Taylor Support Shropshire Premier Bowls League
Bottom two clash, Top two face tough away trips
It is a big week in week 24 of the Flowfit Shropshire Premier Bowling League at the bottom and top of the table. At the bottom the bottom two clash with 14th placed side Bylet, two points adrift of Archibald Worthington, having home advantage. It has been a close game the last few seasons at the Bylet, being either 9-5 or 8-6 to the home side in the last four. But Bylet are missing some players this week so Archie will be hoping to take advantage of this. Captain Dave Gourlay knows it is a “massive game for both clubs, whoever wants it most will come out winners and will keep their Premier League status.” The two teams just above these two meet as well, Chester Road in 11th play Hadley USC in 12th. Both teams have had a poor season compared to previous but if it’s as close as last year’s meeting, where Chester Road won by only 2 chalks, then it could be a good match in Whitchurch.
At the top it will be a tough night for 1st and 2nd, with them facing trips to 3rd and 4th respectively. Newport though still have a 11 point advantage despite their 2 at Wem USC but face a tough trip to a buoyant Ifton side who come off a good 10-4 win at Hadley USC last week. But captain Dickie Jones knows “Newport represents a big challenge to us but with our league position and current squad I would like to think we are capable of beating them.” Newport have won there the last two years but Ifton are a much different prospect this season. Meole Brace though will do well to take advantage of Newport’s tough trip as they take on St Georges in 4th place. St Georges are unbeaten at home this season, although they only won by 9 chalks last home game against Castlefields, but Meole have won there the last two years, and have one of the best records up on the top green so may fancy their chances of sneaking a shock win there.
5th placed Sir John Bayley will be looking to take advantage of the teams above them all meeting each other as they entertain Wem USC. But Wem will be on a high after last week’s hammering of champions Newport so it might be a tough night for the Bayley boys. Castlefields are a team with their last two at home will be looking to finish top three but face a tough trip to the Bowring. Bowring won 10-4 last season when the two teams met but Castlefields have won there twice in the 7 seasons they have met there in the league and will need to go close again if they want that third spot. Two other teams with top 6 aspirations are Burway and Wrockwardine Wood who meet in Ludlow. Wrockwardine Wood still have sights on 3rd and their highest ever finish but will have a tough time against a team with an excellent home record this season and who can still gatecrash the top 6 with their last 2 out of 3 at home.
Week 24 Fixtures:
Bylet v Archibald Worthington
Chester Road v Hadley USC
Bowring v Castlefields
Burway v Wrockwardine Wood
Sir John Bayley v Wem USC
St Georges v Meole Brace
Ifton v Newport