Shropshire drop down after away loss
Shropshire have dropped to fourth in the BDO British Inter-Counties Championship Division Four ahead of the New Year after losing to Pembrokeshire.
The county darters were thwarted for a second time this season last weekend, having also recorded a draw and a win,
They next take on Bedfordshire at their home base of Castle Hall in Bridgnorth, on the weekend commencing January 16, looking to make up ground.
Play began at the Whitland Creameries Club with the women's 'B' affair, where hosts set their stall out with a 4-2 victory.
Shropshire's Michele Pritchard opened with an average of 14.72 in a 3-1 success over Margaret Elliott (12.99).
Daughter Sophie Fawcett made her Shropshire debut in game two aged 15 and outscored her opponent with 11.93 to Jane Flear's 11.88, only to lose 3-1.
Sue Phillips top scored for Pembrokeshire with 16.64 to secure a 3-1 result over Leanne Quinton, who was hot on her heels with 16.17.
The two sides could not be separated in the men's 'B' standings, where they played out a 6-6 draw.
Nathan Storar excelled for Shropshire with 23.86 in a 3-0 whitewash of Declan Coles (15.32), while Pembrokeshire's Ben Cloake had 24.86 in a 3-2 downing of Philip Austin (21.70).
Jacob Perrins also performed for the guests to make it four wins out of four for the county, notching 18.60 in a last leg vanquishing of Ian Hopkins (17.75).
Shropshire were four behind after the women's 'A' clashes, going down to a second 4-2 defeat, despite Steph Clarke's 20.04 in a 3-0 shut-out of Lesley Phillips (14.65).
Two-time BDO World Masters winner Julie Gore showed her abilities for Pembrokeshire, with 20.79 in a 3-1 win over Marie Riggs (19.19).
An 8-4 loss in the men's 'A' finale saw Pembrokeshire to victory, with Steve Alker's 26.20 as he rolled over Derek Coulson (26.06) 4-2 helping them on their way.
Richard Parker's mustered Shropshire's best reply under the best-of-seven format, gleaning 25.28 in a 4-1 drubbing of Darren Owens (19.41).
