Bowls: Family sees Paul take title

10:18am Wednesday 20th August 2008

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WINSFORD Cons’ Paul Blackburn clinched the Cowley Cup on Sunday – securing his first trophy.

Paul, of Willow Close, clinched his first honour on the mid Cheshire bowls circuit by defeating Comberbach’s Gerald Merry in the final by 21 chalks to 10.

On his way to victory Paul breezed past Arthur Land and Barry Ellis of Frodsham Red Lion.

Paul said: “I didn’t think I would win it.

“I thought if I got through to the semi then there was a chance. I played better than I expected to do. I haven’t been playing that well recently and my form was much better at the start of the season.

“But I was just concentrating and thought I’ve got a chance.”

A crowd of 60 people turned up at Rudheath Private on Sunday – the first time the finals competition has been played over the weekend – and Paul was backed by a share of the crowd.

“There were one or two shouting for me in the final but I was just trying to concentrate and get on with my game.

“My son, who plays for Wharton, was watching and my dad and brother, who play for Winsford, were there too.

“Everyone congratulated me at the end, it was very sporting of everyone.”

The trophy, along with the £500 prize money, is taking pride of place on the Blackburns’ mantelpiece.

“It’s sat up there at the moment but I don’t know how long she will let me put it up there,” Paul joked.