Premier League history made

Stuart Rutter and Dan Taylor wrote their names into the league’s record books by retaining the Mike Hinton Pairs title at Battlefield, becoming the first pair to ever to achieve the feat.

And the Wrockwardine Wood duo did it the hard way in the final, recovering from 16-8 and 17-13 down against Dave Rhodes of Newport and St Georges’ Pete Grimston.

They somehow beat this year’s County Doubles winners 21-20 to win the KGJ Insurance-sponsored competition with its £200 first prize.

“Dan and Stuart defeated Chris Stretch from Chester Road and Wem USC’s Carl Preece in the semi-finals, converting a 14-4 lead into a 21-12 win,” said a Premier spokesman. “Dave and Pete defeated the 2016 winners Josh Bradburn of Bowring and Stuart Clee from Wrockwardine Wood 21-10, a break of seven from 7-6 down helping them pull clear before a full house to win.”

Shropshire-affiliated clubs with two greens are being encouraged to take on the world next year!

That’s the World Club Championship, the prestigious eight-a-side competition run by the British Crown Green Bowling Association.

For the sport’s governing body is looking for a new host venue in 2019 and clubs have until October 28 to express an interest with new BCGBA chief executive Mark Bircumshaw.

Their greens must be available on Sundays from March 17 through to April 14, must be in close proximity, of good size and be in good condition.

Details of all the other criteria that must be met are on the SCGBA website, an association spokesman adding: “The successful club will host for one year and will be required to pay BCGBA a hosting fee of £500.”

“Applications to Mark Bircumshaw (07887 713009, email: ceo@bcgba.org.uk) to arrive no later than Sunday, October 28.”