Shropshire stars get their hands on the silverware

Shropshire’s jubilant juniors have finally got their hands on the British under-18 county championship trophy.

British Crown Green Bowling Association president Steve Davies officially presented it at a special celebration day at Wrockwardine Wood BC in Telford organised by the county association.

“Steve Davies visited to officially congratulate the players and selectors of our junior county squad and presented individual awards to each of them before handing the championship trophy to them accompanied by a fanfare of golden streamers,” said county officer and photographer Mike Potter.

The proper trophy had been conspicuous by its absence when Shropshire beat Wales in July to end a 20 year wait for another under-18 county triumph.

A ‘drawn out of the hat’ pairs competition featuring players, officials and parents followed on the two greens of host club had 19 entries and the final saw Emily Hotchkiss and Ian Pessall eventually get the better of Myles Smith and Craig Baugh 21-19.

The thriving local junior scene is in full swing again this weekend with the Mid Shropshire League’s Junior Handicap and presentation of under-18 honours at Bridgnorth today, followed by the Peter Ashton Youth trophy at Meole Brace tomorrow (10am).

Horsehay pair Phil Wain and Gavin Bridge defeated Andy James and Dave Scriven (Highley) 21-15 in the final of the Highley Bowling League’s top doubles knockout.

Rob Gee and Warren Eudaff (Mortimer) beat Ade Jones and Irina Sowinska (Chelmarsh) 21-6 to lift the division two trophy.

Callum Wraight and Andy Armstrong (Castlefields) took the £400 first prize in the Calverhall doubles, by beating Neil Snodgrass (Chester) and Jason Jones (St Asaph) 21-8 in the final.

A pair of second division bowlers proved the perfect partnership in the St Alkmunds Doubles run by the North Shropshire association.

Rob Brassington, who plays for table toppers District A, and Richard Proudlove (Harriers of Bridgewater) came out of the hat together in the ‘draw for partners’ competition and couldn’t be beaten.

They won the title at Whitchurch’s District Club by edging a fine final 21-20 against Tom Sheridan and Jamie Brookes (District/Adderley).

A consolation knockout was won by David Cunningham and Donna Bennett and the losing semi-finalists in the main event were organiser Jack Hazeldine and Cedric Bancroft and Tina Ralph and Gabe Challinor.

"District were brilliant hosts and thank you to everyone who attended,” said Hazeldine.¶

He has a busy Saturday with the Challenge Cup singles for new bowlers at Malpas Farmers from 12 noon, following on from the younger age group Merits and Junior Doubles at the same venue at 10am.