Church at double in Under-18 Merit

He won the competition for second time in three years when he came out on top of a small field of eight entries on Saturday night at Wellington’s Sir John Bayley Club.

But by beating Emma Massey-Jones 21-16 in the crunch game, he sentenced the Newport bowler to a second defeat in the final of this competition.

Church, a firm fixture in the Shropshire junior team, is currently second in Sinclair’s first division averages and has played a key role in helping the Ketley club reach the semi-finals of the Shropshire Cup. Shifnal twins Tom and Joe Killen were the beaten semi-finalists, Church beating Joe 21-15 while Massey-Jones swept past Tom 21-9.

Meanwhile, Shropshire’s development officer has expressed his delight with the way a number of county clubs are trying to boost their memberships.

Peter Carter, who is also the county association’s coaching chief, has a five-year plan to have centres of excellence thriving all over Shropshire.

“I am pleased with the progress of our centres around the county,” reported Newport-based Carter. “Shifnal BC, with coaching for all ages and a school link programme in place, are leading the way.

“Sinclair BC have made rapid strides in their coaching work with junior competitions and seminars for coaches.

“I’m also pleased at the support Bridgnorth BC coaches are giving to others and Sevenside BC have been transformed by their coaches.

“And Newport BC, thanks to a successful open day, have secured eight new juniors and 20 seniors.

“We have learned much this year, on and off the green.”