Claire breaks new ground for women after taking singles crown

Claire Williams had Highley Bowling League officers delving into the record books after winning its veterans singles crown.

Once a big hitter on the Shropshire Ladies scene, Williams is believed to be the first woman to lift the Jim Palmer Memorial Trophy that goes with the title.

She won a cracking 21-20 all-Bylet final against league chairman John Palmer, son of the man whose memory the competition is played in, at Bridgnorth.

“Twenty two hardened veterans competed for the Jim Palmer Memorial Trophy and congratulations to Claire Williams on winning it, beating her Islanders team-mate in the final,” said a league spokesperson.

The trophy was presented by league vice-chairman Rob Renke, with Mo Parton believed to be the lady who has gone closest to winning it before, losing 20 in the 2017 final against Sam Owen.

Sunday’s semi-final scores were Williams 21 Allan Ludlow-Rhodes (Broseley) 14 and Palmer 21 John Pritchard (Stockton) 10.

British Veterans County Championship

Shropshire’s team saved their best bowls until last – and it cost them in their British Veterans County Championship qualifier.

They won their last of three games at the regional round at Moor Lane in Birmingham as unbeaten hosts Warwick & Worcester took the ticket to the British finals.

Glyn Herbert was the sole winner with a 21-19 card as their bid got off to the worst possible start in a 27 shot loss to Staffordshire in the eight-a-side event for over-60s.

An improved performance saw them lose by just eight to W&W, Dave Redge winning 21-10, meaning a 75-chalk romp and full house against North Midlands was much too late, Mark Holland (21-7) the coppers winner.

World Cup decisions

Eleventh hour decisions and England’s World Cup progress has dominated the minds of North Shropshire bowls association officials.

They cancelled its Challenge Cup for lower division players in the Whitchurch and Market Drayton evening leagues, due to have been played on Sunday at Wem USC.

“Due to a number of factors, we will regrettably be cancelling the Challenge Cup. A new date has been confirmed, and the competition will take place on Sunday, August 30,” said a statement from the body issued late on Friday night.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope there will be strong support on the rescheduled date.”

And England’s semi-final kicking off at 8pm tomorrow means the Drayton doubles knockout ties have all been moved.

“The league has decided to implement a blanket postponement of all doubles matches scheduled for Wednesday and they will now be played on Wednesday, July 29.”

“All neutral venues will remain the same unless the league is notified that a venue is unable to host, in which case alternative arrangements will be communicated,” said the association.