British bowls launch a review after Shropshire's champion juniors are ignored

All the latest action from around the county’s bowling greens.

Shropshire’s disgust at no official presentation after their British Junior County Championship has stung the sport’s governing body into action.

A trophy, but not the real one – vice-captains Jordon Millman and (right) Luke Morris after the away leg in Wales | Contributed

placeholder image — A trophy, but not the real one – vice-captains Jordon Millman and (right) Luke Morris after the away leg in Wales | Contributed

The county’s under-18 bowlers ended a 20-year wait for another British title by beating Wales earlier this month, but there were no British Crown Green Association officials at either leg of the match and the trophy itself was also missing.

A parent of one of Shropshire’s players blasted: “Absolutely no representation or trophy from the BCGBA! It’s laughable.

“These kids have won a major BCGBA competition and had to make do with club trophies - shows how little they care about the future of the game.”

Steve Clamp, the publicity man for the BCGBA, said: “I completely agree that this is very poor, and certainly not what is acceptable.

“I'll raise this to the board to find out why this wasn't organised by the competitions committee.

“The juniors are definitely the future of our sport (as per the National Development Strategy) and we need to make sure they're given the limelight they deserve.”

BCGBA chief executive Dan Newton has promised a review of what went wrong while Shropshire’s junior selectors are now planning an official presentation for the victorious squad.

Shropshire enjoyed 17 out of 24 winners against Wales at Trench and Min Y Don for a 128 plus aggregate to secure the title for first time since 2006.

Shropshire Ladies’ County Doubles

The prize at stake – County Doubles winners Cheryl Caswell & Sian Skelton and (right) finalists Sarah Weaver & Louise Cotton admire the trophy | Contributed

Cheryl Caswell may be having a tough season as captain of Premier League strugglers Bylet, but it’s not affecting her form in competitions.

She teamed up with Shifnal bowler Sian Skelton to win Shropshire Ladies’ County Doubles at Monkmoor.

And later in the day Caswell qualified for the August 15 finals of the Sinclair Open alongside Owen Jackson, Nick Wyer and Rob Clarke.

Having won two big money mixed doubles titles in Cheshire with Scott Harries, Caswell, this time with with Skelton, came out on top of nine entries at the women’s event on a rapid green at the Shrewsbury club.

The final against Sarah Weaver & Louise Cotton saw Skelton lead exceptionally as they went 8-2 and 14-10 ahead before securing the crown 21-12.

Twelve chalks picked up in six ends took Caswell & Skelton to a 21-14 semi-final win over Tracy Bound & Jane Archer as Weaver & Cotton produced three successive doubles to complete a 21-14 card against Wendy Jones & Jen Wilson.

Albrighton Junior Open

The Albrighton Junior Open was cancelled with only 13 entries received in advance.

Best Kept Green

The judges of this year’s Shropshire Best Kept Green competition face a marathon day tomorrow.

They have 12 greens to inspect, starting at Oswestry League club Cynwyd at 8.30am and finishing at the winners of the honour for the last two years, Edgmond, at 7pm.

County chairman Phil Scott said: “Accompanying myself will be Stuart Yarwood (DLF Seeds) and Alison Pickering of sponsors Dennis UK/SISIS and hopefully County President Andy Jones – and we will attempt to keep to the schedule as best we can.”

Other greens to be judged are at The Rhyn, Meole Brace (x 2), Pontesbury, Clun, Burway, Cleobury Mortimer, Albrighton, Wrockwardine Wood and Charlton.