Taylor Support Shropshire Premier Bowls League
Pool A
League Champions Sir John Bayley will start their quest to make it two trophies when playing Newport at Wrockwardine Wood. Newport though will be desperate to win a trophy this season. Castlefields will also look to make it two trophies, in addition to the Barlows Fire & Security Alan Mayhew Trophy, when taking on Wrockwardine Wood at the Bylet. However Wrockwardine are in good form themselves, and will look for as much competitive bowls as possible before their big day in the Super Cup Finals. Skipper Rob Jones says it is a “tough draw against a top side but we’ve got a full team and a very good 8 available. I’m confident we will make a good account of themselves.” The other tie could be a close one as St Georges play Hanwood, both teams were only separated by a point over the season. St Georges will look to make up for the disappointment of losing in Saturday’s Mayhew Final, while Hanwood will look for their first win in this competition. Joint captain Mark Shore says “we face our closest rivals in the table. With the format at 8 aside we are at near full strength. We expect a close game.” Wem USC receive a bye.
Fixtures:
Castlefields v Wrockwardine Wood at Bylet non-prem
St Georges v Hanwood at Sir John Bayley
Sir John Bayley v Newport at Wrockwardine Wood
Wem USC bye
Pool B
Two of the most successful teams in this competition meet as Burway take on Ifton at Hanwood. Both teams have had disappointing league seasons and will want to make up for this in this competition. Highley are playing their first ever Pool B game, and will take on Meole Brace at the Bowring. Joint skipper Stu Gittings says “as a club we really enjoyed our first season in a highly competitive league with some top players. The pool league is new to us so going to embrace it and give it our best shot. A few lads unavailable but will still have a good eight. Meole Brace are a good team having played them recently so we know it will be tough but looking forward to the first match and hopefully getting to the finals night.” Meole have incredibly never won this competition, so will be looking to put that right this season. The other game sees Chester Road play Hanmer on Thursday night at Wem USC. Chester Road will be grateful of some competitive bowls before their playoff, while Hanmer will be looking to make their first final in the league. Captain Dave Ellison says “we have Chester Road on Thursday that promises to be a close encounter. It would be nice to finish the season with a good cup run and we hope to be the surprise package in Pool B.” Bylet have the bye.
Fixtures:
Hanmer v Chester Road at Wem USC on Thursday 26th September
Highley v Meole Brace at Bowring
Burway v Ifton at Hanwood
Bylet bye
A reminder that dress code applies and 50p per player is given to the host club.