There’s a good reason why top bowler John Breeze had never won the Mid Shropshire Merit until now – because he can’t remember entering it before!
But now the County Merit winner of 2000 is the king of the Molson Coors-backed League after triumphing in style on the evening of Friday 21st April at Bylet in Bridgnorth
John, a former Shropshire senior team regular who is now bowling for Newport, got his hands on a trophy first played for in 1934 by beating John Roberts jnr 21-13 in the final to bank £140.
“John Breeze won the 2023 Shropshire Verti-Drain & Turf Services Ltd Senior Merit after always being ahead in the final,” said new league competition secretary Rob Burroughs.
“He was leading 9-2 early on and held off any chance of a comeback by running out from 18-13 in his favoured round pegs.”
John Roberts, who has signed for reigning champions Horsehay this season, said: “I’m gutted I couldn’t get it won, but happy to make the final of the Merit.
“Congratulations to John Breeze, the best player on the night.”
The new champion, who won the Whitchurch League’s Norman Ford Invitation Classic earlier in the month, beat Greg Needham (Shifnal) 21-4 in his semi-final while Roberts ran out from 12 across against new clubmate Andy Garbett.
A record for this century of 80 bowlers entered and for full scores from the finals night please see Competition News.
OUR PICTURE shows winner John Breeze with competition sponsors Paul Beer and Mike Humphries
