British president Barry Jennings has backed Shropshire to deliver an All England finals day to remember tomorrow, writes JAMES GARRISON.

A bumper crowd of up to 1,500 is expected to descend on Meole Brace for the biggest day on the crown green calendar.

No less than 64 of the game’s leading stars will be in action at the Shrewsbury venue (10am start) aiming to book their place in history and pocket a £1,200 first prize.

It is the first time that Shropshire has hosted the premier event since 1995 at St Georges – and Jennings is confident the long wait will be worthwhile.

“The grandstands are up, the marquees are up, the greens are in excellent condition, the weather is set fair and we are ready to go,” said Shrewsbury-based Jennings who, as British figurehead, had the honour of selecting the host venue.

“I’m sure it will all come and go very quickly but it will be a very proud day for me. The thing that pleases me most is that it will put Shropshire at the forefront of British bowls.

“And I would say Shropshire bowls gets some of the biggest crowds in the country.”

The 2009 winner Callum Wraight – of Castlefields – heads a six-strong home contingent who will be bidding to produce a host county triumph.

Wraight’s step-father and clubmate Rich Goddard, Chester Road duo Andy Duckett and Martin Lloyd, St Georges joint captain Tony Rhodes and Gary Neal of the Prince of Wales Hotel are also in the field.

“The icing on the cake would be if we had a Shropshire winner – and they have all got a chance,” added Jennings.

• The All England title hopes of one of the 64 finalists are already over. South Yorkshire’s Mark Kay can’t travel and is replaced by Michael Lisles, their first reserve.