Rutter Rounds Up

Stuart Rutter, fresh from promoting a highly successful Wrockwardine Wood Open, has enjoyed his own success on the competition scene.

The senior county team regular - pictured - was among the group winners as the North Shropshire Parks’ winter series attracted another bumper field to Edgmond.

In fact there were 14 round robin groups as round three was hosted by the village club.

“It was another pleasant day and another great turnout of 65 bowlers on the brilliant and running green at Edgmond,” said organiser Jamie Brookes.

Round four on Sunday 31st October is heading to Adderley and entry is open to all bowlers willing to pay a £5 entry fee.

Round robin sessions of 13-up and handicapped group matches will start at 9am, 12 noon and 3.30pm, book with Brookes on 07522-624773.

Tom’s Trophy Time

Mid Shropshire junior Tom Killen is still playing a lot of bowls – even though the main 2021 season is over.

The Shifnal bowler relished playing on the superb surface at Edgmond recent to win the Whitchurch League’s under-18 consolation singles trophy by beating Harry Wilson (Adderley) in the final.

He is pictured receiving the trophy from county chairman Phil Scott – and hosting the recent finals day was Edgmond’s reward for winning Whitchurch’s best kept green in 2021 title.

And 16-year-old Tom will probably be back at the village venue on Sunday 23^rd October when it stages round three of the North Shropshire Parks winter series, with 13-up round robin sessions starting at 9am, 12 noon and 3pm. Entry costs £5 and is open to ALL bowlers!

Gauts Grab Glory

They’ve paired up many times in the past, but now two giants of Mid Shropshire bowls have a county title to show for it.

Ian Gaut and Angela Gaut – the wife of his cousin Allan – enjoyed their moment in the sunshine as they won the County Mixed Doubles at Sinclair.

The St Georges-Wrockwardine Wood partnership came out on top of 11 entries by beating Dave Hanson (Shawbury) and Sarah Weaver (Hanmer) 21-11 in the final.

Ian, the respected former secretary of the county association, Mid Shropshire and Premier leagues, and the multi-titled Angela defeated Dan Wornell and Nikki Hotchkiss (Prince of Wales Hotel) 21-17 in their semi-final.

King Reigns Again

Can there be any doubt that Jamie King is the best bowler in Mid Shropshire now?

The Wrockwardine Wood star completed a hat-trick of successive League Senior Merit triumphs with a top class display at Bowring on Saturday 25^th September.

A 21-12 victory over Dan Wilson (Sir John Bayley) in the final on the older No.2 green was the father of two’s fourth overall in the singles competition, the first coming in 2012 and he’s pictured after his 2018 triumph.

And when you add that to his 2019 Midland Masters success, the fact that he was beaten in this year’s Masters final and his form this season in guiding the Wrockites to their County Cup triumph, few can surely argue that King reigns supreme in the Telford & Wrekin area.

A field of 20 entries contested the Mid Shropshire Merit and Jamie’s closest call came in the semi-finals when he had to battle back from 20-18 adrift against Chris Worthington (SJB) to clinch a 21-20 card en route to the £100 first prize.

He also had to overcome family ties as he beat his younger brother Aaron (21-10) and father and League comps chief Phil on the day, ending the hopes of a Hadley USC winner of the crown.

Dan’s 21-13 last four scalp was that of Phil Jones of St Georges, who soon recovered from the disappointment, as next day he won the Premier Merit on the other green at Bowring.

League President Mike Potter, who was referee for the final, said: “It’s the fourth time Jamie King has won the title – and on four different greens.

After beating his brother and dad, there was perhaps only one family member who could have beaten him, his wife Sally – but she did not play!”

Quarter-final scores – Jamie King 21, Phil King (HUSC) 14; Mick Jones (Newport) 7 Chris Worthington 21; Dan Wilson 21 Darren Lord (St Georges) 20; Michael Cooper (SJB) 14 Phil Jones 21.

Get Carter

Kevin Carter missed a Wolves football match to play in the League’s Over-60 Merit – and he scored a knockout success.

