Taylor Support Shropshire Premier Bowls League
Top four all collide, North Shropshire Derby, Burway look for positive start
The 2023 Taylor Support Shropshire Premier Bowling League returns tonight with the top four teams from last season all meeting in week 1! The Champions Wrockwardine Wood entertain Castlefields, with both teams having flown out the blocks last season. The Champions’ captain Rob Jones says it is a “tough opening fixture against a top side, who have strengthened well close season. But we’ve a strong squad available and are looking forward to the kick off.” Castlefields will be without four of their squad, with Jon & Tom Palmer, Rich Goddard and Callum Wraight all playing in the Houldsworth Invitation (and good luck to all four), but having added to their squad, they will still be sending a strong team. Captain Adie Rowe knows it is a “big game against the Champions, everyone of our players knows the importance of the fixture and were going there trying to win giving the respect they deserve.” The other of the top two meet in Wellington as Sir John Bayley entertain St Georges. Bayley joint skipper Dave Lloyd knows it is a “tough opener to mine and Tom’s captaincy, they did really well at our place last year getting 7 winners and are a side that always competes at the top, so won’t be easy! We have improved our side massively and will hope to start this season as we mean to go on!” St Georges skipper Tony Rhodes knows it is a “tough start against one of the league favourites. We’ll hope to pick up the odd point where able.”
Burway will be looking for a positive start to their season but entertain an Ifton side who were the form side in the second half last season. Hanwood finished 6th and will look for a good home win over a Wem USC with many changes from last season. The North Shropshire Derby has been reversed as the Chester Road green is still unfit for play, with both teams looking for a good start and avoid being in trouble early on. Highley only just avoided bottom last season and go to Meole Brace who were good at home last season and aiming for another top half finish. Adderley play Bylet on Wednesday night.
Week 1 Fixtures:
Wrockwardine Wood v Castlefields
Sir John Bayley v St Georges
Burway v Ifton
Hanwood v Wem USC
Meole Brace v Highley
Hanmer v Chester Road