Clarke out of bowls team

Spencer Clarke has been left out of Shropshire's bowls team for their next Endsleigh British county championship clash – to make way for the return of four-time County Merit winner Peter Farmer.

Sir John Bayley Club star Clarke has lost both his games this year as the county close in on a place in the semi-finals.

And his omission opens the door for Farmer to return for the clash with Derbyshire on July 5, the St Georges man having been unavailable for the latest victory over reigning national champions Greater Manchester.

That win put Shropshire in charge of qualifying group two and they now head for Greenfields No 2 in Shrewsbury for their home leg against Derbyshire eager to complete the job.

Keith Wall of Castlefields swaps from the away side to play at his former club, meaning Andy Duckett of Chester Road goes away.

Farmer's return is the only change to the starting 24, but Bowring's Rich Lawson is a newcomer on reserve along with Jess James (Castlefields).

"It was an extremely difficult decision because Spencer is a very good bowler, but we had to look at recent results – and get Farmer back in," said selector Dennis Lewis.

By MALCOLM FLETCHER