Bowling News
Whilst the Yorkshire team was getting dumped out of the BCGBA County Championship by Derbyshire in the other semi-final Staffordshire were taking the underdog role against Shropshire. I found this story of one bowler's perception of that big day in one county's history written by Michael Ledwidge, a member of the Staffordshire away team on that day. The story covers the period from 1941 to last week and is well worth a read.
CROSFIELD CUP SEMI FINAL
SUNDAY 6TH AUGUST 2023
SHROPSHIRE v STAFFORDSHIRE
AWAY TEAM REPORT ON MEOLE BRACE NUMBER 2 GREEN
DON’T DREAM IT’S OVER!
SUMMER OF 1941
The impish six year old child, wiped away sodden natural tears, as he kissed his mother on both cheeks, before leaving her for a temporary holiday, within an idyllic rural landscape so he was told. Away from Willenhall, and the threat of the repugnant German Luftwaffe bombers, who were attempting to deface industrialised areas such as Willenhall, located in the West Midlands conurbation night after night.
An evacuee, separated from both parents in fact, as father Tom was on board a mine sweeper, in the midst of a raging Atlantic Ocean naval battle. The 12:06pm steam train, pulled away from Wolverhampton station in late June 1941, destined for Wellington in Shropshire. The same young lad Paul Michael Ledwidge, (this writer's father) took a seat in an empty compartment, pining for both parents but also inquisitive, eyes lusting in wonderment, as the urban landscape dissipated into flat-lined agricultural land as the border into Shropshire was pierced.
His elder brother Claude, aged just twelve himself, saw himself on his own journey of enlightenment. Shropshire, would be the earliest version of a longed for independence as far as he was concerned. To be looked after by a distant relative, in the Shropshire riverscape of Coalport, was his own version of heaven on earth. The only drawback, was taking younger brother Paul along as well, but he was sure there would be no problem once settled.
Auntie Jean in Coalport, would surely gift Claude his freedom, as he was almost twelve and a half, whilst keeping her motherly eye on young vulnerable Paul. The train was met at Wellington station, by Uncle David in his 1935 Riley Monaco, and a slow and careful drive ensued, mostly downhill towards the riverside Shropshire village of Coalport. Claude and Paul, in the back of the Monaco, just willing Uncle David to ease off the brake a bit as the cottage came into view, the river spookily meandering to the right-hand side of the cottage, leading out towards Ironbridge, and some of the earliest symbols of an industrial revolution, that had occurred less than a century and a half beforehand.
For Paul, the clouds that descended on the River Severn, that he could see from his upper floor bedroom, signified a shadowy loneliness, away from his mother Clara and younger sister Patricia, for those first couple of weeks.
Claude, was wild and bought into the outdoor life with no persuasion, fishing trips with Uncle David, and sometimes a bottle of pop sitting outside, whilst his uncle who had avoided the war due to quite severe childhood asthma, quite common in the Ledwidge family tree, drunk himself silly at The Woodbridge pub in Coalport, before driving them both back to the cottage across the Coalport bridge rather haphazardly.
Paul, more thoughtful and sensitive, made a quieter start to country life that summer of 1941. Sometimes, just before dusk in fading light, he walked through nearby woodland and spotted columns of Junker Ju 88 German bombers, flying northwest towards Liverpool and Manchester. The sliver of light, still apparent between the branches of the majestic beechwood trees that he bestrode, revealing the markings of Nazi Germany on their fuselage, the hated swastika seemingly clinging to the highest branch, akin to the most distorted star that ever adorned a Christmas tree.
Paul, eventually finding his way into the more rural Shropshire lifestyle, joining a local wartime under nine football team, run by a local village officer who had been a veteran of the Great War, more specifically a victim of the third battle of Ypres, also known as the battle of Passchendale, where unfortunately he lost his left leg.
Paul, could never remember the name of this veteran, who ran the Coalport under nine football team, who gave his young life aspiration again in that summer of 1941, but was eternally grateful for encouraging him to play the game that he came to love. His isolation, withdrawn as soon as he held the football at his feet, even in his infancy Paul was two-footed and blessed with natural pace, Paul adapted as usual and found a dream to follow that summer of 1941, that of being a footballer.
