Historic hat-trick for Rich Lawson

That was the reaction of Rich Lawson after making Shropshire bowls history as the first to win the County Handicap three years in a row.

The Bowring star achieved what not even greats of the game Dick Meyrick and Tony Poole could manage when he won this year’s final on Shrewsbury Severnside No.1.

But it was far from easy for the Nesscliffe-based bowler, who also plays for Baschurch in the Wem League, as it took 31 ends to finally see off Scott Simpson of Sir John Bayley 21-20.

County comps chief Mike Potter said after a nip and tuck final: “At 20 across Rich launched his second bowl that, as it began to slow up, skimmed close to the previous bowls and came to a rest alongside but an inch inside the closest bowl. That prompted a magnanimous Scott to lead the spontaneous congratulatory applause as Rich completed his historic treble.”

An elated Lawson later declared: “Wow! Third year running winning the County Handicap, can’t quite believe it. Thanks to all who stopped and supported, much appreciated.”

Simpson had claimed the scalp of the other star of the day, Burway junior Harry Parsonage, 21-8 in the semi-finals while Lawson was ending the hopes of Telepost’s Hayden Lewis 21-14.

Parsonge was the deserving winner of the Clare Cup for the best novice on the day, beating four senior bowlers, leading delighted father Simon to say: “Well done Harry - I am very proud of your achievement.”