KNUTSFORD Bowling Club played host to the county’s best bowlers on Sunday, when Thomas Vickers won the annual Cheshire Senior Merit for the first time.

Competition secretary Jim McGurk said the Mereheath Lane green had been the right choice to host the tournament’s 105th edition.

“Knutsford and their team of volunteers were the perfect hosts,” he said.

“It was a long, hot day, but I hope the supporters didn’t go home disappointed following a fantastic exhibition of crown green bowling.”

Vickers, who plays for Wharton Cons in the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association, defeated clubmate – and four-time previous winner – Glynn Cookson in the final.

Terry Norman (Mobberley Victory Hall) bowed out against Chris Koral in the first round, as did Paul Dean (Good Companions) to Phil Cookson.

Crosstown’s Lee Cadman progressed to the last 16 at the expense of Dale Booth, only for Robert Winnington to end his run.

The Knutsford League’s other representative, Robert Eaton (Good Companions), saw off David Ford in his opening encounter.

However he became one of Glynn Cookson’s victims at the second stage.

“Tom and Glynn played out a classic final,” said McGurk afterwards.

“It ebbed and flowed with Tom pulling out the stops in the corners to seal a famous win.”