A NEW champion will emerge from the Roberts Bakery Cup final at Owley Wood on Friday.

Last year's winner Rob Winnington (Frodsham RL) has already fallen this time around, leaving eight elite mid Cheshire crown green bowlers to battle for his handicap crown.

And some renowned names will be meeting with fresh faces.

Only Glynn Cookson (Wharton Cons) and Arthur Land (Frodsham RL) appeared in the final 12 months ago.

Then Cookson entered as firm favourite, but Winnington ripped up the formbook to claim a maiden victory.

He edged a thrilling final 21-17 to prevent Cookson adding the silver Roberts trophy to the Guardian Cup he had won just a fortnight earlier.

Winsford bowler Cookson hopes to go one better in the latest edition as he bids for a record seventh Roberts title, his fourth in the past five years.

His first victory was back in 1993.

Meanwhile fellow finalist Jason Cornes is a two-time former winner, in 1994 and again in 2001.

Both hope their know-how will prove decisive against inexperienced opponents.

Also competing for the £300 first prize are: Steve Nixon (Castle Private), Thomas Vickers (Wharton Cons), James Harrop (Meadowbank), Tony Malisch (Slow and Easy) and Peter Illidge (Farmers Arms).

The Roberts Bakery Cup final commences at 6.45pm.

Admission is £1 for adults and 50p for pensioners and juniors.