Big prize for club’s national ambition
Wednesday 14th October 2009, 1:14PM BST.
A Shropshire bowls club aims to smash the county’s competition scene with a £7,000 open next year – with a view to staging the All England finals in 2011.
Donnington Wood chairman Steve Cooper, Alan Meredith and Dave Birch are working on a prize fund of £7,120 for their Dickie Bond Classic in 2010.
That’s more than double the money up for grabs at this year’s Coors Meole Brace Open, which is Shropshire’s sole Champion of Champions qualifier.
“It’s huge,” said Birch, ahead of the official launch of the new event at this year’s Classic finals, which are on Saturday.
“We have a number of sponsors lined up, but nothing official as yet, but it will be one of the biggest competition in the country.”
And as for becoming a Champion of Champions qualifier, Birch added: “We are very hopeful – you get a letter from the British Crown Green Bowling Association in January, fill in the form with all the details and then wait to hear.”
But the main aim is to host the All England finals in 2011 when Barry
Jennings, who ironically runs the Meole Open, will be British president.
“We have two of the best greens in the county and we want to highlight what we have to offer – not just to our club members, but the county and the country.
“The All England is the aim – and that is what Steve, Alan and myself are working towards,” said Birch.
See this year’s finals preview in tomorrow’s paper.
By MALCOLM FLETCHER
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