SUMMER OF 2023
Eighty-Two years later, and Paul's son (this writer) is travelling in a very different fashion towards The Wrekin, much changed from the journey experienced by his father Paul, as an evacuee all those years ago. Towards his own dream, but most immediately, a Crosfield Cup semi-final against Shropshire, at the Meole Brace club in Shrewsbury.
An iconic two-green competition venue, ran impeccably by Barry Jennings, for so many years, a natural starting point during springtime for the crown green participants to awaken from their winter slumber, and take part in a proper 21-up competition.
Dave Card, the referee, introducing himself with his normal cordial aplomb, and giving out the most honest and wisest opinion, that any bowler could wish for. July 2023, had been horrific in terms of weather, an arid early summer had hung on until the first two weeks of June, spiralling downwards thereafter, raincoats were at the ready most days recently, greens were more typically being landscaped by worm cast rather than dust.
That touch bowlers paradise of early summer, had long been outlasted by the reaching bowler's mantra of be through the end, being short is the ultimate weakness.
Heavy showers, still hung over Telford on route, the intensity and rainfall of Storm Antoni the day previous, clung to the window frames of the office blocks visible from the M54. Skies clearing, and a blue skyline becoming increasingly dominant, as Junction six M54 approached and the J6 exit towards Wellington.
The Wrekin now lay ahead, two-thirds clear by lunchtime and the willowy mist receding each minute, as the pearly gates opened towards Shrewsbury. A couple of close mates travelling with me on this journey, Ian Davis and Martin Biddulph, holding their breath, as the Renault Captor slowly descended towards the ring roads. Don't think this writer had played Meole Brace number two green, since the All England of 2011, losing in the second round to Martin Lloyd.
The roadwork’s around Shrewsbury, not quite condusive to the maps now glowing on the Renault Captor’s satellite navigation system, but near enough for this writer to recognise the area and landmarks.
Arrival at Meole Brace, at half past twelve, just 30 minutes before home team practice, early enough to study the trajectory of a green, whence most of the Staffordshire players taking part, had some kind of starting point, or indeed a mark they recognised. The jacks placed nearest the number one green, were relocated hastily upon arrival. Kicked unceremoniously towards the car park edge, already doubts were laden within Shropshire heads as to the best point of attack, on a seemingly benign Meole Brace Number two green.
Facing towards the quicker and trickier land, perhaps where this writer would have started, but lots of games played on this surprising green choice by the Staffordshire lads too, it seemed a repeat of the Potteries selection in group game one, where a notable competition green (Florence) had been selected by the opposition.
Dangerous and misled logic, because Staffordshire have a new identity going forward. Over the last couple of seasons, some of the Staffs brightest young achievers have been reaching finals of major competitions. And at the highest levels, Scott Simpson, a teammate of mine and perennial tournament winner in the last decade, started the flow line as he reached the final of the BCGBA Champion Of Champions in 2021.
Followed by Nathan Dawes, reaching the final of a restructured Autumn Waterloo in 2022. And just a week ago, Reece Farr, losing to the impeccable Simon Coupe of North Lancs and Fylde, in the final of the All England Championship at Heaton Park, Manchester. No greater frontline can be gained than success in these three events, fantasy bowls is defined by progress in such competition, so stardust already beginning to seep into the upper echelons the Staffordshire ranks.
But until this season, a Staffordshire side timid and unwilling to express themselves In team competition. A county riddled with division, petty club rivalries and online spats, decimating team spirit and seemingly no path forward except a routine season of ongoing decline and mediocrity.
2022, not a great start towards redemption, but the commencement of the 2023 season had renewed vigour, supplementing the campaign from the off. Maybe a most winnable group of three added hope, but it was apparent in this writer's eyes at Florence back in May, that 2023 was not about the individual. The T had been put back in team, and dare I say it a kind of kinship had been struck, amongst the various elements of the team from the off.
Practice taking place at Meole Brace, and a kindly pace for the opposition after a day's rain on the Saturday beforehand, maybe akin to the pace experienced during the open competition in April, certainly a speed that so many of the Staffordshire team were used to over the years.
Nathan Dawes, at position one away again for Staffs, calmness and composure personified, the slayer of Owen in The Potteries and Nicholson in Cumbria. A lad who has worked as hard as any, by playing many open competitions to hone his craft over the last few seasons. Pitted against Paul Evans from Shropshire, very hard to write that sentence as he is a Staffordshire legend himself, and one of their most successful all time players.
