Taylor Support Shropshire Premier Bowls League
Friday 8th October
Report by James Garrison- Shropshire Star
Bylet displayed premier pedigree to preserve their place at the top table of Shropshire bowls – and inflict a second successive play-off heartache on Burway.
The top flight wooden-spoonists ran out 15-chalk winners over the Tanners Shropshire League champions in last night’s play-off final at Meole Brace. It was an outcome that was rarely in doubt after Bylet – who won seven of the 12 games – spiked Burway’s big guns in a crucial first four. And it was fitting that Mick Harries, in his last match as captain of Bylet, should provide the winning chalk on the showpiece occasion of Shropshire bowls shortly after 9.30pm.
One glance at his order emphasised that Duncan Pressley, skipper of the Ludlow-based premier league wannabes, was anxious to get off to a flying start. But it failed to materialise with Bylet winning three of the first four matches to lead by two in front of a crowd well in excess of 300. Pressley led by example for his side by defeating Rob Fuller 21-8. But a 21-17 victory for Simon Homer over Burway’s star performer Wayne Rogers gave Bylet the early momentum. Crucial Richard Morris made up for a slow start by easing to a 21-11 triumph over Len Lewis while Andy James edged out Mark Rogers 21-20.
Trailing by two, Burway’s hopes fell on the shoulders of Simon Parsonage on the green where he played a crucial role in helping Shropshire lift the Crosfield Cup. Parsonage looked to have risen to the big occasion and, as he led Dave Ellis 18-10, the big victory Burway required looked possible. But Ellis staged a senstational fightback to run out a 21-19 winner, supplemented by victories for Paul Lill and Chris Chamberlain – to 15 and nine respectively – to put Bylet on the brink.
Burway’s resistence in the middle was provided by Kiah Roberts, the 16-year-old once again highlighting his potential with a 21-16 triumph over Kevin Brazier. Despite their supporters being silenced by events on the green, Burway continued to battle to the end –notching three winners in the back four including a 21-20 victory for Chris Dovey over Harries. But the hard work had already been done by their Bridgnorth-based opponents and a 21-15 triumph for Nick Powner over Russell Davies put the finishing touches to an outcome which was inevitable from a long way out.
It may have been a tough season – but this was Bylet’s night. l The final was preceeded by a minute’s silence for former Sir John Bayley bowler Steve Nicholls who died suddenly following a heart attack on Thursday.
Pictured above, Bylet who will be playing the in Premier League in 2011 From Back (Left) Dave Ellis, Nick Powner, Richard Morris, Simon Homer, Andy James, Paul Lill, Greg Wale. Fromt: Chris Chamberlain, Kevin Brazier, Mick Harries, Rob Fuller, Tim Ealey.
Pictured above tonight’s gallant losers Burway, Back (from left) Mark Rogers, Len Lewis, , Kevin Dovey, Steve Rogers, Joleyn Partridge, Chris Dovey, Shane Mulliner, Russell Davies Front Jack Parsonage, Wayne Rogers, Duncan Pressley, Simon Parsonage, Kiah Roberts,