Jon Palmer eyeing Panel success

The Shrewsbury club’s leading light Callum Wraight is already through to the last eight of the 31-up competition at the Red Lion, Westhoughton, on January 5.

And on Monday fellow Fields star Jon Palmer, the 2018 Autumn Waterloo winner who bowled for Shropshire this year, will try his luck at the famous Bolton area venue.

He will have a handicap of +7 in the first qualifier for guest bowlers to the Panel list and will go into the draw on the day alongside Craig Gant (+6), Paul Bailey (+8) and Andy Hayes (+10).

Since Wraight qualified for the finals he has been joined by former British No.1 Graeme Wilson and John Crossley in the last eight.

n It’s not too late to book a place on the first DBS session in Shropshire next year – even though it’s filling fast.

County welfare officer Phil Scott will attend a renewals and DBS checks day for the Mid Shropshire area on Saturday, January 25, at Wellington’s Bowring BC (10am start).

And already 16 of the available 10 minute appointments have been booked as club welfare officers, league officials and coaches look to renew their three-year clearances.

Bookings must be made with MSBL secretary Malcolm Fletcher on 01952 771134.

But if that date is not convenient, Scott is booked for another session for the Whitchurch area at Tilstock BC on Saturday, February 8, and others will follow on February 22 and March 7.

And Scott warned: “I would like to get most people done before the season starts and I ask anyone who has DBS clearance that runs out mid-season to please get them done before the season starts to help the workload.”

n Delay getting a ticket too long and you could miss out is the warning to Tanners Shropshire League bowlers.

It comes from league secretary Anthony Price as he organises his last annual presentation dinner before standing down after just two years from the role.

The function is at the Freemasons Hall in Shrewsbury on Saturday, February 1 (6.30 for 7pm) and tickets for a three course meal and entertainment cost £20.

“Tickets are selling steadily, but there is some availability so clubs must contact me if they would like to attend to avoid disappointment,” said Price.

They must be ordered, with menu choices, from him on 07807 302670 by December 31 – and large attendances are anticipated from both big guns Telepost and Prince of Wales Hotel.