Evo, a club mate of mine, who had played some of the best bowls of his career through April and May 2023, before sciatica had left him sidelined for a few weeks. A very difficult day, Sunday 6th August must have been for him, as his son Owen, was making his debut for Staffordshire, against Shropshire in this same game and venue. Paul, fronted up as usual however in his natural competitive matchplay mode.
Dawes, once more though taking the initiative from the off, playing a more expansive game on this occasion, and opening up a 12-4 lead. Evo, battling and grafting, but that 8 shot lead never realistically looked like being pegged back, Nathan, picking off Evo in the latter stages, to record his third away win of the 2023 campaign, all at number one away.
Dan Davies, up for Staffordshire at number two, always a glint of mischief in his eye as he takes to the green. Playing the game his grandfather taught him well, in his own random inimitable fashion, although his best game can be very good indeed. Dan, has been around some time now, and has frequented a few clubs in that Himley to Penn corridor. Settling with his mates again at Woodman Mount Pleasant Kingswinford, he has come of age these past couple of seasons, playing a major role for his club during their South Staffs title success of 2022. He has promised on occasion, during the county games played in Stoke On Trent and in Kendal. This game, he finished the job, completing the great work he put in during the early stages of his heat against Darren Wellings. Concluding with classy aplomb 21-12, and the first two winners in tte paddock for Staffordshire.
Game three, and my Willenhall Nordley clubmate and captain, taking to a green he knew well from his time playing for Wrockardine Wood, in the Shropshire Premier League. Jonah, is always at full throttle in every contest, today was no exception, but he is so much more controlled these days. Following the early impetus that the Staffordshire front four had already claimed, Jonah, made his card count in strong-arm fashion, the early surge of momentum continued towards Staffordshire. So accurate with jack in hand, and a great grouper of his bowls once the first has arrowed in. Jonah is having a fantastic county season, improving with each game, and so it proved yet again as he earned a comprehensive and deserved victory against Gary Neal.
Reece Farr in position four, once described by this writer as a talented enigma. Now the first Staffordshire All England finalist since my great mate Mel Evans in 1982, losing only last week in the final at Heaton Park, to one of the all-time great crown green exponents in Simon Coupe. Reece, like all of the away team front four at Meole Brace, started splendidly. That first end is so important in games such as this, and three out of four Staffordshire bowlers were casting the jack out second end.
The golden ten-minute period, at the start of the initial first four ends, setting the tone for Staffordshire on this glorious day. Reece, playing a three quarter mark, just under the crown, left hand against right, indirectly to and away from the club, that Shropshire county champion Richard Lawson could not fathom. 21-13 to Reece, so dedicated and current, maybe this writer should now record him as a prodigious current talent, rather than an enigma!
An overall match total of 32 shots up away, and 6 shots up at home at this stage.
Craig Cartwright, the darling of Dudley, in the number five position for Staffordshire on this day. Facing Callum Wraight, so idolised in Shrewsbury, very surprised that Callum was not in the first four to put down a marker for the home team, but held back on this occasion. Craig played so well for eleven, so many close bowls struck off the green by the Wraight sledgehammer, or a fine saver denying Cartwright a priceless two.
Wraight, looking and handling himself like the superstar he is, 21-11 to Callum and the minutest hope of a way back into the game for Shropshire at this stage. Increasing at six, courtesy of the unorthodox delivery utilised by Mike Gilpin, this writer had never seen this lad play before, but he had started so well against Jack Hill from M&B Cheslyn Hay. Jack, seemed to be facing elimination at 1-13, but commendably kept his head as he struggled to find consistency on the green. Scrambling those eight shots from Gilpin in the games later stages, can be so important in a team event. It was not Jack's day, but he kept going till the end, 21-9 to Gilpin.
Dave Semper, at number seven, the Stevie Coppell position, and the way teams are arranged nowadays, you never quite know what calibre of opponent that you might face. Semper, maybe struggling with technique and motivation, recently took a couple of weeks away from the game, he had played and embraced for so long. A change is as good as a rest, returning to the Willenhall Nordley A team in magnificent fashion the day before, with a 21-3 away win on Langley, the form carried through to Meole Brace. Kiah Roberts, his opponent, and from a level game at the halfway stage, Semper surged again, deliveries pure and true from hand to jack (honestly). David, finding his mojo and form again during the second half of this game, 21-13 to Dave, and the Shropshire mini recovery had stalled.
