Sinclair shock Premier League class with historic trophy triumph

Sinclair’s shock troops completed their history-making run in the Shropshire Premier League’s team knockout in thrilling style.

The Mid Shropshire League champions became the first non-Premier side to win the Mayhew Trophy by beating mighty Castlefields by three shots in the final at Wem Sports.

A 21-9 card from Ash Gregory in the first four that earned him the Mark Burroughs Man of the Match trophy laid the foundations for the Telford club’s historic night, Darren Fielding delivered an exceptional 21-5 win at the back and it was left to 18-year-old Jordon Millman as last on to get the 13 chalks required to seal the success.

Elated Sinclair captain Harry Church said: “Although we went in as the underdogs, we held our own against a great Castlefields team for me.

“Ash Gregory was outstanding from start to finish, Pete Farmer showed no fatigue after winning the Edgmond Summer Open (winning 21-13 at No.6) and Darren Fielding was in top form, playing the green as if it was his own.

“And our youngest player Jordon Millman coped with the pressure brilliantly in bringing home the win.

“All in all it was a great night of bowling in a great atmosphere.

“Commiserations to Castlefields, but I’m sure they back in the winner’s enclosure soon enough.”

Callum Wraight was the best of Fields’ seven winners in the 12 games on Saturday night, putting on a show against Derbyshire star Conor Chamberlain to win 21-8.

But the Shrewsbury side, beaten by Ifton in last year’s final, could not add to their record wins in the knockout as Sinclair’s celebrations went on long into the night.

British Super Cup

Two of Shropshire bowls’ big guns have romped into the last 32 of the British Super Cup.

Castlefields, winners of the prized Arthur Land Trophy in 2024, and Wrockwardine Wood both enjoyed 18-shot wins in the four home-four away 31-up knockout.

Ash Wellngs won 31-28 away and a quartet of big wins in a 49 chalk margin at home saw Fields through against Atherstone while their Premier rivals Wood saw off West Brom FSC.

Aaron King was their 31-23 away winner while Tom Killen won 31-8 in Telford in a 39 chalk win that earned the overall success.

Meole Brace will attempt to join the pair when they take on Penn on Saturday, with both legs starting at 10.30am.

Wenlock Olympian Games

Not many Shropshire bowlers have the chance to get a medal for winning a local competition – but they do in July at Much Wenlock.

That’s where the bowls comps that are part of the Wenlock Olympian Games – with its medals - are being played, with the doubles on Sunday, July 5, and singles that are open to gents, ladies and juniors, on Saturday, July 27.

Both are 10am starts with entries costing £5 for the singles and £10 doubles, names to be emailed to Bob Mumford ([email protected]).

Meanwhile, Richard Proudlove reports very few spaces left in the £2,260 Bridgewater Open 64 on Saturday, July 18 (9am) - and places are expected to go fast in an over-60s open singles at Newport the same month.

It’s the Wally Amos Memorial on Sunday, July 12 (10.30am) with 32 at £15 to play for a £250 first prize if full, names to John Breeze on 07583 026438.

Father & Son

Beating a super entry of 26 is the goal for organiser Mike Potter in tomorrow’s County Father & Son bowls knockout.

That’s the figure from 2025 he hopes to better as Wellington club Bowring hosts the one-day competition that was won last year by Martin and Emmet McKinley (Oxon) at Prees.

It’s a 10am start, entries cost £15 per pair and home bowlers can enter with a handicap of two chalks per player, prize money depending on the number taking part.

An hour later the Molson Coors Mid Shropshire Ladies Merit will start, also in Telford at Horsehay, entries £3 taken on the day with Ludlow-based Viv Cooper the reigning champion.