WHARTON Cons got their defence of crown green bowls’ Brunner Cup off to a resounding start on Saturday.

They overcame Mobberley Victory Hall by 91 chalks.

Tom Vickers led the way with a 21-4 victory in the home leg.

Wharton Rec defeated Middlewich RBL by 40 chalks to progress to the second round.

It proved to be a disappointing day for the other local teams with Owley Wood, Rudheath and Winnington Park all falling at the first hurdle.

The second round of the competition has now been moved to Saturday, June 12.

The Mid Cheshire League got off to a stuttering start on Friday night as heavy rain caused the cancellation of many fixtures.

It appears that only Wharton Cons managed to play their fixture in the Premier Division, recording a 240-153 victory over Middlewich CC.

In Section One Owley Wood B won the battle of Weaverham, defeating Owley Wood A by 11 chalks. Rob Williams top scored with a 21-3 win.

Wharton Cons C made an impressive start to the campaign, dropping only three chalks at home to Winnington A in Section Two.

Norley A and B played out a draw in their clash in Section Three.

Warrington’s Lee Johnstone continued his excellent form at Castle Sports on Sunday when he came through a field of 64 runners to take the first prize of £300 by defeating Jack Hargreaves from Hyde in the final of the open competition.

Local interest ended at the last 16 stage with Phil Cookson (Wharton Cons), Joe Tomkinson (Owley Wood) and Neal Ocego (Frodsham Red Lion) all failing to make the quarter finals.

The action moves to Wharton Cons on Saturday, June 5, 10am start, when they host an open pairs competition.

A mix of local talent and quality players from outside the area has thrown up some intriguing first-round ties.