Waterloo Cup triumph does for starters
It was ample consolation for now, but Shropshire's jubilant ladies have already turned their attention to snaffling the main prize in 2013.
The side jointly led by captains Trish Jones and Mabel Finnigan swept to Waterloo Cup glory on the famous green in Blackpool with a resounding 65 chalk triumph over Cumbria.
Success in the consolation competition – for sides who finished second in the qualifying groups in the main British County Championships – represented an impressive season's work.
But already there is a strong belief building that the side can go one better next year.
"It was a great day and to win it was a fantastic feeling," said a thrilled Jones.
"We got into a good lead early on and never really looked like losing it.
"It would have been nice to be there for the main final and I think we would have had a real chance had it not been for a disappointing last qualifying match against South Staffordshire.
"But hopefully we can get to the main final in 2013 – I think we have the squad to do it."
From the moment Shropshire Ladies Merit champion Kate Suggett claimed a high quality opening match 21-17 against Debbie Hall, the outcome was rarely in doubt.
That formed part of a blistering first five for Shropshire which brought four winners with the only loser – Marg Bland – doing her bit by claiming 20.
A lead of 31 at the stage allowed Shropshire to call the tune, and their advantage was always likely to be extended when Bowring's Sue Creen stormed to a 21-2 rout while club mate Chelsea Gregory was also a single figure victor.
Cumbria refused to give up the ghost and claimed three victories in the third five on.
But successes for Christie Hughes and Clair Barker - of Old Shrewsbury and Meole Brace respectively – ensured the huge buffer remained, with the only doubt the size of the Shropshire victory margin.
That received a boost with a stunning 21-3 triumph for Tracy Ryan, while Julie Pearce, Cheryl Walton, Karen Smith and Pauline Grocott were also in the winners' circle to conclude a memorable day in the Blackpool sun.
