Junior day is a big success, but there is also disappointment - bowls round-up

Shropshire’s annual junior trials day was a big success with 25 under-18 bowlers flocking to Newport.

But while the interest in Saturday’s trials encouraged the county association’s junior selectors, they are unhappy that changes mean they won’t be able to enter this year’s British Six-a-side Junior Championship to try out new faces.

“We had 16 juniors that have already represented Shropshire and nine new ones which we split into two different competitions playing in a round robin format,” said selector and county chairman Phil Scott.

“Semi-finalists in the main county players were Logan Church against Jack Peach (15-8) and Ellis Griffiths against Zoe Fenwick (15-10) with Ellis winning the final by beating Logan.

“In the ‘newbies’ competition Salvatore Farruggio just won against Jacob Wall in the final with Jacob Lyttle and Ellis Reeves the semi-finalists.”

Scott and his fellow selectors are meeting on Saturday morning to pick the first team of the year to take on British junior county champions Yorkshire on Sunday, May 10.

“At the same time we will also be writing to the BCGBA regarding the Junior Six‑a‑side Championship,” added Scott.

“The rules and dates have been changed in such a way that Yorkshire, Wales and Shropshire are now unable to field teams made up of players who weren’t named in last year’s starting 24 - a complete reversal of what we were able to do last year.

“And given that Shropshire registered 42 juniors in 2025, none of whom played in the county team, we could have entered several teams into this six-a-side competition.

“The six‑a‑side has struggled for entries in recent years, and these rule changes directly undermine the opportunity to increase participation and strengthen the event.”

Mayhew Trophy

Sinclair are again gunning for a place in Shropshire’s top bowls league – and have already proved they are ready to step up.

The Telford club lost to Woore in the Premier League play-offs last year but the reigning Mid Shropshire League champions are hot tips to be in the promotion mix come October.

And, having ousted Hanmer earlier this month, Sinclair take on Hanwood tonight in the quarter-finals of the Premier’s six home-six away Mayhew Trophy.

Peter Farmer (21-9) and new signing Kevin Keary (21-13) starred as they won by eight shots at Hanmer and Harry Church’s 21-10 card at home gave them a 28-chalk margin there.

Holders Ifton take on Wrockwardine Wood tonight while league champions Castlefields take on arch rivals Sir John Bayley and Meole Brace tackle Highley.