Express & Star

Brewers toast cup success

M&B Cheslyn Hay are celebrating after they retained the Staffordshire Challenge Cup.

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The Brewers got their hands on the trophy again thanks to an 18-shot success against Penn at Bloxwich Stafford Road Bowing Club.

The holders began the match strongly, taking three winners in the front four, including a typically impressive 21-12 return from the ever-reliable David East.

This advantage was stretched even further in the middle four, with M&B claiming a further three winning cards. And with honours even in the back four, they were able to lift trophy for the 12th time in the history. Victorious M&B captain Aaron Tapper said: “We knew the final was going to be another close affair, but our side showed great character and maturity to win the County Cup for the second consecutive year.

“To lift the cup, we have overcome Dudley Dell, Nordley and Penn along the way, which shows how far we have come as a group.

“We now eagerly look forward to our invitation to represent Staffordshire at the World Team Championships in Spring 2020.”

Challenge Cup match scores (M&B first): David East 21 Mark Jones 12; Cliff Johnson 12 Dave Rhodes 21; Neil Bromley 21 Ben Dixon 19; Jack Hill 21 Scott Harries 18; Aaron Tapper 21 Martin Gaut 19; Kevin Keary 19 Mick Brown 21; Reece Farr 21 Rob Fuller 13; Craig Dace 21 Gary Cooper 15; Steve Davis 14 Paul Busby 21; Jordan Picken 18 Ian Charles 21; Dave Price 21 Mark Stevens 18; Martin Huxley 21 Mark Crook 15.

The Consolation Cup final saw Willenhall Nordley B ease to a convincing 43-shot success against Penkridge.

Both Greg Cooper (21-4) and Martin Orme (21-6) recorded impressive performances for the winning side.

The final of the Midlands Masters individual competition takes place on Sunday at Prees Bowling Club in Shropshire.

Staffs will be represented in the 64-strong field by Gary Cooper, Andy Runham, Glyn Storer, Gordon Hawkins, Aaron Tapper, Scott Simpson, Gary Jones, Dave Semper, Stuart Gittings, Steve Freer and Reece Farr.

With just two games to go in the Wolverhampton & South Staffs Premier Division, the battle to avoid relegation is hotting up with just 12 points separating three sides.

Bottom-of-the-table Bylet, who host Woodfield tomorrow, are on 98 points. The other sides in the mix face tricky away games this weekend with Short Heath, who sit 11th on 107, travelling to Windmill while Glasscutters (110) head to Penn.

At the other end of the table, Willenhall Nordley look unstoppable in their quest for the title. They welcome Cradley Sports & Social tomorrow.