Golden day for super Shropshire

Shropshire bowls was today basking in that Best of British feeling - as national champions.

The county's finest got their hands on the Crosfield Cup with a sensational home and away victory over Yorkshire yesterday.

A massive crowd at Meole Brace saw the home side stun the visitors with two single figure winners in the first four that laid the foundation for a 34 chalk success, man of the match Simon Parsonage winning 21-4.

Up at the Waterloo in Huddersfield, Shropshire's away aces cranked it up after a solid start with 21-11 wins in the middle by man of the match Wayne Phillips and Martin Lloyd helping them to an amazing 10 shot win - and victory by 44 overall.

And the man who promised to end the county's 35-year wait for only a second national title, selector Dennis Lewis, had loved every second of it.

"I am absolutely delighted because of what this says about Shropshire bowls," he said.

"The dedication and attitude of the players in the squad has been simply superb.

"I knew we would win it, but we - myself and fellow selectors Mick Jones, John Nash and Bob Moss - were working to a three year plan, and a lot of people did not understand that."

Elated Shropshire home team captain, Glyn Herbert, dedicated the Endsleigh British county championship triumph to the late Chris Wall.

His uncle, Keith Wall, was one of Shropshire's eight winners in Shrewsbury - 21-19 at No 9 - and Herbert was quick to pay tribute.

"This is the biggest moment in Shropshire bowls since 1974 and we are all over the moon," said the voice of the game in the county.

"Commiserations to Yorkshire, but this was our day.

"I thank all my team-mates for the way they have played over the year and all the clubs whose greens we have used.

"More than anything though we, as a Shropshire team, dedicate this win to a young lad who lost his life so tragically this year - Chris Wall. He was with us today."

By MALCOLM FLETCHER