Glowing tribute to first winner of new bowls competition

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

The promoter of Shropshire’s newest open bowls competition paid a glowing tribute to its first winner.

Hanwood finals line-up (from left) sponsor Rich Taylor, Reece Farr, Ash Wellings, winner Greg Smith, sponsor Rob Parry | Contributed

placeholder image — Hanwood finals line-up (from left) sponsor Rich Taylor, Reece Farr, Ash Wellings, winner Greg Smith, sponsor Rob Parry | Contributed

Warwick & Worcester No.1 Greg Smith was the star of finals day of the inaugural £3,000 Reclaim Tax UK Hanwood Open at the Shrewsbury village club.

Smith, who has played for Hanwood in the Premier Leagues, beat Sir John Bayley’s Reece Farr 21-7 in Saturday’s final when 16 qualifiers were gunning for a £1,000 first prize.

“Congratulations to Greg Smith winning the first ever Hanwood Open - a brilliant performance by one of the best players in the game!” said organiser Ash Wellings, himself the reigning Champion of Champions.

Smith’s toughest tie on the day was a 21-18 scrape against Lee Brown in round one before he beat Monkmoor and Wales man Keith Wall 21-11 in the semi-finals as Farr was edging past Ifton’s Owen Jackson 21-20.

Bank Holiday call-off

A planned Bank Holiday bonanza of bowls at Shropshire Premier League club Hanmer was called off at the 11th hour.

Monday’s one-dayer at the village club had attracted a strong 32-strong field to play for a £700 top prize, but promoter Matt Beeston had to make a tough call 48 hours before it.

“The recent weather has caused significant damage to our green and, after careful consideration, I feel that cancelling the competition is the best decision for the club going forward,” explained Beeston, this year’s County Handicap winner.

“This certainly isn’t a decision I’ve taken lightly, and I’m absolutely gutted that we won’t be able to go ahead as planned.

“I will be in touch with everyone individually regarding refunds - hopefully, we can come back stronger and look forward to holding the Hanmer Open again in the future.”

Another Welsh border club, Chirk AAA, also cancelled its open pairs planned for Sunday, September 13, but is rescheduling it for early next year.

British Parks’ Senior Merit

Will Childs made the best fist of it for North Shropshire bowlers at the British Parks’ Senior Merit finals.

Childs, who bowls for Hadnall in the Whitchurch League, reached the quarter-finals at Leek Beggars Lane BC before bowing out 21-7 against Ian Smedley of South Yorkshire.

Tom Killen, won the coveted title last year and with Childs plays for Wrockwardine Wood in the Premier League, enjoyed one win but lost in the last 16 to Gareth Coates 21-19, the Yorkshire star going on to take the crown.

Over in Fleetwood and also on Sunday, Tina Ralph (Nantwich Park Road) won her opening tie at the Ladies Waterloo 21-20 but then lost by the same score to eventual title winner Carol Darley of North Lancs & Fylde.

Shrewsbury Senior Citizens knockouts

Three Shrewsbury Senior Citizens Bowling League team knockout finals produced a hat-trick of clear cut winners.

Division One champions-elect Castlefields A had a full house against Albert Road A to win the Dick Meyrick Cup on Old Shrewsbury No.1 with Glyn Herbert their 21-5 coppers king.

Over on the No.2 green, second division big guns Shelton A also had all six winners against Llanrhaeadr A in the Ron Smout final with Alan Edwards winning 21-3.

It was a bad day for the Llanrhaeadr club as their B side lost heavily in the final of the Sponsors Shield to Old Shrewsbury B at Bicton A, but they did have the consolation of two winners as Sandra Perry (21-4) starred for the trophy winners.