Darren Wellings to make Shropshire bowls debut

Darren Wellings will be handed his Shropshire bowls debut in the opening game of this year's Endsleigh County Championships, writes JAMES GARRISON.

Wellings, who represents Meole Brace in the Furrows Shropshire Premier League, is named in the away team for the May 1 curtain-raiser against Cumbria.

"Darren did very well for Meole Brace last year, won the Premier League Merit and deserves his chance," said John Nash, a member of the 'gang of four' selection panel and Wellings' club captain.

That is one of four changes to the Shropshire team from last season with Chester Road's reigning Shropshire Merit champion Martin Lloyd joining Wellings in the away leg at Lindal.

St Georges' Scott Harries will also be on the coach heading north for his second appearance — four years after his first against North Lancs & Fylde — while Ford's Nigel Bound returns for his third county outing in the home leg at Meole Brace.

St Georges duo Alan Palin and Mark Holland have both been dropped to the reserve list, as has Meole Brace's Michael Dulson.

Charlie Weaver, of Chester Road, has asked not to be considered for county bowls at this stage.

Shropshire famously hoisted aloft the Crosfield Cup in 2009, but suffered a disappointing group stage exit last year.