Jennings makes decision on team

Saturday 20th September 2008, 12:03PM BST.

Divided loyalties takes on a whole new meaning for county bowls president Barry Jennings and his family tomorrow.

For while his wife Lynne is in Blackpool as part of the Shropshire Ladies team attempting to win the British county championship for the first time, Barry will be more than 100 miles away… in his home town of Shrewsbury.

That’s because Meole Brace are staging the Midland Masters and, as county president, Barry feels it his duty to be there – alongside his son Adie, who is a club official at Meole.

And Lynne understands his dilemma, saying: “I know that he has got to be at the Midland Masters. It’s a shame that the two things clash but I’ll be on the mobile phone to Adie letting him know how we are getting on.”

The has no qualms about being Shropshire’s No 13 in the final against Warwickshire on the Waterloo, adding: “It’s exciting for me because it will be the first time I have played on it.”

And even though husband and son are missing, she will have family support – from daughter Juliette and her partner Dave and Barry’s sister Peggy.

Disappointed Barry said: “I wish Lynne and the whole team well tomorrow – I hope they do it for Shropshire as the senior men and juniors just missed out.”