Shropshire upbeat despite loss

A two-shot loss in the home leg at Telepost and 48-chalk reverse at Lea Hall added up to defeat by 50 overall in the qualifying section three clash in the Drakes Pride British under-18 County Championship.

Rain before Sunday’s start in Shrewsbury didn’t help, but all is not lost as Shropshire can still finish runners-up in the group to clinch a place in the supplementary event.

And that would be great experience for a new-look squad that battled hard against their opponent, who are such a constant force at junior level.

Kelly Price of Pontesbury won the home player of the match award with a 21-10 card, but she was only one of four winners as the visitors came on strong in the back four.

“The away team played very well against a strong Warwick & Worcester side – and after eight blocks home and away we were within a few chalks of them,” said away team manager Phil Scott.

“The players at Lea Hall played extremely well on a green with a massive big hump in the middle – probably a good foot higher than the rest of the green.

“The first four all played well with man of the match Liam Edwards winning 16.

“Josh Warner, on his proper debut after a no-show last month from Potteries players, produced probably some of the best bowling on the day, just losing out 18, while Russell Crocker was the other winner, 21-14, playing well and showing his experience in the team.

“The other debutant, Jacob Holden, also played well and all the players gave it their all and showed that, in the future, we won’t be far away.

“Next we have North Midlands and we have to beat them to ensure a place in the supplementary – so we all know what we have to do.”