The Broseley bowler was on target all day at Hadley USC to land the Ray & Jeff Hutchinson Trophy and £20 first prize after coming out on top of 9 entries.

He beat Alan Smith of Newport 21-12 in the final on Saturday 18th September and is pictured with his silverware reward and mascot, his dog Billy.

“Kevin’s a season ticket holder at the Wolves so missed the Brentford home game to play in the Merit,” said Broseley spokesperson Gail Hall.

“He’s been bowling at Broseley for 36 years, yet quite a few questioned if he was old enough to play in the Veterans Merit – but he’s 61.

“His nickname on the snooker tables is ‘Turbo’ – and that follows him on the green when his fires work!”

Kevin beat another Newport man in Mick Jones 21-13 in the semi-finals while runner-up Alan was claiming the prized scalp of historic British Veterans Merit champion Keith Pessall (SJB) 21-17.

Two past title winners – Tony Roche and Dave Brown – both fell in the last eight.

Full quarter-final scores –Jones 21 Brown (Horsehay) 15; Carter 21, Allan Gaut (Wrock Wd) 18; Pessall 21 John Clarke (Wrock Wd) 18; Smith 21 Roche (SJB) 16.

Dave's Marathon Effort

Mid Shropshire bowler Dave Brown was running on empty over the weekend of September 4-5 – but at least he had an Olympic medal to show for it!

Dave, famous for winning three Telford Marathons and now bowling for Horsehay, won the Wenlock Olympian Society’s men’s singles knockout on Saturday at Broseley.

He struck gold by coming out on top of 10 entries by beating Tony Roche of Sir John Bayley in the final, organiser Gail Hall saying: “It was excellent game played in good spirit, Dave coming back from 19-13 down to win 21-20 and take the gold medal."

And 24 hours later Brown was back in action in the Tom Breeze Memorial Invitation at Newport, surviving a hot afternoon to reach the final – only to lose 21-6 to homester Phil Emery.

In the semi-finals Phil beat John Breeze 21-17 and Dave beat Graham Handley 21-14, while the losing quarter-finalists were Simon Oldcorn, Alan Smith, Jamie Fletcher and Wayne Lawrence.

Pictured are the proud Olympic finalists at Broseley – winner Dave Brown and (right) Tony Roche

TROPHY THE CONSOLATION

An all-Mid Shropshire final was the reward for the bowlers, selectors and parents at the Shropshire junior inter-league championship.

But the A and B teams met with the consolation cup at stake and not the main trophy in the six-a-side competition for under-18s at Whitchurch’s Chester Road on Sunday 22^nd September.

Mid Shropshire A, winners of the title when it was last played for in 2019, lost to eventual new champions Tanners Shropshire A by 16 chalks in their round robin group opener on the smaller ladies green.

That cost them top spot in their group but, at the same time, Mid Shropshire B were winning their two opening two matches on the bigger men’s green - only to be pipped to top spot and a place in the main final in their last game by Whitchurch A.

So it was an A versus B consolation showdown, which the A team won with four winners led by skipper Joe Killen (21-5) and his twin brother Tom Killen (21-6), captain Byron Fletcher one of the winners for the brave B side.

Watching League secretary Malcolm Fletcher said: “Big thanks go to selectors Brenda Slingo and Derek Killen and captains Joe Killen and Byron Fletcher for all they did too. And let’s not forget all the parents and carers. Take a bow one and all”

League President and County Deputy President Mike Potter added: “Following a year suspended because of Covid-19, the organisers, spectators and parents and guardians were treated to impressive bowling from the youngsters at the re-launch that attracted seven teams of six players.”

County chairman Phil Scott also said: “It was great to see 42 youngsters in action and the newcomers have given the selectors plenty to think about when it comes to picking the Shropshire team for the 2022 junior county championship.”

midnight farmer drama

A late rush of entries meant a near midnight finish in the League's second competition of the year – but that did not bother Peter and Matthew Farmer.

