Harry Church has become only the fifth bowler in more than 90 years to successfully defend the League’s Senior Merit crown.
The Sinclair first team captain retained the Shropshire Verti-Drain & Turf Services Ltd-backed title by winning a classic final against a team-mate at Donnington Wood.
His unfortunate rival was Ayden Smith, who had previously endured a 21-20 final defeat in the competition after a brilliant tie in 2012 against Jamie King, ironcially at Sinclair.
This time, at Saturday’s finals day for the last 16, Ayden looked like he would get his hands on the silverware as, twice after the score had got to 19 across, he lay on for game – only for the unflappable Harry to dash his dream.
“Harry drew the last (28th) end to win 20 and become the fifth bowler to retain this title after Jack Driscoll, Andy Stevens, Jamie King and John Breeze,” said League competition secretary Rob Burroughs.
“Well done to Harry on his success and qualifying for the Mid Shropshire Champion of Champions and Shropshire Champion of Champions.”
The other big talking point on a sunshine day was the superb run of 14-year-old Ellis Griffiths (Prince of Wales Hotel) to the semi-finals, recovering from 13-6 down against Ayden before bowing out on 19.
Champion again Harry, who received £200 as well as the trophy thanks to an superb entry of 114, also held off a late fightback from his last four opponent Nathan Lacey (Shifnal), who got to 18 after being 15-9 adrift.
“Thank you to Donnington Wood for hosting, and to Shropshire Verti-Drain & Turf Services for their sponsorship – and thank you to those who marked and measured on the day,” added Robtoday.
PICTURED are the finalists, Merit winner Harry Church and runner-up Ayden Smith, flanked by Mike Humphries and Paul Beer from the sponsors