Hat-trick hopes dashed in Champion of Champions - bowls round-up

Keith Wall’s hat-trick hopes in the Tanners Shropshire League’s Champion of Champions were dashed by Dan Wornell.

Monkmoor bowler Wall, winner of the title in 2014 and 2023, surged through to the final of the delayed 2025 competition at Old Shrewsbury.

Now playing for Wales in the British county championship, Wall looked a good bet to grab it again.

But Prince of Wales Hotel big gun Wornell denied him, a league spokesman explaining: “An excellent final with top class bowling saw Dan win 21-19 against Keith to take the trophy for the first time.

“The semi-finals were closely contested with Keith winning 21-16 against Darren Phillips (Hanwood) and Dan winning 21-20 against Peter Dodd (Pontesbury).

“The competition was well supported and the Terry Croft Champion of Champions trophy was presented by Mrs Pat Croft.”

The league’s action continues tomorrow with the junior singles knockout for the Harold Kaye Trophy at the Bicton of chairman and County President Andy Jones with a 6pm start.

Whitchurch Bowling League centenary

One of the clubs that launched the Whitchurch Bowling League will celebrate its centenary with a three-day Bank Holiday bonanza.

Bridgewater was established on April 22, 1926, originally with one small green and two grass tennis courts and a membership that soon grew to nearly 100.

Now the current members of the two-green club will mark its 100th birthday year, starting tomorrow with a sell-out hog roast and beer festival, with a singer in a marquee.

Sunday will be a 'Beer & Bowls' day with a draw for partners doubles knockout from 12 noon, entries costing £5 and all entry fees paid out in prize money.

Bank Holiday Monday will feature a members’ competition for the Ray Foster Memorial Trophy and afternoon tea.

“The tennis membership declined and so in 1983 the club sold the tennis court land to a self build association and with the proceeds built the club house that we have today,” said Bridgewater spokeswoman Chris Sayers.

“In recognition of this milestone, the club have decided to invest in two 'Centenary Shelters' - one for each green. The first one is already up and running.”