AFTER two near-misses, it was third time lucky for Winsford bowler Thomas Vickers in the Cheshire Senior Merit on Sunday.

The Wharton Cons star defeated clubmate Glynn Cookson, himself a four-time previous winner, in the final at Knutsford Bowling Club.

“I didn’t dare lose another,” said Vickers, referring to losses in the last two in 2008 and again in 2012.

“To win this has been top of my bowls bucket list for a long time, so I’m made up to have finally won it.

“I’d say it’s up there with my best wins, certainly the most prestigious tournament I’ve won.”

Vickers led 20-13 against Cookson, only for his close friend to close to within a single chalk.

However the 26-year-old, who lifted the Roberts Bakery Cup for a fifth time at Spinner & Bergamot on Friday, won the next end to secure overall victory.

“I played a loose end and let Glynn back in,” he said.

“He came right back, but I just managed to concentrate and get over the line.

“It’s not easy playing somebody who is a mate, but I’d rather he reached the final than anybody else. I know his game, so could relax in that respect.”

His reward is another crack at the British Senior Merit – referred to by bowlers as the All England finals – later this month.

Success in that competition is his next target.

Vickers won five matches, including the final, in the Merit.

He began by beating Chris Talbot (21-15) before a second-round defeat of Chris Koral by the same score.

A 21-9 victory against Lee Johnstone followed in the quarter finals before he ended Michael McDonnell’s run (21-18) in the last four.

“It’s really tiring day,” he added.

“You can’t play at your best all day, so it’s about finding a way to win.

“My form was a bit dodgy in my second game, but I did what I had to.

“It was a good weekend; I’ll be off to IKEA to buy a new shelf to put the trophies on!"

n Roberts, page 69