BEWARE mid Cheshire’s best bowlers.

Thomas Vickers got his hands on the Guardian Cup for a fourth time on Friday, declaring afterwards he had never played at a higher standard.

“I feel like I’m in the form of my life,” said the 26-year-old.

“My confidence is high, and I just hope this run carries on for as long as possible.

“Well, until next weekend at least!”

The Wharton Cons member can be forgiven for fancying his chances in this weekend’s British Individual Senior Merit.

After all, he heads to Stoke-on-Trent after setting a new record.

Nobody in the history of the Mid-Cheshire Bowling Association had won the Cheshire Senior Merit, Guardian Cup and Roberts Bakery Cup in the same season.

Until Vickers left Owley Wood Club late on Friday, that is.

He conceded a miserly total of seven chalks in victories against Castle Private duo Paul Mackie (21-4) and Rob Winnington (21-3) to set up a showdown with clubmate Glynn Cookson.

And after Vickers led 9-3 and then 12-5, the outlook for the 10-time previous winner looked gloomy at a wind-swept Weaverham green.

But Cookson, a slow-starter in a quarter-final success against Lee Cadman (Crosstown) and in the last four when Kevin Duncalf (Castle Private) blocked his path, rallied.

He won four successive ends to close to within 12-10, then remained resilient to recover from 16-10 to level at 18-across.

The next end was decisive, Vickers’ strike attempt ending with his wood closest to the jack after scattering the others.

Cookson, exasperated, threw his cap to the floor in frustration.

Vickers quickly picked up the two marks he needed to win 21-18.

“I had a bit of luck,” he admitted afterwards.

“When you’re playing well, things seem to go for you. It’s the opposite when you’re struggling.

“I knew if I didn’t send that bowl up short, then I’d give myself a chance.

“I’ve played Glynn so many times, and I know if he gets into a rhythm then he’s one of the most difficult bowlers around to stop."

“I got off to a good start, and kept my nose in front.

“But he had a period in the middle of the match when he put together a break by playing the corners, and I kept telling myself to play one end at a time – not to worry.”

Vickers’ success in the 69th edition of the Guardian Cup propels him to fourth in the all-time honours list.

He moves clear of Winnington Park pair Eric Duncan and Ken Winnington, who both took home the trophy three times each.

Jason Cornes and Stan Frith, with five victories, are next in the Winsford bowler’s sights.

Cookson is the competition’s most decorated entrant.

“I’ll return next year and give it another go,” said Vickers.

“I want to aim high, to win as many as I can, but Glynn’s tally feels a long way off at the moment!”