Wraight right on track at Waterloo

Shropshire bowls star Callum Wraight was today closing in on the £1,750 top prize in the sport's biggest KO - the Autumn Waterloo.

The All England champion was in a top quality last eight for the finals day in Blackpool after smashing Wigan's Harvey Birch 21-5 in the last 16 yesterday.

"I played really well and am in with a big chance now, even though it is an awesome last eight," said Wraight.

He was taking on Greater Manchester star Gary Ellis in the quarter-finals as five past winners of the competition with the biggest entry in bowls reached a climax.

The past winners include Ellis, Welshman John Bailey, Lee Heaton and Chris Mordue - and British No 1 Graeme Wilson was, like Wraight, eyeing the title for the first time.

"I will get my head down and give it my best shot," said the Shrewsbury star this morning.

But at least the 22-year-old has not had the distraction of travelling up and down the M6 each day.

"I went straight from the Isle of Man Festival to Blackpool and have stayed up for the week.

"I have got an invitation 32 at Marton Institute tomorrow then it's back home on Friday for Bylet."

That's when his Castlefields team need three points in Bridgnorth to be mathematically certain of being Shropshire Premier League champions.

By MALCOLM FLETCHER