Teenager Ellis stuns Shropshire's top bowlers in Champion of Champions

A 15-year-old bowler is the headline-grabbing 2026 Shropshire Champion of Champions after a sensational success at odds of 50/1.

Ellis Griffiths from Shrewsbury was rated a rank outsider when 32 proven title winners assembled at Bicton on Sunday for the climax of the Rob Burroughs-Jamie King promotion.

But eight hours later the Prince of Wales Hotel junior was celebrating with the coveted trophy and a £400 first prize after two superb fightbacks in the last eight and semi-finals plus a 21-18 final victory over Keith Wall (Monkmoor) when he showed nerves of steel to get over the finishing line.

It left his mum speechless after marking his cards all day and his dad all smiles as he headed to bookmaker Dave Ellison after backing his boy, who has only been playing for three years, before the start.

“Ellis Griffiths produced a performance beyond his 15 years as he won the Champion of Champions,” said Burroughs. “He beat Keith Wall 18 in the final, going 20-15 ahead from 15 across and then, when two down at 18-20, Ellis played just past the block and rested Keith's bowl out for game and the championship to a spontaneous round of applause.”

Sinclair’s Jordon Millman, his team-mate in Shropshire’s triumphant junior side this year, looked like beating him in the semi-finals when 19-11 up, but Griffiths edged a 21-20 win, much like he had in beating Paul Bradley (Malpas Sports) 21-19 in the quarters after being 18-11 adrift.

Welsh county man Wall saw off another Sinclair hopeful in Peter Farmer 21-16 in his semi-final, but this was to be the Griffiths glory day.

Premier League clubs are already seeking the signing of the Belvidere School student, but his dad said that Ellis is loyal to the Prince Hotel - where his grandfather Bob Pugh is greenkeeper – and, until he can drive, his parents will be key to his bowls future.

“Well done to Ellis on his success and he will defend his title next year on Sunday 17th October at Tilstock,” added Burroughs.

Griffiths received the main cup named after the late Neville Edwards from his daughter Jane while Wall’s prize was the Malcolm Fletcher Shield, with County President Andy Jones part of the presentation ceremonies.

Coaches qualify

The chief of Shropshire’s bowls coaches has hailed a great 2026 full of newly-qualified people.

“It was a great season for Shropshire Coaching,” said Pauline Wilson, who is also county development officer. “We had been waiting some time for a Level 2 coaching course to be held in the county or nearby – and when it came our coaches jumped in with both feet.

“It was filled within weeks and, of the 13 candidates, seven were from Shropshire and we are very grateful to Bowring BC who hosted it, giving up a full weekend in July on their greens for the practical days.

“Well done and thank you to everyone who took part – you have invested a lot of time to benefit your club and BCGBA development.”