FOUR former ‘All England’ champions are among the contenders to win the Wharton Cons Open when the remaining bowlers gather for the final on Sunday.

That figure would have been five had Gary Ellis not been forced by an injury to pull out.

Organiser Tom Vickers hopes the line-up attracts a bumper crowd to the Tin Mission, where play starts at 4.30pm.

“It’s a first-class field and it would be great if we could pack the place out,” he said.

Tommy Johnstone, Matt Gilmore, Greg Smith – who had been paired with Ellis – and Graeme Wilson are the past winners of the British Senior Individual Merit.

Wayne Ditchfield, who will take on Castle star Steve Morrey in the last 16, almost added his name to that list after finishing runner-up in the 2018 edition.

He progressed through a final qualifier last week, winning three matches along the way.

Two Northwich players, Castle duo Andy Hamman and Jason Cornes, are also hoping to make an impression in the closing stages of a competition sponsored by Nantwich-based drinks supplier The Beer Trading Company.

Cornes meets Johnstone, a teammate in Cheshire’s senior side, and Hamman will face Jon Palmer.

Draw

Wharton Cons Open

Final

Sunday, August 26

in association with The Beer Trading Company

Last 16

Graeme Wilson v Kris Fernley

Andy Hamman v Jon Palmer

Greg Smith w/o Gary Ellis (Ellis has withdrawn due to injury)

Wayne Ditchfield v Steve Morrey

Wayne Phillips v Matt Gilmore

Dan Petcher v Lee Brown

Tommy Johnstone v Jason Cornes

Dave McDermott v Mike Tunstall