Young Rob chasing happy finals return

Experience may be key to countering the unique pressures of Shropshire Star Merit finals day.

But the youngest bowler in a field packed with outstanding quality can make a boast that none of the other 31 county champion wannabes can match.

For 17-year-old Rob Roden is the only player heading to Adderley to have previously claimed a county title on the green near Market Drayton.

The Bowring boy won the Shropshire Star-backed County Junior Merit there last year, beating clubmate Josh Bradburn in the final.

And he's back on Sunday chasing the senior crown.

"It's good to go back to a green where you have done well," said Roden.

"We had a lot of rain in the build-up to the Junior Merit last year which made it a big heavy green so I'm sure it will be a bit different on Sunday.

"But I have got a lot of good memories."

Opening

A tough first round assignment, against Wem USC captain Mel Jenkins, awaits the teenager, who could meet defending champion Andy Moss at the second stage if both win their opening games.

"It wouldn't get much better than playing one of, if not the, best bowler in the county in the second round on such a big stage, but I know I have a very tough game first before I can even think about that," he added.

"I'm just going to do what I did in the Junior Merit last year and take it one game at a time and see where it takes me.

"But I definitely feel better prepared for it this time. I played in the Senior Merit finals for the first time last year, lost to Ian Dowley (of Wem) and was totally overawed.

"But playing in the Premier League this year has got me used to playing against the big guns week in, week out."

And he has enjoyed that winning feeling at Adderley . . .

By JAMES GARRISON