Gloom for Shropshire bowls after Crosfield Cup final defeat

A cloud of gloom hung over Shropshire bowls today after a disappointing Crosfield Cup final defeat, writes MALCOLM FLETCHER.

Hopes of winning the Endsleigh British County Championship title for the second time in three years were smashed by a Yorkshire side who were determined to avenge their defeat in the 2009 final.

And they did so with their own home and away victory yesterday, winning by one shot at Old Shrewsbury and by 26 at Newsome, near Huddersfield.

Despite the 27 shot difference, it was 12 individual winners apiece – and county selector Dennis Lewis was left to reflect on opportunity missed.

"It was a disappointing result at home and some of our bowlers just did not perform, " he said.

"But, credit to Yorkshire, they played extremely well and the best team on the day won. Their firing was absolutely outstanding."

Andy Moss of Chester Road was named man of the match away for his 21-9 win at No 1 and Lewis was once again happy with the county's away side.

"To lose by 26 away against a side like Yorkshire on a green like that, I was happy with that.

"But when you are 23 down after the first four at home, that makes things very difficult."

l Full story, scores and pictures in tomorrow's Star.