Farmer is going for triple title

Peter Farmer stands on the brink of making Shropshire sporting history.

Tomorrow he can become the first man to win Shropshire crown green bowling's biggest title, the County Merit, three years in a row.

That's something not even the legends of the game, the late Dick Meyrick, champion a stunning 11 times, or four-time winner Tony Poole achieved.

And although the St Georges star is relaxed ahead of his date with destiny in the Shropshire Star-backed event at Shrewsbury Severnside, he did admit it would be "overwhelming" if he could achieve the great feat.

The omens are good, as the Childs Ercall-based postman enjoyed the first of his three Merit triumphs to date on the same St Julians No 2 green back in 1993, when he beat Poole 21-15 in the final.

"I can't remember much about that day now - and I don't think I have played the green since then," said the 40-year-old.

"All you can do is take it as it comes. It's all on the day, but it would be very satisfying to win it three times in a row - and that is the aim."

There's no sign of nerves in his voice, just a steely determination to do it again and go on and fulfil his dream of winning the British Merit crown.

His family means a lot to Farmer, who added: "I want to thank my wife Janette for supporting me. She's backing me all the way."

That means Farmer is free to play not only in competitions and for St Georges, but for Chadsmoor in the new Staffordshire Premier set-up.

He's the only player unbeaten after seven games in that, but the question is can he be beaten tomorrow?

l All last night's Furrows Shropshire Premier Bowls League games were off due to the torrential rain.

l Preview, draw and more pictures on page 62.