Taylor Support Shropshire Premier Bowls League
The 2024 Taylor Support Shropshire Premier Bowling League starts on Friday with two potential dogfights at the top and bottom of the league. Champions Sir John Bayley have strengthened once again after their treble winning season. They have signed Scott Harries, Reece Farr, Dan Taylor and Aaron Tapper, but have lost Ash Gregory, Josh Hale, Gordon Hawkins and Chris Ward. Josh has moved to rivals Castlefields, who have one of the bigger squads in the league with the addition of Ash Wellings and Andy Duckett as well. St Georges have also strengthened well with Chris and Gordon coming from the Bayley, and Keith Wall moving from Castlefields, so will be looking for at least a top three finish. 2022 Champions Wrockwardine Wood have signed Chris Grocott and Dan Bodley but have lost Andy Jones and Dan Taylor, so will still be expecting to be near the top of the table.
Below these top four it will be tough for a team to break into that group. Ifton have signed Andy Armstrong, Joe Langford and Simon Tyler but lost Kieron Roberts, so if they can get their strongest team out each week they could push those teams above. Hanwood have lost Ash Wellings and Andy Duckett but gained Andy Jones, and have Ben Talbot and Mark Parsons returning. Hanmer had their best season in the league and will look to at least match that and a top half finish again. They have benefitted most in this league from Chester Road withdrawing, with their old players Dave Gourlay, Paul Griffiths and Paul Williams signing along with Kian Thomas, Richard Zolman and Jeff Cooper. Meole Brace have also strenghtened despite losing Chris Stretch with Pete Bound, Phil Lyttle and Jen Rogers all arriving. Burway have also made good signings with Paul Williams ending his long association with Castlefields, and Nick Lewis returning from Bylet.
The bottom looks like a two horse race with newcomers Horsehay knowing they have their hands full given that it’s their debut season, while Bylet have lost several key players since last year. Horsehay will have an advantage of their home green against those teams who haven’t played it often, but Bylet will know more about the away greens. Wem USC haven’t changed their squad too much with the addition of James Weaver and Darren Fitzpatrick from Hadnall, but know that they should be more clear of trouble this time round. Adderley have made some good signings in Tom Killen, Gus Needham, Ade Jennings, Chris Stretch and James Lewis so should be looking to improve on last year’s debut season. Highley have gained Jamie Taylor and Simon Rhodes from the Bylet as they look to at least match last year’s improved season, but lost captain Reece Farr.
It promises to be a cracking season, from the top of the table down to the bottom with the introduction of Horsehay! Good luck to all teams this season.