castle Private) in the last 16 made for a difficult run to the first prize. He plans to put his cash reward towards a holiday with his grandchildren.
Leather said,' Thats not me done now I've got my hands on a trophy at last, I'll keep playing a while yet'.
His Success adds to an impressive season for Comberbach, also home to newly crowned Guardian cup victor Mathhew Thurlwell.
Vickers ended the run of three times former winner Gerald Merry (Delamere) in the quarter finals before a ruthless 21-4 victory over Hamman in the last four.
Bourbonneux made the semi finals after a slender 21-20 victory against youngster Joe Bell (Beech Tree).
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2014
VICKERS AGAIN
Northwich Guardian, Wednesday 17th September.
Tom Vickers lifted the Mid Cheshire bowling associations Cowley Cup for the second time at Rudheath social club last Monday.
The Wharton Cons bowler, a champion for the first time in 2003, proved too strong for homester Mark Woodyatt in a one sided final, winning 21-3.
He had seen off Andy Hamman (Barnton CC) 21-19 in the semi final and Rob Winnington (Castle Private) earlier in the evening 21-15.
Woodyatt sent out Graham Spruce 21-6, Vickers clubmate at Wharton, and Castle Private's Mark Winnington 21-19 in the semi final.
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2015
VICKERS IS A VICTOR AGAIN
Northwich Guardian, Wednesday 2nd September.
There is no stopping in form Wharton Cons bowler Thomas Vickers.
The Winsford ace has achieved a feat managed by no other in the history of the Mid Cheshire bowling association, completing a clean sweep of the leagues singles titles in the same season.
He defeated Andy Hamman of Barnton CC, in the Cowley cup final at Rudheath Social club last monday.
the 26 year old had already won the Roberts bakery cup and Guardian cup earlier this summer, not to mention success at the All England championships and the Cheshire senior merit.
Vickers began his bid to add another trophy to his collection by thrashing clubmate Andy Houghton, repeating the trick against Jon Gurney in the last four. And a hat trick of single figure wins was compete after a 21-8 victory against underdog Hamman. The Barnton regular had beaten his namesake from Castle Private in the semi finals after starting the evening with a 21-13 victory against Jon Malisch.
But Vickers was too good, registering a fourth Cowley cup final success, his first, when he was just 14, was back in 2003.
FINAL
TOM VICKERS 21 v 8 ANDY HAMMAN.
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