County set told to up their game

BOWLS: GREATER Manchester’s bowlers have been urged to improve their performance levels in 2014.

A disappointing 2013 campaign saw the county bow out of the Crossfield Cup in the group stages.

They defeated North Midlands in their first game before losing to Shropshire and eventual winners Warwick and Worcester.

But a meeting of county management and many players last night thrashed out problems that arose last year.

Home team manager Keith Rudman and away team boss Colin Price both addressed the meeting, and the former said: “We need to be more professional and that means every home team player practising properly at match venues.

“We also need to find venues the players are comfortable with.

“Clearly, if we are to have any chance — and I think this county has several of the best players in the game — we have to get it right at home.

“It’s no good the away side producing great performances if we are struggling to win on our own greens.”

Rudman and Price said that any player not practising on a home green would face removal from the team because of a lack of commitment.

Said Rudman: “We start this summer with a clean slate. Players who wish to be considered should put themselves forward and if there are others they recommend then they will be considered, too.”