Callum Wraight out as Rich Goddard and Michael Beer win
Shropshire’s Callum Wraight saw his bid for glory at the Autumn Waterloo Handicap end on a manic Monday in Blackpool – but there was better news for his Castlefield’s team-mates Rich Goddard and Michael Beer.
Wraight, one of the favourites for arguably the biggest prize in bowls, crashed out in a thrilling last 32 clash with Altrincham’s Steve Baskerville leaving Goddard and Beer to fly the county flag in front of the TV cameras.
Goddard overcame Birmingham’s Pete Dunkley 21-14 while Beer triumphed 21-13 against Ulverston’s Simon Brown.
They were returning to action today, with coverage live on ITV 4, bidding to secure a place in the Champions of Champions showdown on Saturday.
Wraight and Baskerville were neck and neck throughout their clash with the scores locked at 14-14, 18-18 and 19-19.
In a tense last couple of ends, Wraight held onto hope by saving game but then Baskerville edged over the line 21-20.
On a day of surprises on the famous Blackpool green, 2015 champion Greg Smith was also beaten.
He also bowed out 21-20 to Cumbrian Andy Thornton leaving three-time champion Simon Coupe as the favourite for glory following his 21-12 victory over Wigan’s Billy Speed.
