Week 17 Preview

North Shropshire 30 pointer, Telford Derby, Fields look for home advantage

Hanmer and Chester Road meet in week 17 of the Salop Leisure Shropshire Premier Bowling League with both teams needing the points at the bottom. Hanmer’s form has dipped after a tough run of fixtures while the Road have been struggling all season. Hanmer captain Dave Ellison says “we have our local rivals tonight and looking for a home win after having the top 4 teams come to Hanmer recently. The Road have struggled a little this year but will be looking to get back on track at a green they know well. I expect a good atmosphere and we do need a home victory after some good away performances lately.” Chester Road won there last year to pretty much condemn Hanmer to bottom place, but a big home win could do the same to the Road this season. Ifton will look to take advantage of those two teams around them meeting as they entertain Hanwood. The visitors have come a long way since they got beat 14-0 there on their return to the league, but know a good result is needed to try and get into the top four. Ifton will be happy with their last two home games as they beat Newport and St Georges.

Three of the top four join Hanwood in being away this week. Leaders Sir John Bayley have a tough game at the Bylet, who will be looking to bounce back from their first home loss since May last year. However the Bayley who the only other team to win there last season and know a win there will keep their place at the top. Newport in 3rd go to Meole Brace, a green they have struggled on in the past. They have struggled for good away form recently too and know this has to change if they are to win their sixth title. Meole will he on a high after reaching the KGJ Insurance County Cup Final and their players will be looking to impress to book their place in that team. St Georges are in 4th and go to their local rivals Wrockwardine Wood. The home side won 11-3 last season, but the result sparked a resurgence from the Dragons which meant they finished above their rivals. The Wrockites are doing well in 6th place but face competition to keep that. Captain Rob Jones is “looking forward to entertaining our close neighbours St. Georges. They are having a good season in the league & cup, and we have a strong home record so I expect a competitive game.” Castlefields are the odd ones out in that top 5 as they have a home game against Burway. After their win on the Bylet they know it’s time to kick on and apply the pressure on the leaders. The visitors have started to pick up some good results lately though. Highley entertain Wem USC with both teams knowing a good end to the season could get them a top 6 finish.