Results

Preliminary Games

Ben Allen 21 Nick Flatters 11

Paul Lloyd 21 Mark Checkett 5

Bert Morris 21 Stan Checkett 18

Duncan Pressley 21 Nathan Baker 16

Kiah Roberts 21 Jane Flatters 2

Steve Burmingham 21 Mark Gittens 13

First Round

Allen 21 Lloyd 14

Morris 21 Pressley 20

Roberts 21 Burmingham 15

Harry Parsonage 21 John Oakley 1

Lee Wilding 21 Jack Parsonage 11

Jesse James 21 Viv Cooper 11

Ben James 21 Ben Austin 11

Warren Euddaf 21 Tim Jacks 15

Quarter Finals

Allen 21 Morris 18

Parsonage 21 Roberts 20

Wilding 21 J James 15

B James 21 Euddaf 8

Semi Finals

Allen 21 Parsonage 15

Wilding 21 B James 14

Final

Allen 21 Wilding 9

CLEOBURY PLAYERS

Report

Cleobury Mortimer was the venue for the 2023 Ludlow Motors Ludlow and District Bowls League Individual Merit and 22 competitors took part on a sun blessed day. A few drop outs following the original draw saw a few reserves take their slots and two of them really took advantage. 

Highlights in the earlier rounds saw Harry Parsonage beat County star Kiah Roberts 21 - 20 in a thriller and Bert Morris roll back the years in defeating Duncan Pressley and pushing Ben Allen very close in the quarter finals.

Both semi finals were all Burway affairs and a new name was guaranteed to be on the trophy as none of them had won it before. The first one took place between Ben Allen and Harry Parsonage. Allen started strong and was 5 - 0 up within three ends but Parsonage battled throughout the early stages and did get it back to being 9 - 7 and 12 - 10 down. Allen was making his twos count though and was soon 18 - 11 and 20 - 12 up and looking comfortable. Parsonage did score three more shots but Allen got the winning show to win 21 - 15.

Semi final number two was between Lee Wilding and Ben James with James looking to avenge his brother's defeat to Wilding the previous round. The game was even in the early stages before a sudden burst by Wilding saw him lead 11 - 4. Wilding didn't let up and was 20 - 7 up and in total command before James battled back and got it back  to 20 - 14. Wilding scored that elusive winning shot though and won 21 - 14.

This set up a tasty final between good friends Allen and Wilding but Allen was taking no prisoners and the current Bylet Open champion stormed into a 12 - 4 lead and showed his liking for the green. Wilding scored a couple of two's to give himself a chance but Allen was dominant after Wilding got it back to 15 - 9 and Allen won the trophy for the first by winning 21 - 9.

A delighted Allen said afterwards "I had a tough draw in the early rounds and had to beat some good home bowlers and kudos must go to the green keeper as the green was in a fantastic condition which I've adored all day. Happy to beat Bert in the quarter finals and he gave me a great game and good to play a good mate in the final. I can celebrate with my tea of Bernard Matthews Turkey Dinosaurs with a nice side salad and lashings of dressing and am really pleased to have won the trophy for the first time. Special thanks to all my followers on social media for their well wishes as well."

The committee of the Ludlow Motors Ludlow and District Bowls League would like to thank everyone who played on the day and all those who came to support the competition as well. Huge thanks to all at Cleobury Mortimer Bowling Club who provided first class refreshments and a quality bowling surface to play on. Thanks also to everyone who marked cards and taped ends through the day as well.

Thanks

Steve Burmingham

League Secretary