Taylor Support Shropshire Premier Bowls League
Road and Fields in must win, 4 of top 5 at home, North Shropshire Derby
Chester Road and Castlefields meet with both teams knowing that they must win for differing reasons in week 18 of the Salop Leisure Shropshire. Chester Road are adrift at the bottom and know they must win their home games to have a chance of avoiding bottom spot, while the Fields know they must win to bridge the 10 point gap to Sir John Bayley. Chester Road captain Paul Fowles says it is a “tough game, I still think that they will win the league. No real pressure on us really after last week’s result so it’s time to enjoy our games left and you never know.” Fields’ cause is not helped that the other teams in the top five are all at home. Leaders Sir John Bayley host Ifton who have done well at home to get out of trouble at the bottom, but don’t have a good record at the Bayley green. Newport have slipped behind because of their away form so know they need a big win against Wrockwardine Wood. The Wrockites though are looking for a top 6 finish still and have been in good form recently. St Georges have also slipped away from the top two and take on Meole Brace, who will be buoyed by their win over Newport last week. Hanwood have been in 5th place for most of the season and will hope to take advantage of Highley’s lack of green knowledge, however that hasn’t prevented Highley from gaining some good away results this season.
Hanmer travel to Wem USC in a North Shropshire Derby. Captain Dave Ellison comments “we go to our local rivals Wem where our record the last two years is dreadful! We had practice on there Tuesday night and had 5 winners but that result means nothing. We are playing well away from home though this year so we go there full of confidence.” Wem have had an up and down season but a top half finish is still in reach if they get a decent end to the season. Burway take on Bylet with both teams knowing a good end to the season could mean a top half finish.
Week 18 Fixtures:
Chester Road v Castlefields
Sir John Bayley v Ifton
Hanwood v Highley
Newport v Wrockwardine Wood
St Georges v Meole Brace
Wem USC v Hanmer
Burway v Bylet