Wem retain cup in thrilling final

The Services Boys kept hold of the SPS Whitchurch League’s main team KO prize by edging a thrilling final by just two shots against Bridgewater on the back green at the District Club.

Saturday night’s showdown was a cracker and the Water Boys looked on course to triumph when Tim Stokes won 21-5 in the middle to put them ahead in a tight encounter.

But skipper Craig Ashley won 21-13, John Bushill 21-2 and last man Derek Wright 21-11 in the last four to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat for holders Wem USC.

Dave Hanson’s 21-11 card up front, in addition to a 20 loser and two 19s, had given Wem the edge early on, only for Julian Willis (21-12), Craig Hope (21-14) and star man Stokes to wrestle the advantage back for Bridgewater – until the very end.

County president Isobel Jones made the presentations, also handing the President’s Cup to Wrenbury after their comfortable victory over Calverhall at Hanmer on the same evening.

The Division Two side had 10 winners against their Division Three opponents, winning by 81 chalks led by 21-4 cards from Mark Pass and Mark Harris, while Robert Yeomans had the best reply with a 21-11.

North Shropshire’s two representatives in the British Parks Club Championship came home with the consolation of having lost to the eventual winners.

Bridgewater and then Woore were beaten by Pudsey in the Dennis UK/ SISIS-backed 10-a-side knockout hosted by Greater Manchester.

The Yorkshire giants retained the title by beating local hopefuls Lloyds by 24 shots in the final at Metros Sports.