WHARTON Cons, seeking to lift the trophy for a fourth time, progressed to the Brunner Cup last eight in the most thrilling circumstances on Saturday.

The Winsford side eliminated Houldsworth, one of the favourites to prevail in this season’s edition of the Cheshire County Bowling Association’s premier team knockout, by a single chalk at Wilmslow RBL.

It clinches for them at date with Metro Sports, gifted a free pass by Mobberley Victory Hall’s withdrawal, in next month’s quarter-finals.

Wharton last reached the final in 2012, when they beat King & Queen at Budenberg to claim first prize.

Meanwhile Castle, the holders, could not prevent Tixall from avenging defeats in two previous semi-finals encounters when they met at Cheadle Cons.

The Northwich outfit, below-strength due to absences, missed out by 20 chalks on aggregate as their opponents from Birkenhead set up a mouth-watering last-four meeting with six-time champions Lloyd Hotel.

Davenham were eliminated by West Kirby Victoria, while Crosstown emerged as victors by five points following a close-fought battle with Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association top-flight rivals Frodsham Red Lion in Weaverham.

Nursery and Victoria are through too following victories against Parkside and Oxton Cons respectively.

The competition resumes on Saturday, July 7.

Results

Cheshire County Bowling Association

Brunner Cup

Second Round

Saturday, June 16

Davenham 186-229 West Kirby Victoria (at Grapes, Runcorn)

Frodsham Red Lion 201-206 Crosstown (at Owley Wood No.2)

Houldsworth WMC 203-204 Wharton Cons (at Wilmslow RBL)

Lloyd Hotel 243-182 Poynton Sports (at Rudheath)

Mobberley Victory Hall conceded to Metro Sports

Nursery 213-205 Parkside (at Spinner & Bergamot)

Oxton Cons 153-240 Victoria (at Wharton Cons)

Tixall 220-200 Castle (at Cheadle Cons)

Fixtures

Quarter-finals

Saturday, July 7 (from 2.30pm)

Crosstown v Nursery

Lloyd Hotel v Tixall

Metro Sports v Wharton Cons

Victoria v West Kirby Victoria

Venues to be confirmed