PAUL Farrington hopes his triumph in the Joe Robinson Trophy final at Rudheath on Thursday can provide a boost for bowls in his home town.

He beat defending champion Terry Bebbington to become the first bowler from Middlewich to win the competition, claiming a maiden individual title at the same time.

“I’m Middlewich born and bred and have been playing the game for nearly 50 years,” said Farrington, a member at Middlewich Community Church.

“I’m made up to be the one who brings back the cup to the town for the first time.

“We don’t get much of a mention because we don’t win that often, so I’m hoping this will be good for everybody and perhaps encourage a few to come and join us.”

Farrington proved too strong for Wharton Cons’ Bebbington in the final, recording a comfortable 21-7 success.

Before that, he had seen off the challenge of Castle Private’s Mark Winnington in the last four following a quarter finals victory against Alan Wilkinson, of Beech Tree.

Farrington said: “It was scorching hot, probably the warmest conditions I’ve ever played in – I was drenched in sweat by the end.

“I played against the weather as well as my opponents!

“I was happy to beat Terry, though I didn’t expect to win by such a large margin. I think he suffered in the heat.”

Farrington, a regular for Mid-Cheshire B in the Federation National League as well as his club in the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association’s Premier Division, is hoping history repeats next season.

Only one bowler, Castle Private’s Gordon Yates, has won back-to-back editions since the individual merit for veterans started in 1992.

“I’ll be back to defend the title, absolutely,” added the 65-year-old.

 


 

Quarter finals
Phil Scott Rud 21 John Spruce Kel 12
John Dewsbury Bar 16 Terry Bebbbington WhC 21
Paul Farrington MCC 21 Alan Wilkinson BT 16
Mark Winnington CP 21 Vale Dale BT 10

Semi finals
Phil Scott Rud 16 Terry Bebbington WhC 21
Paul Farrington MCC 21 Mark Winnington CP 14

Final
Terry Bebbington WhC 7 Paul Farrington MCC 21