The father and son duo, now bowling for Bowring, won the Dixon Driscoll Doubles at Edgmond by eventually coming out on top of 15 pairs at 11.45pm on Saturday 14th August.

And their 21-13 victims in the final were another established doubles pairing in Wrockwardine Wood husband wife, Stuart and Jackie Rutter.

A tie that started at 10.33 looked to be heading for a rapid conclusion as the Farmers powered 13-6 up – but the Rutters had other ideas and kept finding one good bowl to prolong matters, until the corner play of the Farmers finally paid off.

They shared a £70 first prize, a far cry from the big money they took after triumphing in a recent Prees Open Doubles, but the Farmers were all smiles as they headed for home.

Organiser Phil King thanked the host club and everyone who took part before apologising for the late finish due to a late surge of interest.

In the semi-finals the Farmers defeated sisters Angela Gaut and Helen Clee 21-16 while the Rutters beat yet another Wrockite duo, mother and son Louise and Josh Cotton, 21-18.

Pictured are the final rivals in the late night finish (from left) Stuart and Jackie Rutter, comps chief Phil King, winners Peter and Matthew Farmer.

Another Top King

Mid Shropshire bowlers dominated this year’s Shropshire Ladies’ County Merit held at Wellington club Bowring.

Sally King was crowned champion after beating Wrockwardine Wood clubmate Sian Skelton 21-17 in the final.

Young mother-of-two Sally had beaten Jane Archer (Meole Brace) 21-10 in the semi-finals when Sian was edging a 21-20 thriller against another Wrockite, Angela Gaut – both past winners of the title.

“Sally, Sian and Angela will represent Shropshire at the British Ladies Merit finals at Heaton Park in Manchester on Sunday 15th August,” said organiser Lousie Cotton.

Pictured are (from left) Sian Skelton, Shropshire Ladies secretary Helen Clee, and her daughter and winner Sally King

DD Doubles D-day

Entries are now being taken for the League’s popular Dixon Driscoll Doubles.

This one-day competition will be played on Saturday 14th August and entries should be sent to organiser Phil King by text, email or messenger me with the names of both bowlers.

Phil’s plan is to run qualifying sessions at two greens with qualifiers then going onto a final venue – but that’s dependent on entry numbers.

“I’m allowing 1 Premier bowler per pair, just for this year,” added Phil, who wants names ASAP.

Kings Reign On...

The reign of the Mid Shropshire Kings over the County Father & Son crown has been extended to three years.

Phil and eldest son Jamie retained a title they won in 2019 – and was not played for last year due to Covid - with four super sunshine successes at St Georges on Saturday 17th August.

Hadley USC stalwart Phil, the League’s competition secretary, and Wrockwardine Wood Premier team captain Jamie were simply too hot for the rest, ending the day with three single figure wins.

They beat 2007 champions Graeme and Dan Wornell (Prince Hotel) 21-7 in the final, organiser Mike Potter being full of admiration for both pairs, saying: “The finalists had made it the hard way by playing in a prelim tie and had truly passed a stern test of stamina in the extreme heat of the day.

“The final was 3-3 after five before Phil & Jamie yet again got onto their corner mark which saw them build to 10-5 and, like many of the Kings’ opponents, their rivals could not release their hold of the jack as Phil & Jamie won 21-7 in 19 ends to retain the trophy.”

County Deputy President/Competition Secretary Mike Potter congratulated host club St Georges and thanked Louise Cotton for her valued assistance throughout the day before presenting the cup tdo the Kings.

A fine field of 21 pairs had contested the title and in the semi-finals the Kings beat Phil’s Hadley clubmates Ray & Ash Gregory 21-7 while the Wornells had more time in the sun before getting past Tony & Matthew Rhodes (St Georges-Newport) 21-15.

Quarter-final scores - Phil & Jamie King 211 Stuart & Alex Rutter; Ray & Ash Gregory 21-6 Lee & Billy Walmsley; Tony & Matthew Rhodes 21-14 Allan & Martin Gaut; Graham & Dan Wornell 21-20 Peter & Matt Farmer.

