Series success for newcomer Stuart Rutter
Stuart Rutter has finally broken the mould in the North Shropshire Parks Winter Series.
The Wrockwardine Wood and Shropshire star became the first newcomer to what is the fifth Winter Series to triumph when he won round nine at Prees, writes Malcolm Fletcher.
Rutter beat series regular Susie Lawson 13-12 in a cracking final on Sunday, the Bowring and Prince of Wales Hotel bowler having celebrated her 16th birthday in the week.
“A fantastic 35 entrants turned out and round 10 will see us use a new venue – the Elephant & Castle, Shawbury,” said organiser Jamie Brookes.
Rutter, 50 next year and making his fourth appearance of the winter, raced past semi-final opponent Paul Bradley (Malpas Sports) 13-4.
But it was much tougher for young Susie, who had to play her dad and Bowring clubmate Rich, the reigning Series champion, in the last four – and just edged him 13-12.
There were eight round-robin groups to cope with the numbers and Rutter won his three games as he climbed to 27th in the series points table, chasing a top-16 spot to make finals day in March.
Series leader Chris Stretch (Chester Road) made the last 16 at Prees while second-placed Alan Boulton (Adderley) was Rutter’s victim in the last eight.
Sunday’s breakthrough capped another fine year for Telford-based Rutter after a second triumph in the Shropshire Premier League Merit before he added the doubles with team-mate Dan Taylor.
Quarter-final scores: Stuart Rutter 13-5 Alan Boulton; Paul Bradley 13-11 Jock Timlett; Susie Lawson 13-5 Geoff Warner; Rich Lawson 13-11 Carl Preece.
