Flying Tracy Ryan takes the top Ladies title

The Meole Brace and Shropshire star crowned a glittering career by winning the sport's top title at Owley Wood in Cheshire.

A 21-12 final victory over Nicola Boulton of the host county saw her receive the trophy from British Ladies president Carol Taylor.

Shrewsbury-based Ryan was the only one of Shropshire's five qualifiers in a field of 64 to make it past round two as she stormed to six wins.

The reigning Shropshire Ladies Merit champion opened with a 21-9 card against Margaret Shaw of Greater Manchester.

That was followed by wins over Lynsey Gorman (Merseyside) 21-16, Lisa Cox (Burton) 21-15 and a 21-8 quarter-final romp over Wendy Allen of Mid Cheshire.

A 21-18 victory over Yorkshire's Debbie Talbot in the semi-finals was her closest call all day.

And host President Taylor was impressed, saying: "It was one of the best finals ever with some super bowling from both ladies.

"Yet again it was another well run finals day and many thanks go to organiser Jackie Rutter from Shropshire and her team on a proud day for myself."

Cheryl Caswell (Wrockwardine Wood-Bylet) was the only other county qualifier to score a win, beating North Shropshire's Sue Mottershead 21-5 before bowing out to Sarah Hey of Wales 21-17.

Ryan's Meole club-mate Natalie Connor agonisingly lost 21-20 to Gay Cooper of Wales, while Wrenbury's Olive Pass got 15 in her tie against Alexis Lunn Gadd of Yorkshire.

But it was Ryan's day – the first Shropshire winner of the title since Angela Gaut in 1990.