Turbo Charged Twins

Twin power was the driving force for the Killen boys at a unique Shropshire Junior Merit.

Shifnal bowlers Joe Killen and twin brother Tom dominated the one-day tournament at Much Wenlock which attracted just 10 entries, forcing organiser Mike Potter to adopt a different approach.

He ran two round robin groups of five and, as group winners, Joe and Tom Killen contested the main Chris Davies trophy and Peter Ashton Consolation Cup in a 21-up final – Joe eventually emerging as champion in the Saturday afternoon sunshine.

“Early exchanges saw the brothers test each other on differing lengths around the green but, from 8-11 down after 14 ends, Joe seized control of the jack to open up an 18-12 advantage,” explained Mike, the county comps chief, Deputy President and League President.. “Tom was not yet done as he squeezed to take four of the next five ends to get back to trail 16-19 - only for Joe finish the game after 29 ends, winning 21-16.”

With county chairman Phil Scott and Much Wenlock club president Don Davies watching on Saturday 10^th July, the under-18s relished the chance of playing more than just the normal knockout.

Playing 15-up, group A saw all five players enjoy at least one win, Joe Killen finishing tops with Josh Warner just pipping Sinclair's Jordan Millman to take the runners-up prize.

Group B was equally close and, by virtue of the result against each other, it saw Tom Killen win the group from Wayd Pawlowski as runner-up.

“That said though, by far the most impressive for me was the smallest to take the green. With the biggest smile and loving every minute, young Rowan Fuller gets my vote of an honorary win and is one to watch in the future,” said Mike.

The seven-year-old has since made his League debut for Wrockwardine Wood!

Now the 16-year-old Killen boys, who have bossed Mid Shropshire League junior competitions in recent years, can look forward to representing Shropshire in the British Junior Merit finals at Heaton Park in Manchester on August 14 – before both starting at the Codsall Football Academy in September.

ENTER ON THE DAY

Entries will be taken on the day for the Shropshire Junior Merit on Saturday 10^th July at Much Wenlock up until the 10am start time. And with under-18s who lose in the first round losers going forward to contest the Peter Ashton Consolation Cup, it guarantees everyone two games for the £5 entry fee.

Dress code rules apply and the finalists in the main singles will represent Shropshire in the British Junior Merit finals at Heaton Park in Greater Manchester on August 14.

Ties will be 21-up off 3 in the Dave Card Rosebowl Mixed Pairs at Madeley Cricket Club BC on Sunday 11^th July.

It’s another 10am start with entries accepted on the day at £12 per, any home bowlers being handicapped by two shots per player, and once again dress coe rules will be enforced.

“The finalists will earn the right to represent Shropshire at the national finals day of the Centenary Mixed Pairs in Derbyshire on October 2,” said county comps chief Mike Potter.

But his main message is that Sunday 11^th July is the closing date for entries in the Shropshire Senior Merit, now sponsored by Barlows Fire & Security.

Qualifying sessions are on the weekend of July 24-25, with 32 going forward to finals day on Sunday, August 29, at a venue that will be announced once the make-up of the finals day field is known.

PAULINE POWER WINS DAY

A busy Shropshire association officer took a day off from that role to win the 2021 MSBL Re-Launch Singles.

Pauline Wilson, the County Development Officer and coaching chief, won the pre-season competition at Wrockwardine Wood on Saturday 26th June.

Bridgnorth bowler Wilson came out on top of 10 entries with a 21-16 final victory over Newport veteran Mick Jones on a sunny afternoon.

“From 16-5 up, Pauline held off a late fightback from Mick to win the £50 first prize 21-16,” said a league spokesman.

“And leading junior Joe Killen (Shifnal) won the consolation KO by beating Peter Millington (Trench) on what was a smashing, relaxed day."

It was Peter who had won the 2020 MSBL Re-launch Singles at Edgmond in September - but it was not to be for him on Saturday.

