Opening competition gives Shropshire selectors something to ponder - bowls round-up

A triples tonic was the ideal way to start the campaign for North Shropshire Ladies bowls association as it plots a way forward.

Sunday’s season-opening triples at Nantwich Park Road – won by Tina Ralph, Irene Bloore and Liz Tomlinson – gave the body’s new selectors the chance to look at some fresh talent.

“This year we find ourselves in the President’s Cup part of the British Ladies County Championship, which gives us an opportunity to grow and introduce new players,” said association secretary Leah Marshall.

“The triples comp gave the selectors an opportunity to observe new talent as well as show people what North Shropshire Ladies is all about.

“Winning is important, but having fun, enjoying yourself and socialising is really what our county team is all about.

“Ladies from different clubs within Shropshire joined us for the triples when names were pulled out of the hat to make up the teams – and they played their hearts out while the heavens opened.

“Some very close games throughout with Tina Ralph (Nantwich Park Road), Liz Tomlinson (Tilstock) and Irene Bloore (Hodnet) winning the final 21-19.”

North Shropshire open their President’s Cup campaign against Cumbria on Sunday, May 17, with Marshall adding that the search had now started to find sponsorship to help with costs.

Open competition qualifying

Shropshire Ladies bowls star Sarah Weaver was the toast of the county as qualifying in four local big money open competitions reached fever pitch at the weekend.

The Wem USC powerhouse and Bridgewater’s Matt Blackhurst came through Saturday night’s qualifier in the £4,000 Adderley Open, but it was the travelling big guns who ruled over two days of the £5,660 Coors Meole Brace Open.

They included Greg Smith, Darren Plenderleith, Danny Barwise and Dan Patcher – and in the £3,045 Edgmond Open qualifiers it was double British Merit champion Matt Gilmore who caught the eye.

But local knowledge paid off in the £6,600 PML Burway Open as Ludlow Castle's Anthony Rogers played brilliantly to qualify on Sunday alongside Sir John Bayley’s Josh Bradburn, while his team-mate Spencer Clarke enjoyed double delight.

Other Meole Open qualifiers – Spencer Clarke, Aaron Tapper, Peter Grimston. Nathan Dawes, Ryan Hockenull, Rhys Marshall, Andy Howle, Nick Jones, Kieran Cooper, Sam Millward, Paul Dale and Dave East.

Also through to the finals at Burway are Scott Harries, Mike Beer, Anthony Harper, Jason Jones, Owen Jackson and Jack Desmond.

And the last tickets to Saturday’s finals at Edgmond also went to Spencer Clarke, Scott Simpson, Joe Killen, Elliot McGuinness, Kevin Handley, Aaron Tapper and Natty Tonks.

Oswestry on a national stage

Oswestry’s adventure on to the British stage in the Federation of Crown Green Bowls is gathering momentum.

More than 50 Oswestry League bowlers have made themselves available to play in the first campaign of 12-home-12 matches on Sunday afternoons.

And the teams and home venue for the opening clash with Sheffield B in the Federation’s new division 10 have been selected .

“Oswestry’s first Federation game will be held at Johnstown Bowling Club on Sunday, April 12, against Sheffield B,” said a spokesperson.

“This match is open to all who wish to come and watch – and the full draw and away venue will be announced soon.”

Jono Shaw and Kevin Stevenson are the two permitted homesters who will play at Johnstown while Megis Phillips and Dave Bond are among the big guns in the travel party.