Callum Wraight sets his sights on more success

The Castlefields star won an eight man invitation event at Norton Central in Stoke to add to two opening wins on the British Professional Panel since it was relaunched late last month.

But the 34-year-old’s good run at the Red Lion, Westhoughton, came to an end as he lost 41-31 to North Lancs & Fylde giant Wayne Ditchfield.

“I had a cracking game with Wayne and he doesn’t lose very often on that green – I think the only game he’s lost there in his last 20 was to me back in October,” said Wraight.

He’s booked for four Panel appearances on successive Fridays from next week but tomorrow will return to Norton Central for the first of weekly round robin competitions, when three 15-up group games will determine the semi-finalists from a 16 man event bidding for a £140 first prize.

The proud Salopian’s triumph at the same venue on Monday saw him beat Barry Booth 21-11, Ian Wassell 21-14 and he landed the £120 first prize with a 21-12 victory over Matt Hill, who had earlier beaten Potteries stars Andy Ferris and Kerry Morris.

“I was quite happy as it was my first competition of the season and started with a victory – and there’s another 8 man even on Wednesday,” said Wraight.

n Shropshire and North Shropshire’s top women bowlers may have a chance to compete in British Ladies county matches this year after all.

This summer’s county championship may have been cancelled due to Covid concerns, but plans for a one-off County Cup have now been sent to counties for their views, the entry deadline being April 30.

It would take the form of North and South regional competitions on Sunday, June 27, with a final on September 19 regional, a British association spokesperson adding: “The number of teams and number of players in those teams has not been decided.”

But the rain-hit 2019 Ladies Champion of Champions will be completed on a date and at a venue yet to be decided – Shropshire duo Tracy Ryan and Donna Bennett (North Shropshire) are involved – and there will be a British Ladies Merit on August 15, but again no details have been finalised – although there is a sponsor to boost prize money.

Officers of the Shrewsbury Ladies League will hold a virtual meeting on Monday to report on interest from teams in playing in 2021 and what format the action will take.