Taylor Support Shropshire Premier Bowls League
3 out the top 4 face away tests, Castlefields look for another big home win, Bylet aim to move clear
Three out of the top four face tough away test this week in week 19 of the Flowfit Shropshire Premier Bowling League. Leaders Chester Road travel to Newport, a green they haven’t done so well on in recent years, and “starts a run of 3 out of 4 games being away,” says captain Paul Fowles. “We have played them twice with both teams having big wins so it is a tough game. But we hope to keep our good form up and hope we can keep the pressure up on the teams around us in the run in.” Newport captain Mark Selley knows Chester Road “are a team that’s playing with a lot of confidence and we know we will need a good performance at home.” It promises to be a big test for both teams, with Newport looking for a top 6 spot and Chester Road the title. Meole Brace are 4 behind the leaders and face an easier test on paper against Bylet. But Meole are without a few players and Bylet will be looking to build on their last home game when they beat Burway 9-5, and move away from Hadley USC, who don’t play this week, in bottom spot. Meole will be looking to win, but will be hard pressed to match their 12-2 win there last season.
Sir John Bayley in 4th look to over leap St Georges in 3rd, who don’t play this week, but face a tough trip to Hanwood, jointly captained by former Bayley boy Mark Shore. “Tomorrow we entertain the Bayley club who are looking for a big push for the title. We will be looking to secure another decent home performance and a good haul of points to push us up the table. I’m leaving myself out (knee damage from carrying my light frame) to give youth a chance at the cock where G Smith will be playing on route to the All England in Llay. Mr Smith will be bringing a large contingent of supporters from W&W so we expect it to be a lively evening at the cock.” Bayley captain Spencer Clarke knows its a huge test for their title credentials. “After missing last week, due to inclement weather, it is important we pick up points at Hanwood and stay in touch with the pack. Hanwood have a good home record so it will be a stiff test for our lads. I’m missing but have an A Bracken to replace me!” Castlefields are in 5th place, 12 behind the leaders, and will be looking to make up ground on the teams above with a home game against Burway. They hammered the Champions 13-1 last home game, and will be looking for the same, however Burway have got some confidence from last week’s win over Hanwood and are a tough nut to crack away this season.
Bowring in 6th and Ifton in 7th face hard away games at Wem USC and Wrockwardine Wood respectively, with both home teams looking to move up and catch the pack above them. Wrockwardine Wood captain Tom Langford is “looking for a good solid win. We have been hitting the 4 plus away points and now it’s time to start pushing for more winners at home. Looking forward to a great evening!” Ifton haven’t done well at the Wrockites in the history of the league, the highest they’ve got is 5 in 2008, and hope that their away form will come good again. Wem USC will be reeling from their 11-3 defeat in their last home game against Chester Road, and will be hoping to put that right against Bowring. Bowring have been doing solid away though and will hope to continue that at Wem to keep in the top 6.
Week 19 Fixtures:
Newport v Chester Road
Hanwood v Sir John Bayley
Castlefields v Burway
Wem USC v Bowring
Wrockwardine Wood v Ifton
Bylet v Meole Brace