Callum Wraight set to defend Merit

Shropshire No.1 Callum Wraight, who won the Charles Beddard Trophy for a second time at Pontesbury last year, led the charge of the proven winners into the last 32 for Sunday, June 24.

A venue for the big day, sponsored by Alan Peach of Shrewsbury’s Telegraph Tavern, is due to be announced this week – and Castlefields star Wraight is the man they will all have to beat after starting the campaign in sensational style.

But his team-mate and conqueror in last year’s Champion of Champions, Michael Beer, didn’t make it as he lost to qualifier Julian Cooke, meaning that the finals will definitely not be held at the original choice of Meole Brace.

Other past Merit winners to book their places were Rob Roden, now bowling for Trench in Mid Shropshire Division One, four-time winner Peter Farmer (Newport), Martin Lloyd (Chester Road) and Charlie Weaver (Woore).

Premier League pair Hanwood and Wrockwardine Wood have plenty to shout about too as they both boast five men in the field.

“The draw may be carried out at Monday’s County Handicap, possibly live, and the new venue should also be released this week,” said a county spokesperson.

Other qualifiers: Clay Flattley (St Georges), Keith Wall (Castlefields), Rich Lawson (Bowring), Will Tyler (Elephant & Castle Shawbury), Mike Dulson (Wem USC), Duncan Pressley (Burway), Wayne Phillips, Mark Shore, Ash Wellings, Craig Wilson and Nick Davies (all Hanwood), Nigel Bound and Will Tarrel (Meole Brace), Adam Jones and Adie Rowe (Castlefields), Stuart Rutter, Dan Taylor, Andy Stevens, Rob Clarke and Josh Cotton (Wrockwardine Wood), Scott Harries (Bylet), Tony Rhodes (St Georges), Sam Millward (Newport), Nick Mullinder (Hadley USC), Spencer Clarke and Kane Beaman (Sir John Bayley)