Double delight for Derek Wright
Shropshire star Derek Wright is no stranger to making bowls history – and he’s now done it again at British Parks level.
The Wem USC legend became the first bowler to win both the Senior Merit and Veterans Merit run by the Parks when he triumphed in the over-60 competition.
Wright returned to his old stomping ground at Chester Road, who he helped win the County Cup in 2011, to lift the trophy and add to his Senior success of 1996 as North Shropshire Parks hosted the big day.
He beat Adderley ace Alan Boulton – representing North Staffordshire – 21-10 in the final, his sixth game on a day that took its toll.
“I’m paying for it now,” said the proud 61-year old on the night of his historic title.
But next day he added: “Yes I’m proud. I’ve recovered quite well and it’s on to the next tournament now.”
After two early wins, Wright saw off two fellow North Shropshire bowlers in Barry Hughes 21-7 and Richard Evans 21-10 to reach the semi-finals, when he then accounted for Ian Johnson (North Derbyshire) 21-13.
Boulton beat Davide Redfern (East Midlands) 21-15 in his last-four tie, but had no answer as Wright added another historic notch, having been Shropshire’s first Isle of Man September Festival winner in 1992 before going on to win 100-plus county caps.
Said Boulton: “I would have loved that final to be have been billed as a totally Shropshire event, but there was nothing I could do.
“Some years ago, I wanted to play in the Parks league and it didn’t exist in Shropshire/North Shropshire, so I was registered to play for the Westlands club in the Potteries. This has continued and it is they who entered me into the British Parks Vets Merit.”
