ST ALBANS bowlers are gearing up for the game of their lives.

The Saints 10 from Section D will face St Oswalds A in a David versus Goliath battle for the Warrington and North Cheshire Bowls Association Challenge Cup at Monk Sports on Saturday, starting at 2pm.

Section A title chasers and four-times winners St Oswalds are being warned to expect a testing showdown, especially with the handicap start of five chalks afforded to each St Albans player.

"It's the first time our club has been in it since 1904 and it's a trophy that we've never won," said St Albans skipper Rob Lawrenson.

"We're all privileged to be in the final. We're all happy to be there and we're all going to give it our all."

He added: "We're going to give the Ossie A team players a run for their money.

"We get the 'five' start on the card so it's all about a fast start.

"If we can get a good start straight off, that 'five' could be massive.

"If you get 2-2-2 on the bounce, that's 11-0 straight off and you're only playing 10-up then.

"So it's a massive chance, we just need to get behind the team.

"A lot of teams want to be in the Challenge Cup, the biggest final in Warrington. There will be a lot of people there watching.

"There will be a lot of players from other teams supporting us, so there will be a lot of barracking going on – all good fun. Get round the green and support us."

Lawrenson is pleased with the progress made by his St Albans side.

"To take over the captaincy last year and to bring them to where we are now, I'm made up.

"We've done really well with the team, we've built it up.

"Harry Horne's been a massive signing. He's just got behind everyone. He's been playing over 50 years and to have that kind of calibre in the team to start off in the first game hopefully it should put us in good stead to have a good day."

He highlighted a couple of other tasty ties too.

"I think the number two game, Jason Lockett versus Chris Bradshaw, is one to watch," he said.

"Chris has played really well this season and I think he'll push Jason all the way. Jason's one of the best in town.

"I guess with my game against Ray Bate, all eyes will be on me to try and perform and try to get a big win.

"And John Harris, he's got a good game against Duncan Wright. He's just started coming back bowling again. Fingers crossed he can start off good and we'll punish them."

Challenge Cup Final line-ups: St Oswalds A (0) v St Albans (5): 1 L Johnstone v H Horne, 2 J Lockett v C Bradshaw, 3 D Bennett v O Ellison, 4 R Nevins v G Horton, 5 C Bebbington v C Molphy, 6 R Bate v R Lawrenson, 7 D Penketh v C Gallagher, 8 D Wright v J Harris, 9 G Stone v S Bate, 10 S Goodwin v T Donoghue.