End of the road for Brunner Cup hopefuls

STOCKPORT’S remaining Brunner Cup survivors both fell at the semi final stage on Saturday.

Houldsworth WMC were quietly expected to go all the way and faced Tixall at Barnton Cricket Club.

The side from Liverpool proved too strong though, winning comfortably by around 40 chalks.

Elsewhere, Victoria struggled to match the power of King and Queen and were also defeated.

It looks tough to call a winner with Lloyds Hotel (Chorlton) and Castle Private (Northwich) completing the semi finalists.

Locally it was also Adshead Shield quarter finals weekend and some shocks were in store across the town.

At the Friendship it was anticipated high-flying Victoria would defeat relegation certainties Houldsworth (2).

The form book was turned upside down though as the side from Reddish progressed, aided by Gary Beeley’s 21-5 winning card.

Over in Compstall, Woodley Sports and Poynton Sports did battle on an immaculate Spring Gardens.

Once again the result went against predictions with Woodley winning by 19 chalks to book a semi final clash with Hadfield.

The Nursery Sweep reached its conclusion on Saturday evening down at Green Lane.

Chris Heyes made it consecutive victories in the event with a clear cut success over New Mills man Jon Guess.

The Frank Beeley trophy also continued on Sunday night at Houldsworth WMC. Liverpool’s Mike Tunstall was in fine form, seeing off green specialist Billy Speed to qualify.

In the other half of the draw, Jason Cornes readily swept aside Andy Raymond to book his final day slot.

It’s county parks action this coming Sunday but qualification for both local counties seems impossible.

Cheshire face North Staffordshire needing a miracle set of results to progress to the semi finals.

It’s a similar scenario for holders Greater Manchester who play North Shropshire over two legs needing a strange set of results to qualify.