Newport ease past Meole

Champions Newport eased their way past League Leaders Meole Brace tonight to take their place in Saturday’s Alan Mayhew Final against Burway at Pontesbury Old green in front of the Nags Head, starting at 6.30 p.m. Newport won by 52 at home and only lost by 8 away to win by 44 overall. They took the first three at home to lead  by 28, Scott Harries winning 8, Alan Davidson winning 10 and Phil Emery 17. They also led by 11 away as Sam Millward won 11 and Dave Rhodes 19, with Pete Grimston getting 20. But when Gary Neal came off winning 2, the gap was nearly halved to give Meole home. But Chris Grocott was immaculate on this round peg to run out from 1-0 down and virtually give Newport the win. This was confirmed when Kevin Keary beat Doug Edwards 18 and Pete Farmer got 18 off Craig Wilson at Meole to mean an 8 shot loss for the champions there. Mick Jones then fought back from 13-7 to win 16 whilst Nige Bound won 20 for the visitors sole success away from home in a 52 shot loss for the league leaders.

So current holders Newport will take on Burway in a repeat of last year’s County Cup final which Newport won comfortably by 40 on Reman. But the experience will hold Burway in good stead and being a different green and night will be hopeful of reversing that scoreline.

The draw for the final is below, starting at half 6 at Pontesbury:

The referee will be John Coxill and food will be provided afterwards.

Pontesbury have asked for all players, officials, supporters and spectators to park on the field opposite the pub please. No parking is allowed for bowlers on the Nags Head car park.