Can Hanwood end hoodoo or will Archie’s stay end?

Tonight sees what is perhaps the biggest game of the season with two teams playing for a place in the 2016 Flowfit Shropshire Premier Bowling League. 14th placed Archibald Worthington defend their place in the league against Tanners Shropshire Champions Hanwood with both teams no strangers to this big match, Hanwood having been in it 3 times and Archie twice. But their records couldn’t have been much different, Archie winning both times, beating Rhos by 13 in 2004 and Hanwood by just 3 two years ago, whilst Hanwood have not won a game yet, losing by 26 and 14 to Bylet in 2011 and last year and that game against Archie in 2013.

But Hanwood have tried extremely hard to change that record this season and have come through the two pre-playoff games pretty comfortably against Hanmer by 9 and Donnington Wood by 36. And joint captain Mark Shore knows that tonight is the big one. “Here we are again. Myself and fellow joint captains Ash Wellings and Mark Parsons and the rest of Hanwood Bowling Club are delighted to have won through to the playoff final for the third year in the trot but are mindful that being the fourth final we will contest in five seasons the job isn’t anywhere near complete. After the last two finals we are more than aware of the strength and determination of the premier leagues bottom side. As such we are mindful to keep everyone’s feet firmly on the ground and concentrated on the job in hand. We have great respect for our opponents having fought a close battle with them two years ago. I have every confidence in my team that they will continue the great form they have shown in the last two games. I am sure the game will be as gripping and exciting as previous playoff finals. I would like to thank all the well wishers who have sent messages of support to my lads over the last two weeks and hope this year we can finally make it into the Premier League.”

Archie have had a difficult time this season, being deducted four points and having lost another and without this they wouldn’t have been in this position. But captain Dave Gourlay hopes that the game two years ago against the same opposition will put them in good stead to help them survive again, as well as the Premier league experience which has counted so much in these games over the years. Whatever happens tomorrow it will be a noisy and well supported game with teams that have so much to gain and lose battling their hearts out. If it as dramatic as their game two years ago then it will be a game not to miss! But for those unable to attend there will be Facebook and Twitter updates on our groups, find more details on the Home tab.