Reece Farr comes up just short in quest for British Senior Merit title

All the latest action from around the county’s bowling greens.

One day Reece Farr will surely get his hands on the title all bowlers want to win – the British Senior Merit crown.

Reece Farr - fired into the last four | Contributed

placeholder image — Reece Farr - fired into the last four | Contributed

The Sir John Bayley star, having lost in the 2023 final to the legendary Simon Coupe, produced another brilliant run on Saturday at the Northern Club in Crosby, Merseyside.

Two 21-18 wins and a 21-13 card took him to the quarter-finals, when he won a 21-20 classic against 2021 Shropshire Merit winner Jack Hewitt (Malpas Sports).

But a semi-final showdown against Cheshire’s Lee Johnstone proved too much and Farr lost 21-7 as Lancashire’s Danny Roberts went on to be crowned champion in some style.

Farr’s team-mate Dan Taylor reached the last 16 alongside Leighton Roberts (Ifton) while Callum Wraight, looking to win a third British title at a venue where he opened his account in 2009, lost 21-19 in round two against Elliott McGuiness.

Shropshire Cup

Newport are the only side that can prevent Sinclair from landing a knockout double on Saturday.

The two clubs will met in all-Mid Shropshire final of the Shropshire Cup at Meole Brace with Sinclair eager to add to their historic triumph in the Premier League’s Mayhew Trophy.

Ketley-based Sinclair came through a close semi-final encounter with Bridgewater of Whitchurch, winning the 10-a-side tie by 17 shots with six winners.

There were no single-figure cards, Darren Fielding best for the Telford club with 21-13 and Dave Gourlay (21-16) the best reply.

Meanwhile, Old Shrewsbury’s greens will host the two semi-final of the County Cup on Saturday, August 8, with holders Sir John Bayley against Woore on the No.1 with Burway versus Wrockwardine Wood’s 12-a-side match over the path.