GLYNN Cookson progressed to the last four of the prestigious Waterloo Handicap following a thrilling quarter-final victory over Callum Wraight.

The Winsford bowler feared his chance had gone when he sent the jack into a gutter on the final end.

However he recovered his composure to pick up the chalks he required to win 21-20.

“If I keep playing to that standard, then I’ve got every chance of winning the competition,” said the Wharton Cons member afterwards.

“It’s not easy to stay focused when you play against somebody like Callum, who is a big friend of mine now.

“Some of the bowls he sends are marvellous, so I’m happy to get through to the semi-finals.”

He will meet Welshman John Bailey next at the Blackpool venue in a contest that will be broadcast live by ITV Sport on Wednesday afternoon.

Terry Glover takes on Tim Houghton in the other tie.

Cookson, who reached the last four at the British Crown Green Bowling Association Senior Individual Merit in July, has already seen off Jason Groom (21-15), Mike Leach (21-20) and Glen McCafferty (21-10) since the last 64 gathered on Saturday morning.

Wraight, who is based in Shrewsbury said: “It was a brilliant game, and I don’t think I did a lot wrong.

“It could have gone either way.

“If I have any regrets, then perhaps I should have been braver to turn over the last bowl.”