Owen Evans, aged just eighteen, at number eight for Staffordshire on debut, son of a legend and so hard to emulate a father's legacy. This lad is so different though, and possesses ice in his veins. A Summit League game at Atherstone Cons, about six weeks ago revealed to this writer how good this lad can become. A comprehensive victory that night against a proper home bowler, Owen, displaying weight bowling of the calibre I have not seen since the heyday of Norman Dawkes at Chadsmoor, and that is some compliment believe me. Owen, almost as if he is born for the big occasion so utterly nerveless, taking everything in his stride against such an experienced opponent, who held great knowledge of the home green in his armoury. Owen, getting even better in fact as the game reached its conclusion. Where there is an almost faultless, straight armed delivery, not much can come along and taint it other than attitude. Fortunately, Owen possesses such a fantastic temperament as well. 21-9 on the day to a much deserved MOM, and so much more to come from this young fellow as his career moves on.
The overall match score after 16 ends of this game, 8 shots up on The Rag and a colossal 30 shot advantage still on Meole Brace. Peter Cookson, playing up the order at nine these days, pitted against one of Shropshires finest in Mike Beer. The complete all-round player and family man, who plays the game he loves on his own terms. Such a fantastic all round player, displaying the great range of marks within his game on this day, Cookson, highly competitive and playing out a superb 14 in the end. Beer's willingness to alter the mark however, to negate Pete's resistance was so telling, if plan A was not working then attempt another method of attack. Fortunately, Beer so blessed with the natural talent and timing to alter his game on a whim, so classy in his game management and his reaction after the game exemplary. Beer the Shropshire MOM on this day surely!
A man, who deserves a break, playing at ten for Staffordshire is Jamie Wyatt, he has looked a player who has the determination and temperament to succeed at county level, but until this day looking for his first win. His opponent on this day Martin Lloyd, who certainly knew his way around this green. Jamie, once again though embracing the uniqueness of the county occasion, and holding his own manfully in a nip and tuck encounter. This time however, he gained that heavenly W, just getting over the line against a very fine player.
This writer at eleven for Staffordshire, against Ashley Wellings, from Hanwood, the younger players these days in this area I know little about, bought up in an age where my opponent would have been Paul Williams, Wayne Phillips or Clay Flatley, so took to the green to explore some long forgotten ridge from 1997, that I played in the competition.
Finding on this occasion an opponent as unorthodox as myself, an outside in delivery to counter my inside out, a conundrum for the most fertile geometric brain available, at Meole Brace on this day. An early lead for Ashley, that in hindsight he never properly looked like relinquishing, despite my battling, as he played with proper intent throughout the contest, 21-15 to the younger Wellings, a healthy game with no real drama, and good luck to Ashley the rest of the season. "You know Newbo" at twelve for Staffordshire, and also chief selector. Nick Newey, playing the Shropshire equivalent of himself on this day in Wayne Rogers, a man who has seen and done it all before on many occasions. A high quality old school encounter was played out, two players who play at their own very deliberate pace.
In a game of few twos, it was the Shropshire player Rogers, who edged the win 21-18.
An overall match aggregate in the end of plus 40 shots in favour of Staffordshire, A 24-shot home victory at the home venue The Rag, backed up by an eventual 16 shot away victory, on Meole Brace number 2 green.
EPILOGUE
My father Paul, returned to Willenhall, September 1941, after his summer away in the Shropshire countryside, he returned a more confident and outgoing child, a great transformation in fact from the shy and withdrawn infant, that boarded the train to Wellington in the late Spring.
The immediate Nazi threat to Britain had receded somewhat, as the German war machine had moved a lot of resources to a new eastern front, that would cost millions of lives in the next four years, Stalingrad was the new front line, not London or Manchester or Liverpool, so much anyway.
Paul, carried with him new hope and a dream to become a footballer, which he longed for deep into his teenage years, a great father and role model he became. Staffordshire, follow that same dream and aspiration on the 3rd of September 2023 in the Crosfield Cup Final against Derbyshire, a great game will be played out and new history will be written and recorded.
Kommentare