Newbie knockout a 'fantastic day' at Hodnet

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

It very nearly didn’t go ahead but the North Shropshire association’s Newbie competition delivered a ‘fantastic’ day at Hodnet.

Tilstock finalists in the Newbie Knockout at Hodnet – Emily Webb and winner Nigel Nicholas | Contributed

placeholder image — Tilstock finalists in the Newbie Knockout at Hodnet – Emily Webb and winner Nigel Nicholas | Contributed

Sunday’s event for people who have taken up bowls in the last two years was dominated by Tilstock bowlers and delighted association secretary Leah Marshall.

“It was an all-Tilstock final between Nigel Nicholas and Emily Webb and both played very well in a close game, with Nigel just pipping Emily at the end 21-17,” said Marshall. “There was fantastic bowling all day and thanks go to Hodnet for their fantastic hospitality.”

The competition was nearly cancelled due to lack of advance entries but semi-finalists Claire Lockley (Wollerton) and Daniel Barney (Ellesmere) were pleased it did - as were quarter-finalists Elaine Hughes (Tilstock), Julian Tucker (Wrenbury), Lizzie Pugh (Wixhall) and Tim Evans (Ellesmere).

Gwynfor Hughes

The longest running bowling league in Shropshire is slowly coming to terms with the loss of one of its proudest servants.

Gwynfor Hughes, a member of Llanrhaeadr Bowling Club, served as an officer of the Oswestry League for three decades.

A league spokesman said: “We are very sad to announce that Gwynfor Hughes passed away on April 20, aged 87.

“Gwynfor served as the Oswestry League treasurer for around 30 years.”

The league's bowlers have plenty of time to reflect on his passing before the first Oswestry competition of the season - the Mixed Pairs at Chirk AAA on Sunday, May 17.

Tilstock Junior Open

It’s been all go for Shropshire’s competitive junior bowlers this season as they get ready to take on mighty Yorkshire later this month.

And their potential warm-up action continues tomorrow with the Tilstock Junior Open for 32 entrants to contest main and consolation knockouts.

Play at the village club near Whitchurch is due to start at 10am and a full house would guaranteed the main winner a £50 prize, late vacancy details from Rob Burroughs.

The British Junior County Championship game against reigning champions Yorkshire is on Sunday, May 10.

Meanwhile, Oswestry have selected Llanymynech to host the home leg of their second Federation of Crown Green Bowls clash against Doncaster B on May 10 as they look to recover from defeat in their division 10 opener against Sheffield B.