Farmer going back to roots

Peter Farmer, one of Shropshire's most successful ever bowlers, has decided to return to his roots for the 2010 season.

The four-times County Merit winner has left St Georges after five seasons to return to his former Shropshire Premier League club Childs Ercall, despite rumours he could be heading to Newport.

Farmer helped Ercall into the Premier League after winning the Market Drayton League, but then moved to the Dragons.

That has proved a fruitful decision with the Telford club winning two Premier titles during his spell at the club, while Farmer was runner-up in the All-England championship at Barrow in 2005 and has taken his number of Shropshire Premier League Merit triumphs to six.

He also enjoyed a memorable individual year last season, winning the County Handicap, Dickie Bond Donnington Wood Classic and the Childs Ercall and Burway Opens.

And the postman-by-trade admits it has been a wrench to leave St Georges.

"I didn't really want to (leave) but different things have happened," said Farmer.

"My wife (Janette) has also broken her leg and ankle so cutting down on the travel will help matters.

"I felt it was time for a change and I'm looking forward to going back to Childs Ercall."

The arrival of Farmer, who will continue to play for St Georges on Mondays in the Midlands Super League, will provide a boost for Ercall who were Premier wooden spoonists last season, and only survived in the top flight thanks to a play-off win over Burway.

They have also strengthened by signing Mark Shore from Sir John Bayley.

By JAMES GARRISON