Outsiders in the hunt for title glory

Chirk, in only their second campaign in the District Invitation Winter League at the Whitchurch club, are six points clear after just six fixtures, with Crewe in hot pursuit.

Welsh star Andy Armstrong won 21-6 as Chirk beat Elephant & Castle 9-1 (122-90 on aggregate) last week while Crewe battered winless Calverhall 10-0 (126-65) with Martin Lloyd a 21-3 winner.

Reigning champions Archibald Worthington were held to a 5-5 score by Woore, despite edging the chalk totals by eight (120-112), while Malpas Sports and Bridgewater enjoyed 7-3 victories over Adderley and District respectively.

Tuesday night sees the key clash between Chirk and AWC, followed by Calverhall versus Woore tomorrow and Malpas against District on Thursday before Adderley have a double header against Crewe on Friday and then Bridgewater on Monday night, again on the back green.

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The people who look after the best bowling greens in Shropshire have been rewarded for their efforts.

Dennis UK-SISIS, sponsors of the Shropshire Best Kept Green competition, invited all the greenkeepers of clubs who entered the 2024 judging to go on a special day out.

And a party of 12 enjoyed a tour around the Dennis UK factory in Derby, with lunch, on Thursday.

The link between the county association and Dennis UK is set to grow further next year with the company to support a greenkeepers seminar at Edgmond at the end of February, with a guest speaker and refreshments.

“There will also be an end of season green seminar, to be held July or August 2025, at a green to be announced after fixtures are done early next year,” added county chairman Phil Scott.

Edgmond were the winners of the 2024 Best Kept Green in Shropshire title and greenkeeper Peter Leath was one of the dozen to go to Derby.

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Shropshire bowls is mourning one of its most popular figures – Sir John Bayley Club stalwart Norman Harvey.

He passed away, aged 78, last week and, as the shock news spread, the glowing tributes flowed from all corners of the county and beyond.

Rob Burroughs, the driving force of the Shropshire Premier, said: “The league is sad to announce the passing of our Hall of Famer, Norman Harvey, who passed away suddenly on Monday.

“Norman had played all his bowls in the league at Sir John Bayley, playing 610 times for them until this season from 1994.

“He had his best season in 2001, winning 16 games, and was a key part in their 2016, 2019 and 2021 wins in the league.

“Norman had been chairman of the club, and helped them win the County Cup in 2006 and 2018, as well as many senior citizens titles in the last few years.

“We will sadly miss Norman, and our thoughts are with his long term partner Audrey, son Lee, daughter Karen and the rest of his family.”

 His funeral will be on Monday, December 30, at 11.30am at Telford Crematorium, followed by a wake at the Bayley Club.

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A change of date looks like being the key to the success of yet another open bowls competition at a Shropshire club next year being promoted by Rob Burroughs.

A lot of the 64 places in this year’s Bylet Open at the Bridgnorth club were not taken, resulting in the prize money being cut.

“After struggling for entries this year, we have decided to try a new date in 2025 - Sunday, August 31 - which hopefully doesn't clash with as much as our previous date!” said Burroughs.

Again 64 places at £20 each will be available for a 10am start and, if they are all booked, a £320 first prize will go to the winner.

BOWLS DIARY

£5,660 Coors Meole Brace Open – Champion of Champions qualifier with 256 places and £1,000 first prize. Qualifying on Saturday- Sunday, March 22-23 and 29-30 (10am and 2pm), finals day Sunday, April 6 at 11.30am. Entries £20 to Rob Burroughs on 07901-229623.

Candlin Doubles at Sinclair – one-day comp on Sunday, April 13, pairings for reserve list to Stuart Church (07877-857721).

£1,560 Burway Open – one-dayer on Saturday, April 19 with 64 places at £20. Qualifying at 10.30am and 2.30pm using both greens, winner to get £500 with a full entry, names to Jesse James (07791-244272).

£2,280 Dennis Lewis Open at Sir John Bayley – all on Saturday, April 27, from 10am with 64 entries using both greens. Last 16 on bottom green to play for £40 first prize, promoter Rob Burroughs (07901-229623).