Duo rewarded for summer commitment

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

Chris Dodds and Tina Ralph are both playing a lot of bowls this summer and their commitment was rewarded on the same day and at the same venue.

Doubles delight for Jack Hazeldine and (right) Chris Dodds | Contributed

placeholder image — Doubles delight for Jack Hazeldine and (right) Chris Dodds | Contributed

Both won titles as the North Shropshire association held its men’s and ladies doubles on a scorched and tricky green at Wem BC, attracting a total of 17 entries.

Dodds, who bowls for Hadnall in the Whitchurch League, teamed up with competition organiser Jack Hazeldine (Adderley) to take the men’s trophy with a 21-16 success over Paul Bradley & Nick Hughes (Malpas Sports).

Women's doubles finalists (from left) winners Tina Ralph and Irene Bloore, runners-up Ann Breakwell and Dawn Gray | Contributed

But Nantwich Park Road’s Ralph, winner of numerous titles already this season, had a much tougher time in partnership with Irene Bloore (Hodnet) before becoming women’s champions.

They eventually beat Hadnall pair Dawn Gray and Ann Breakwell 21-19 with county secretary Gray explaining: “It was great final game and Ann and I were game-on three times.

“But Irene came in and saved the day three times so well done to them – and a big thank you to Jack Hazeldine and Mike Beckett for staying until the end.”

Highley Bowling League

Highley A, having already ousted their new arch rivals in the Highley Bowling League, aim to march on in its main team knockout for the President’s Cup tonight.

But, after a clear win over Division One leaders Shifnal A in an earlier round, they have a huge handicap to overcome when they face Squirrel (Alveley) in the eight-a-side tie at the neutral venue of Worfield.

Horsehay A, the other fancied side, meet Stockton A at Much Wenlock in tonight’s quarter-finals while Broseley take on holders Islanders A at Bridgnorth and Wenlock A meet Shifnal B at Horsehay.

The last eight in the Consolation Cup also do battle tonight with Shinfal A the overwhelming favourites to be the eventual winners.

Meanwhile, league chief John Palmer has appealed to clubs to return trophies to treasurer Jeanette Bennett for engraving ahead of next month's finals and presentation day.