LOSTOCK'S Gerald Merry claimed the Roberts Bakery Cup with a comprehensive 21-8 win against Ron Lightfoot of Wharton Cons in Friday's final at Comberbach.

Merry had what proved to be the easier passage into the final. First he overcame rank outsider Brian Southern (Farmers Arms) off seven, and conceded just four chalks.

In the semi-final, Merry beat Steve Hamman (Owley Wood) 21-11.

Lightfoot overcame one of Mid Cheshire's new senior vets, Stan Frith, (Owley Wood) 21-18 in a tough quarter-final, and he then had another hard game to beat Graham Donnelley (Lostock) by the same score in the semi-final.

Merry last won the Roberts Bakery Cup way back in 1981, when he was a member of the very successful Winsford Libs team.

The total in prize money and trophies was well over £1,000, with the winner receiving £300.

This was presented to Merry on the night by Mike Roberts, director of the sponsors, who wished the association well and promised to continue sponsoring the event, which Roberts Bakery has backed for the past 25 years.

The association thanked Comberbach and club members for their use of the green and their help on the night.

The next final for Mid Cheshire will be the Stan Frith Junior Merit, which will be held at Owley Wood 2 tomorrow, Thursday, starting at 10am.

There are 26 entries at present - more entries will be accepted before the start.

On Monday, August 14, the Cowley Cup final takes place at the Farmers Arms, Rudheath.

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