Duo recalled for big cup final showdown

County bowls champion Alan Davidson and Keith Wall have been recalled for Shropshire's bid to win the Crosfield Cup for the first time in 35 years.

Newport star Davidson and Wall (Castlefields) replace Adie Rowe (Meole Brace) and Glyn Picknell (St Georges) for the September 6 Endsleigh British county final against Yorkshire.

Meole No 2 (the Premier team's green) will stage the home leg while the the White Rose county have turned to the unknown Waterloo in Huddersfield.

Davidson was unavailable for the semi-final victory over North Midlands, but Wall be making an emotional return to the county team.

Selector Dennis Lewis explained: "Keith Wall bowled very well in the group victories over the Potteries (he won 21-6) and Greater Manchester (won 21-18) and was only left out after that due to the tragedy within his family.

"We left out Glyn Picknell because he is not due back from holiday until the morning of the final, while Adie Rowe has been very unfortunate.

"He's a player who has been so close to winning, but he has lost his last six games, even after we gave him a rest."

As for the choice of home venue, Lewis added: "After a well-attended players' meeting, we just felt it was important that we used a green that they know."

By MALCOLM FLETCHER