The Guardian Cup

Cookson triumphs
RECORDS of all kinds tumbled on Friday 22nd July as Glynn Cookson lifted his ninth Guardian Cup.

But the Wharton Cons star wasn't alone in rewriting history as Comberbach Bowling Club witnessed an extrodinary night of quality bowling.

More than 200 people (a new record) crowded into the picturesque venue on Friday night and were treated to three and a half hours (also a new record) of competitive action.

And Frodsham Red Lion's Nicola Dolby, the first woman to make it through to finals night, played an integral part in the special event.

Dolby took on Castle Private's Paul Mackie in the quarter final and quickly established a 10-4 lead.

But she won just two more ends as Mackie powered through in a tense match, winning 21-13.

Meanwhile Cookson beat Stewart Bailey 21-19, Ritchie Jamieson won 21-19 and John Gurney eased past Danny Nixon 21-17.

The semi finals, which paired Gurney against Jamieson and Cookson against Mackie, weren't quite as close as the quarters, with Gurney and Cookson winning through 21-14.

This set up the final almost everyone had hoped for with two naturally talented bowlers facing each other for the premier individual trophy.

And the final was a fitting climax to the evening.

Cookson drew first blood, but Gurney built a 7-3 lead.

The pair then went toe to toe until Cookson led 20-18.

Gurney managed to drag it back to 20-19, but Cookson grabbed a vital score in the 32nd end to win the title for a record ninth time.