Shropshire Crown Green Bowling Association Shropshire Junior Merit – Sat. 10th July 2021 staged by kind permission at Much Wenlock B C
Save for a handful of very established stars, it was notable by their absence to those that travelled to Much Wenlock, that perhaps the majority of regular county players may still be recovering from the 16 month lockdown as a very poor showing of just ten(10) of our “young guns” and their guardians gathered and at the idyllic & serene setting of Much Wenlock BC. This competition is usually run as a “knockout” with first round losing players entering into a consolation event. However, as Competition Secretary/Deputy President, Mike Potter welcomed everyone to the venue he advised that due to the low turnout, a change was needed and this year’s competition would alter from a “knockout” into a “round robin” format. Splitting the competitors into two groups ensured each would play four games instead of two, thus prolonging their involvement throughout the day. As the players set off on playing against their fellow group opponents watched by proud parents, the sun emerged from the clouds and shone gloriously throughout the competition. During the afternoon, I had the good fortune to meet and have a chat with the Bowling Club’s President, Don Davies who relayed to me some of the interesting history of the area and club. For example, Much Wenlock is the regarded as the “spiritual” home and birthplace of the Modern Olympics.
Back to the bowls. With Camilla Parsonage, Joe Killen, Josh Warner, Jordan Millman & Harvey Rudkin playing 15up in group A, it saw all five players enjoy at least one winning game of their four. The eventual winner, Joe Killen was followed Josh Warner who just pipped Jordan Millman to take the runners-up prize. Meanwhile, Group B contained Tom Killen, Lily Clayton, Wayd Pawlowski, Rowan Fuller & Joseph Pullen. Group B was equally close that saw, by virtue of the result against each other saw Tom Killen win the group from Wayd Pawlowski as runner-up in a group that saw nearly all win a game. That said though, by far the most impressive for me came from the smallest to take the green. With the biggest smile and loving every minute, young Rowan Fuller gets my vote of an honoury win and one to watch in the future.
As group winners, Joe & Tom Killen faced off in the Competition 21up final where early exchanges saw the brothers test each other on differing lengths around the green only for the scores tie 5-5(8ends). But then from finding himself 8-11(14ends) down, Joe seized control of the jack and held it for 7 out of 8 ends to open up an advantage of 18-12(22ends). But Tom was not yet done as he squeezed to take 4 of the next 5 ends to get back to trail 16-19(27ends). Only for Joe finish the game after 29(ends) winning 21-16.
Competition organiser, Mike Potter was quick to thank Phil Scott for measuring and congratulated and thanked the members of Much Wenlock for providing refreshments and the treat of a tranquil, superbly presented green before presenting the worthy young players their prizes. Joe Killen received the main Merit trophy, The Chris Davies Cup and his brother Tom Killen took the consolation prize, The Peter Ashton Cup. Both, Joe & Tom will represent Shropshire on Finals Day of the Junior All Britain in Manchester in August. Well Done Everyone.
Mike Potter Shropshire County Deputy President, 2021
