Ladies stutter at start of defence

Beaten but not out of it – reigning British Ladies champions Shropshire made a disappointing losing start to the defence of the crown.

But qualifying group rivals North Shropshire enjoyed opening day success against Cumbria to set up a crunch clash for county pride on Sunday, May 17.

Shropshire lost their battle of the last two national champions with Staffordshire by 31 chalks overall, a 15 shot win at Hadley USC not enough to off set the away 12's troubles at the daunting green that is Dilhorne in the Potteries.

"We always knew this would be a hard game for the first one of the season as Staffordshire have some very difficult greens – and they did not disappoint!" said Shropshire Ladies secretary Angela Gaut.

"It was one of the most frustrating greens I have every played on," added Gaut, the twice British Ladies Merit winner after battling to get 17 at No 11.

But there was only one single figure defeat as Shropshire gave it their all, having three winners in the first five – but no more.

At Hadley there was a big early setback and Karen Smith's 21-10 at No 4 was the best win as Staffs proved tough nuts to crack.

But Gaut remains upbeat, saying: "It is very early days and there are others in the group that are quite capable of causing an upset against Staffordshire. So all is not lost."

Perfect

North Shropshire counterpart Isobel Jones, unable to play due to county president duties at the British Club Championship, was busy on her mobile keeping up to date with proceedings against Cumbria.

And it was all good news she was hearing as the Whitchurch-based team romped to a big win on the flatter green at Wem BC with three single figure wins led by Tracey Bostock's 21-3.

Tracy Harding and homester Pat Davies were not far behind to set up the perfect home platform.

At Bowness the home county made a strong start, but Mary Prince's 21-7 card at No 6 – earned by cutting off the green to keep out of the corners – stemmed the flow a little.

And when North Shropshire president Gillian Edge turned in their second win, 21-11 at No 9, the damage was limited to 50 and victory was secured.

The only drawback was the £400-plus cost of the bus to the banks of Windermere.

By MALCOLM FLETCHER