Holly best of British
Joyce Barnes is banking on Shropshire's all-conquering juniors Holly Bishton and Jade Jones to deliver a trophy-packed future. The Shropshire president made her bold prediction after the duo continued Shropshire's proud recent domination of the British Ladies Junior Merit at Owleywood in Weaverham on Sunday.
This time it was 14-year-old Holly from Telford who was crowned the national under-18 champion, beating twice-winner Jade 15-11 in the final.
And the success of the Oakengates girl means Shropshire have now won the trophy for the last year four years - thanks to Jade (2003 & '05) and Cheryl Caswell (2204).
In fact there were three Shropshire girls in this year's semi-finals, with North Shropshire qualifier Daisy Weaver winning her round robin qualifying group with a 100 per cent record from four 11-up games - just as Holly and Jade did.
Caswell lost one group game to just miss out and it was left to Jade (Telepost) to beat Daisy (Audlem) 15-12 in the semi-finals.
At the same time Holly, a pupil at Wrockwardine Wood School, beat Cheshire's Louise Sullivan 15-11 to set up the all-Shropshire clash that made a watching Barnes so proud.
"It was superb and I am over the moon about it! Holly could do no wrong on the day," said Albrighton-based Barnes
"Jade and Holly have already made the county senior team and I have got my money on them for the future."
Also greenside was Holly's father Steve, understandably delighted with his daughter, who bowls for Sinclair in the Shrewsbury Ladies League and Bowring in the Mid Shropshire.
"It was a very good performance - especially against Jade in the final," said Steve. "And it was nearly four Shropshire girls in the semi-finals because Cheryl only just missed out."
Holly was Telford Ladies Merit champion last year and won the Mid Shropshire under-15 crown in July.
By Malcolm Fletcher
