Around 80 of the area's top players were in action as the region clinched victory in the British Parks Premier Division and Cheshire Inter-league championships - both at senior and junior levels.

"We're thrilled to bits," admitted Brian Livesley, secretary of the Mid Cheshire Bowling Association.

"This is certainly benefiting bowls - particularly at junior level.

"The talent we're finding is outstanding and that encourages other juniors and people of all ages to get involved."

The seniors eased to victory in the British Parks championship with a 39 point victory against Greater Manchester.

They won the home leg, at Castle Private, in convincing fashion, with 11 members of the 14 strong team winning in a 279-204 rout.

Best performances came from Steve Hamman, Colin Peters and Stan Frith winning to five, eight and 10 respectively.

The away team limited their losing deficit to 39, with Peter Kelly, Jason Cornes, Martin Griffiths, Mark Winnington, Stuart Morrey and Tim Halliwell all winning.

The juniors' win was less convincing - but highly exciting.

The youngsters won by just two chalks in the home match at Wharton Cons - and by a single point in the away leg at Cleckheaton.

There were six winners in the home score of 179-177, with the pick of the performances coming from Mike Morgan who beat the British Parks Junior Merit champion Scott Mensah.

The seniors and juniors made the short trip to Christleton for the finals of the Cheshire Inter-league championship.

They beat South Cheshire in the semi-finals and Sandbach in the finals - with a team that included several bowlers winning representative honours for the first time.

"We decided that we weren't going to double up at all," said Mr Livesley. "That meant there were a few people playing for Mid Cheshire for the first time, but they all performed well."

The juniors clinched the Cheshire Inter-league title with wins over Macclesfield and Ellesmere Port.

"There were kids as young as eight and nine playing in those matches, so I think the future of bowls in Mid Cheshire is bright," added Mr Livesley.

There were further honours for two of the region's brightest stars on Saturday.

Wharton Cons' Glynn Cookson and Owley Wood ace Stan Frith were both in action for England at Warrington.

They were part of the side which beat Isle of Man in the semi-finals of an international tournament before going on to beat Scotland and Northern Ireland in the final.

Stan said: "Glynn and I were the only two bowlers in the team from the same county, which was a real honour. But the most pleasing aspect of the weekend for me was the Mid Cheshire Inter League performance, it was remarkable."

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