Taylor Support Shropshire Premier Bowls League
Champions face Dragons test, Wem face Fields, Ifton debutant
Champions Sir John Bayley face their first tough away test as they travel to St Georges in week 2 of the Salop Leisure Shropshire Premier Bowling League. They finally won there last year for the first time in the league’s history, but know that this will be a different kettle of fish as the Dragons have strengthened since then. Captain Chris Worthington says they are “looking forward to a tough game against a stronger St Georges team who seem to have regrouped. We’re going with confidence though and obviously want the win if we’re going to contend this year. Nothing’s a given though and it will be a great atmosphere.” St Georges will look to build on their good 6 winners last week at Meole Brace. Title rivals Castlefields face a tough test themselves going to Wem USC. There has been some classics on there in the last few years, with only a few chalks separating the teams, and it could well be close again. Wem skipper Derek Wright comments “Wem USC face Castlefields following our defeat at Burway. We welcome back Mike Dulson in the ranks and would hope to improve on last season’s home defeat.” The Fields may be without Rich Goddard and Callum Wraight depending on how well they do in today’s Good Friday Invitation at Houldsworth. Hanwood will look to put the pressure on those two teams with a good home win over Burway. Burway though will look to keep their form up from last week’s good home win over Wem.
Ifton will have a North Lancs & Fylde Premier League debutant in their side as they host Meole Brace. Captain Dickie Jones explains “after last week’s good performance at Sir John Bayley we are looking to start off well at home against Meole, who in the past have done well at our place. We have four players unavailable from last week so Owen Jackson comes in for his Premier League debut alongside Nick Hughes.” Meole failed to build on a good start last week when 6-2 up so will want to be on from 1-12 if they are to get a good result. Hanmer had a great 6 winners at Chester Road and will look for a good home win over Bylet who don’t have so much knowledge of their green. Bylet had a solid home win last week but know this is one of their tougher away games this season. Highley got 5 at Bylet last week but know their home form is keen to avoid being dragged into the relegation battle. Wrockwardine Wood will provide a stern test after strengthening over the Winter, and know winning there will provide a platform for a decent season. Newport are another team who know their home form will decide where they finish, and will look for a solid home win over Chester Road, who won last week at home.
Week 2 Fixtures:
St Georges v Sir John Bayley
Wem USC v Castlefields
Hanwood v Chester Road
Ifton v Meole Brace
Highley v Wrockwardine Wood
Newport v Chester Road
Hanmer v Bylet