Grassroots bowls at its best was the tribute paid to the four teams that contested the Ashton trophy finals.
It came from League president Mike Potter after the two finals for Monday division teams were played at separate venues on the evening of Saturday 3rd September.
Newport C won the man Ashton Cup on Sir John Bayley No.1 while Allscott Heath C landed the consolation Ashton Shield just up the road in Wellington on Bowring’s No.1 green – but both finals were mighty close as the handicap system worked.
Big wins by Ian Wright (21-5) and Patrick Evans jnr (21-9) helped division four high fliers Newport overcome an 11 shot handicap to beat Bowring C by 10 shots, Dean Heighway’s 21-8 card the best of four winners from the 10 games for the division five promotion hopefuls.
Allscott had an even bigger 16 shot handicap to surmount against Horsehay C, but 21-8 wins by Rob Sutherland and Laura Taylor and 21-9s from Jeff Davies and Casey Starling got them over the line by just seven chalks, Mick Davies winning 21-11 for skipper Des Conneely’s 2019 Shield winners.
“The League thanks all four teams in the Ashton trophy finals for delivering two cracking games played in exactly the right spirit with grassroots bowls the real winner,” said secretary Malcolm Fletcher.
“And sincere thanks to League president Mike Potter and wife Lin for making both presentations at two different venues thanks to a 15 minute difference in the start times.”
Full scores and pictures will be posted shortly under ASHTON CUP and ASHTON SHIELD headlines in Competitions News
Coming up this Saturday – 10th September – it’s the Harris Cup final night with St Georges (Premier) against first time entrants Hadnall on Newport No. 1 at 6.30pm.
Then on Friday 30th September, to mark the end of the season, the ladies v gents challenge match for the Dave Ellis Memorial Shield will be played at Bridgnorth (7pm start). Anyone who bowls in the League and wants to play in the fun match should contact general secretary Malcolm Fletcher
