Taylor Support Shropshire Premier Bowls League
Top five away as Newport and Archie look to move further clear
The top five of the Flowfit Shropshire Premier Bowling League are away in Week 21, with the bottom two both at home. Leaders Newport have the easiest task according to the table away at 12th placed Hadley USC but have 5 players out. But home vice-captain Rob Burroughs is still wary of them. “We know they have a few players missing but whatever side they bring they will be hard to beat. We beat them here last year and that has still got to be our aim, we have improved the last few weeks on and off the green and need to continue this.” There will also be a hot reception for returning Huskie Jamie King since his move at the start of this season. Meole Brace have a much tougher task against Wem USC, where home captain Mike Dulson says “we will be looking to extend our 2 year unbeaten home record. But we will have to be careful as the weather over the next 24 hours will benefit the away teams and Meole will be looking for a response after the disappointment of last weekend. This is likely to be our biggest test at home this season.”
3rd placed St Georges will be looking for an away win at bottom placed Bylet. They have won there the last 5 years so will be looking for the same. Bylet though will be hoping to keep in touch with the team directly above them by one point Archibald Worthington, as they look to have the easier task at home to 11th placed Chester Road. But with it being a local derby and green knowledge from the away side, it could be a close game. Both captains know the importance of the game, with home captain Dave Gourlay saying “it’s a massive game, we have to pick up some vital points as we are running out of games. We’ve managed to pick ourselves up off the bottom and with the lads in great spirit and hunger they are ready for the Road.” Away skipper Martin Lloyd comments “that this game is usually one of our hardest games as the local rivalry adds that extra incentive for both teams. The match can go either way with every player wanting to win their game, hopefully it our turn for the win?”
4th placed Ifton face the toughest trip out the top 5 as they travel to 6th placed Wrockwardine Wood, a team in decent form over most of the last few weeks. Ifton have a poor record at Wrockwardine though, they have only scored 5 there once over their time in the Premier League. But they will be looking at Wem’s win there a few weeks ago to give them hope that they can repeat that win. But Wrockwardine will be wary of repeating that and bounced back well against the Bylet in their last home game. 5th placed Sir John Bayley face a tough test away to County Cup winners Castlefields. Home skipper Keith Walton knows “Friday’s game will be difficult because the Bayley have a strong squad pick from. With 4 out of the last 6 games at home we hope the confidence gained from last weekend will see us moving up the league starting tomorrow.” Bowring take on Burway in the last match of the night. Both teams are in decent form but will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing away results last Friday.
Week 21 Fixtures:
Archibald Worthington v Chester Road
Bylet v St Georges
Hadley USC v Newport
Wem USC v Meole Brace
Wrockwardine Wood v Ifton
Bowring v Burway
Castlefields v Sir John Bayley