Two vastly different finals on bowls league's big night

One clean sweep success and one nail-biter was the story of the Market Drayton Bowling League’s team knockout finals night.

First division District B justified being favourites to win the main Jim Swire trophy, but Saturday’s other showdown at Bridgewater in Whitchurch was a much tighter affair before Calverhall A edged it.

Andy Docherty & Stewart Hodges with a 21-4 card were the best of District’s five doubles winners as they overcame an 18-shot handicap to see off a battling Victoria A 105-87 on aggregate.

But with both Calverhall A and second division colleagues Hanmer playing off an 18 handicap, the Bernard Lazarus final was always going to be tighter.

“Hanmer looked in a strong position after the first three blocks, but Calverhall responded brilliantly, finishing the back two games strongly to edge the match by just two chalks, 105-103,” said organiser Jack Hazeldine.

Wendy Matthews & Jack Ellis won 21-7 for Hanmer while Stuart Proctor & Paul Humphreys with a 21-1 win were best of three Calverhall winners.

“Finals night proved to be a great success once again, attracting a strong crowd – and attention now turns to the Jubilee Doubles finals, at Ellesmere on Saturday, September, 19” added Hazeldine.

Another big night in Shifnal

It’s another big night tonight for Shifnal Bowling Club as it counts down to hosting the County Cup final on Saturday.

As well as being the venue for the Shrewsbury Ladies League’s Champion of Champions from 6.30pm – with the Mabel Finnigan trophy at stake – the club also fields two teams in the semi-finals of the Highley League’s team knockouts.

Shifnal B face Horsehay A inthe President’s Cup at Bridgnorth while Highley A and Islanders A meet at Chelmarsh in the other eight-a-side tie.

And in the Consolation Cup, Shifnal A take on Bridgnorth B at the neutral venue of Much Wenlock as Chalmarsh A do battle with Islanders B at Stockton.

Then tomorrow it’s President’s Day for the Shrewsbury Senior Citizens League at Meole Brace (10am scratch) with points earned from eight end doubles matches with different partners to decide the winner of the Bill Garratt trophy.

Wraight’s near miss

Shropshire bowls No.1 Callum Wraight headed to this week’s Isle of Man September Festival on the back of an agonising £1,000 near-miss.

The Castlefields king looked a red hot favourite to win the £5,200 Spen Masters in Cleckheaton when he raced past two fellow greats of the game in Chris Mordue 21-12 and Simon Coupe 21-7 to make the final.

But the 39-year-old missed out o the top prize as he lost to Yorkshire star Liam Griffins 21-18, leaving promoter Ian Gould to say; “A great final with some brilliant bowling from both bowlers - congratulations to Liam on a fantastic performance and commiserations to Callum.”

Also on Saturday night, Sir John Bayley star Scott Harries lost in the quarter-finals of the £4,400 Rudheath Summer Open in Northwich, beaten 21-13 by Greg Smith as Andy Hamman went on to take the title.