Organisers topping the Bandit Bowls winter series table

Not content with running the Bandit Bowls winter programme, driving force Jamie Brookes and Michael Cooper relish playing in it.

So much so that they are now top of the points table for the winter series after both topped their 13-up round robin groups on Sunday at Wem Sports.

Cooper, with 13 wins from 17 games, is 10 points clear of Brookes after the round five action that saw a total of 14 groups needed in the morning and afternoon sessions.

“There were 61 entrants at Wem Sports and once again there was some good bowling on a winter’s day – and this coming Sunday we are at Norton in Hales,” said Brookes.

Other group winners were Callum Wraight, Rich Lockett, Graham Rogers, Julie Jones, Kelly Hill, Nigel Ferrington, Matt Ealey, Dave Hall, Alan Boulton, Bob Cliffe, Michael Wright and Rob Renke.

Meanwhile, BB regular Joe Dicken (Sir John Bayley) opted to travel to Yorkshire for the Spen Victoria Winter Sweep and made the last 16 before losing 21-13 to Chris Ellis at the Cleckheaton club.

Mid Shropshire Senior Citizens League

Title winners not attending a veterans league’s presentation is an issue that is starting to bug the officers of it.

The men who run the Mid Shropshire Senior Citizens Bowling League have met to review the 2026 season and also make plans for next year, when they are all prepared to stand for re-election expect for county delegate Tony Roche.

“Officers were again disappointed in the number of prize winners who didn't attend the league's presentation, despite requests to do so being posted on the website and emailed to all club secretaries,” said a spokesman.

“Uncollected prizes will be held over until the 2027 AGM (on Thursday, February 25, at Sinclair, at 1.30pm).

“The number of teams withdrawing from the Charity Shield due to lack of players was discussed and the league will donate £620 from the entry fees to the Severn Hospice.

“Notice of team withdrawals and any new applications should be lodged with secretary John Palmer before the AGM and any propositions for rule changes from clubs should be emailed to him by December 31 at the latest.”

The officers are proposing a new rule to cope with government-issued heat health alerts after this summer’s heatwaves.

Edgmond Winter Shield

It’s not too late to enter the Shropshire open bowls competition that is highlight of the local scene over the Christmas period.

There are still some of the 64 places in the Edgmond Winter Shield left to book with promoter Sarah Glenholmes (07792 4286850), who has a £500 first prize line up with a full house.

Qualifying on Saturdays starts later this month on November 21, with two more morning and afternoon sessions to follow on December 5 before finals day on Monday, December 28, from 11am.