SOME 71 bowlers took to the greens around Vale Royal to compete in this year's Guardian Cup.

Qualifying rounds took place at venues including Davenham, Delamere, Hartford, Moulton and Winsford.

As the Guardian went to press very few results were in.

But a couple revealed that qualifiers were Gerald Merry and Colin Borbonneux, who were competing in the competition at Castle Private and also qualifiying were Andy Hamman and Fred Worrall, who were competing at Hartford.

However all eyes were on defending nine times champion Glynn Cookson, the man eveyrone has to beat, who is determined to make it to 10.

Intermediate rounds will take place on July 3.

This will be followed by the best eight, who will compete in the final on Friday, August 4, for the £1,000 first prize.