It's a hat-trick for Jade

Hat-trick hero - that's young Shropshire bowler Jade Jones in the British Ladies Junior Merit, writes Malcolm Fletcher.

The Shrewsbury girl marked her her final year in the under-18 competition by winning the crown for a third time.

Jade, who bowls for Telepost in the Shrewsbury Ladies League, defeated Jodie Smith from Dudley 15-10 in yesterday's final at Owleywood in Weaverham.

It added to her triumphs of 2003 and 2005 and made up for the disappointment of losing in last year's final to Shelley Kennish from the Isle of Man.

"It was the third time that Jade has won the British Junior Merit and we were all thrilled for her as it is her last year of being eligible - she will be too old next year," said Shropshire secretary Angela Gaut.

And on Sunday she can add another national crown by helping Shropshire juniors win the Drakes Pride county championship.