Fields in a rush to retain the title

Never mind clearing her throat, the fat lady is getting ready for an encore after Castlefields put one hand on the Furrows Shropshire Premier Bowls League crown by thrashing title rivals Chester Road last night.

The reigning champions from Shrewsbury romped to a 12-2 (agg 51) success, leaving the Whitchurch side in desperate need of a rapid recovery ahead of their County Cup semi-final against Madeley CC tonight at Bicton (6.30).

All of Roaders' first four actually led at one stage, but they were quickly 4-0 and 7-1 behind against a rampant Fields side that had Rich Goodard as their 21-9 best.

Only Andy Moss, with a fine 21-13 win over Callum Wraight, and Marcus Hughes got over the line for the visitors, but the title race is surely settled now.

ForÊCastlefields have a 10 point advantage over Chester Road, andÊwith a game in hand, but they still have to go to StÊGeorges next Friday.Ê

The Dragons warmed up for that big clash with a comfortable 11-3 victory (agg 67) over Newport with skipper Mick Jones leading the way with a 21-7 card. Alan Davidson was the best performer for the Fishes with a 21-12 win.

Wrockwardine Wood confirmed their recent upturn in fortunes with a notable 11-3 win at Wem USC to move up to fifth, Mick Wesley and Martin Williams both winning 21-9.

At the bottom, Bylet picked up five points from their long trip to Ifton, the Welsh border side winning 9-5 (agg 29).

Childs Ercall are still anxiously looking over their shoulders after the Bayley boys won the aggregate in north Shropshire with five winners aided by Stuart Grimston's 21-7 card.

Archibald Worthington made home advantage count with a 7-5 victory over Ford (agg 18) to edge above them.