Taylor Support Shropshire Premier Bowls League
Bayley win league, Adderley avoid bottom spot
Sir John Bayley won the 2023 Taylor Support Shropshire Premier Bowling League after getting 5 winners at Wem USC. Vice-captain Tom Roden said “phew, what a relief. Friday night’s performance wasn’t our finest, but credit to Wem USC, they outplayed us and thoroughly deserved their win. We wish them all the best if they find themselves in a playoff match in the coming weeks. After winning the league by a single point it makes me extremely thankful that we have a squad of players who fight tirelessly for every point week after week, especially when things aren’t going our way. The team spirit this year at the Bayley has been second to none. Around week 15 I recall us being 14 points clear of Castlefields, but well aware we had a slightly tougher run of fixtures, and as always, the Fielders were never going to give up the chase. By week 20 they had all but closed the gap and it looked like they might pip us to the post. Our season defining moment came in week 24 at Ifton, winning 12-4 and by a single shot after being 4 apiece and 22 shots down going into the back 4. I think this was the first time we honestly felt it was in our hands. Finally, I’d like to wish Castlefields my sincerest commiserations. They’ve pushed us to the bitter end this season and the relentless competition has made the win that much more rewarding. I hope for more of the same next season.” Bayley’s best winner was Alex Jones 21-6 to cap a great season for him winning the League Averages and Most Consecutive Wins. Despite the result Wem finished bottom, and now await any potential play off. Skipper George Williams says “first of all I must say a huge congratulations to Sir John Bayley on winning not only the league but the treble, a fantastic achievement for all involved with the club. Onto the night’s match and as has been the case throughout most home games for us this season we came off 3-1 to the good. I don’t normally like to single players out but Sarah Weaver was (from what I saw while on the green) immaculate (to be best winner 7). The Bayley hit back in the middle with some very good bowling and it looked like we may be throwing it away. However onto the back 4 our boys bowled some real good stuff to take all four winners. This created some good atmosphere and nerves for the Bailey. There was some confusion at the end of the match who had won the agg and after the all knowing Rob Burroughs looked through the cards it proved all our battle and effort had been worthwhile on the night. However news was filtering through that Castlefields had got two losers and the celebrations for the Bayley took place. We’re aren’t sure if anybody will be challenging us in the playoffs but one thing I do know is, we will be ready to do battle if there is.”
Castlefields did get their own big win 12-2 against Burway which wasn’t quite enough. Captain Adie Rowe said “I’m proud to have captained Castlefields in such a hard fought competitive season that went down to the wire. Our team stuck together right to the end and we got a good result against the Burway lads who had some travel issues getting to our place. Some big wins for Hayden Lewis, Andy Judson (both best winners 4) and Callum Wraight but we just fell fractionally short. Congratulations to the Bayley, a familiar saying is ‘that is bowls!'” Burway’s winners were Kiah Roberts and Duncan Pressley 17. Adderley will definitely be extending their stay past their first season in the league after beating Meole Brace 9-5. Skipper Gary Whitehall said it was “a good night with Meole Brace and good to finish off the season with a win, in general it’s been a very enjoyable first season reaching a respectable 139 points. However the reality check is that you would usually finish bottom with that so next season with more preparation time we look to improve and try to stay away from danger.” Best winner was Matty Worden 9 for them, while Meole’s was Aiden Hughes 10.
Ifton secured 5th place with a 10-4 win over Wrockwardine Wood. Ian Jones was their best winner 3, while Martin Williams was best for the former Champions 10. St Georges finished between those two teams in 4th as they defeated Chester Road 12-2. Pete Farmer was their best winner 3, while Phil Scott was best for the visitors 8. Highley finished in 10th after defeating Hanmer 11-3. History was made as Lol Russon become potentially the oldest player to play in the league at 91 years old. Their best winner was Sean Lockley 5 with Andy Armstrong best for the away side 8. Bylet beat Hanwood 9-5 with Cheryl Caswell continuing heir fine form being best winner 6. Captain Rich Lawson and Phil Lyttle were best winners for the Shrewsbury side 12.
Sir John Bayley won the league by a point to Castlefields, while Wem USC finished 7 adrift of Adderley at the bottom.
| Won | Agg | Pts | Home Team | Premier | Away Team | Pts | Agg | Won | H | A | CH | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 221 | 9 | Adderley | V | Meole Brace | 5 | 215 | 5 | ✓ | |||
| 9 | 228 | 11 | Highley | V | Hanmer | 3 | 169 | 3 | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| 7 | 203 | 9 | Wem U S C | V | Sir J Bayley | 5 | 202 | 5 | ✓ | |||
| 10 | 244 | 12 | Castlefields | V | Burway | 2 | 147 | 2 | ✓ | |||
| 8 | 219 | 10 | Ifton | V | Wrockwardine Wood | 4 | 172 | 4 | ✓ | |||
| 10 | 227 | 12 | St Georges | V | Chester Road | 2 | 180 | 2 | ✓ | |||
| 7 | 221 | 9 | Bylet | V | Hanwood | 5 | 188 | 5 | ✓ |