Taylor Support Shropshire Premier Bowls League
Horsehay shocked Woore tonight by 8 chalks to retain their place in the Taylor Support Shropshire Premier Bowling League in 2025.
Woore had two early leads, Andy Moss going 10-4 up on John Roberts and Dan Hand 8-4 ahead of Dave Clayton. But Gareth Jones was impressive against Gary Beff to go 20-5 up for Horsehay, while Olly Harris was 18-14 up on Paul Smith. However Andy came off winning 12, and Dan ran out in 2s in the corners from 12-10 up. Gary did get a few back on Gareth before Gareth drew two bowls a foot away to win 11, and Paul edged out Olly 20 to mean Woore led by 11 after four games off.
However the momentum completely swung Horsehay’s way in the middle four. Phil Wain from 12-10 down won 13 against Steve Rogers and Gavin Bridge from only 12-11 up beat Ben Hinton 12 to put them ahead. Paul Powell never let Martin Lloyd get far away and finished off winning 19 to keep his 100% record in the Play Offs, while Michael Cooper from 5-0 down versus Andy Smith, ran out from 15-14 up. This meant Horsehay were now 15 ahead.
Woore needed a big card and Jan Wakefield raced 13-0 up on Richard Jones down an edge. But Craig Baugh went 16-3 up on Derek Wright for Horsehay, and Steve Reeves had gone 8-3 ahead of Andrew Davies. But Andrew got back to lead 18-13, and Derek was getting back at Craig, however Richard had got the block back and was clawing his way back on Jan. Steve though ran out on Andrew to win 18, and this left Horsehay needing one for the win. Garry Owen was the one who got the one they needed against Cedric Bancroft, but Cedric then won 17. Jan won 11, and Craig won 17, which meant that Horsehay had upset the odds and won by 8.
Well done to Horsehay on a terrific performance tonight to keep their Taylor Support Premier League status. Commiserations to Woore, I’m sure they will be back next season to try and gain entry into the league.
Full scores are here.
A big thank you to Bicton tonight for being such a great host and putting in so much effort for a smoothly run night.