League vice-chairman David Evans presented the cash prizes before organiser Phil King - disappointed with the low turnout - thanked the host club, all who took part, supported and helped organised.

Pauline, the driving force behind the hugely successful Bowls Big Weekend in May, beat Chris Newbrook (Shifnal) 21-16 in the semi-finals while the ever competitive Mick was accounting for homester Rob Clarke 21-17.

2021 MSBL RE-LAUNCH SINGLES

This one-day knockout will be played on Saturday 26th June, starting at 11am and limited to 32 players at a two green venue to be announced. It’s £10 entry fee - payable on the day – and prize money will be dependent on entries, but League officials are aiming for a £150 first prize.

Entries are being taken from 10am on Saturday 19^th June by League competition secretary Phil King (call or text him on 07745-6574280; email him on phillipking103@gmail.com or via messenger through Facebook)

And the League may run a singles KO for Mid Shropshire’s Monday night bowlers on same day - if there is enough interest. All you need to do is just let Phil know if you want to play before League fixtures start the following Friday.

2021 CALENDAR

Saturday 26^th June – Relaunch 2021 Singles: one-day knockout from 10am open to 32 bowlers at a 2 green venue, with possible separate KO for 16 Monday night bowlers at another venue if there is enough interest. Entry details etc to be released as soon as venues are booked.

Sunday 18^th July – Junior Day: Various comps (tbc) to help selectors Brenda Slingo and Derek Killen prepare for this year’s Shropshire Junior inter-league, in Whitchurch on Sunday 22^nd August.

Saturday 14^th August - Dixon Driscoll Doubles: one day comp with qualifiers (if needed due to entry numbers) and finals session.

Saturday 21st August - Senior Merit qualifiers

Saturday 25th September - Senior Merit finals

League competition secretary Phil King is also looking at finding a date to run the Over-60 Merit

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no team knockouts for the Harris Cup or Ashton trophies this year due to lack of time and difficulty organsing handicaps for this curtailed, one-off season

MSBL 2020 singles Relaunch

Peter Millington (pictured above) could barely walk due to gout in his right ankle seven days ago – but the healing process received a £100 boost at the MSBL’s 2020 Relaunch Singles at Edgmond on Saturday 5th September.

On the day that he should have been travelling to the Isle of Man Festival, the Trench bowler made up for the disappointment of that being cancelled due to the pandemic by winning the first externally organised competition in Shropshire this summer.

The 51-year-old, still limping slightly, made off with the top cash prize by winning a tense 21-20 final against Nick Mullinder of Hadley USC.

Millington looked in control at 11-5 up after 14 ends, but soon found himself 15-11 adrift as Mullinder – using new bowls - produced the kind of burst that had made him look unbeatable earlier in the day.

It was nip and tuck after that as the score went to 17 across, then to 19 across and, almost inevitably, 20 across before a last end that did not reflect the high standard of the day, given the lack of competitive action this year, took Millington to victory.

Mullinder, who had the consolation of a £50 prize, raced to a 21-7 semi-final success over Mick Jones (Newport) while Millington was getting the better of historic double division one averages winner Sonya Lucas (St Georges ) 21-17.

Millington, from Hadley in Telford, is no stranger to winning Mid Shropshire honours either and got a celebration kiss from his wife, card marker and clubmate Carleen Doody-Millington at the end of more than five hours of sunshine action on a surface in super condition.

In fact host club Edgmond were rightly praised to the hilt by competition organiser and League president Mike Potter as all the Covid-19 guidelines were followed to the letter in coping with a field limited to just 16.

Edgmond’s safeguarding officer Helen Wilson said: “It was a great day and great final, going to the wire – and we loved hosting it.”

It was a proud day for League officers who, despite having to call off all divisional fixtures for 2020, simply refused to give up on the whole season.

And the aim now is to run another one-day singles, again limited to 16 entries at £10 each, on Saturday 19th September at the same venue, but with a slightly bigger prize fund . . . so watch this space!

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