Bowls round-up: Albrighton targeting return to league action
A membership boost at Albrighton Bowling Club has led to an about turn which they hope will bear fruit on Tuesday night, writes Malcolm Fletcher.
The club wants return to action in the Highley League after a five-year absence and the application will be voted on at this evening’s league AGM at Bridgnorth BC (7.30pm).
“Albrighton want to rejoin the league and, if accepted, the number of teams in each division will have to be agreed,” confirmed league chief John Palmer.
There were 10 teams in division one last year and 11 in division two but, whichever structure is approved, one club is proposing fixtures increase from eight-a-side.
“Horsehay want the number of players in a team to revert to 10 - or if that fails to nine,” added Palmer. “And league officers propose that the entry fee per team should be increased from £100 to £110.”
---
Runaway leaders Chirk have finally been beaten in Shropshire top winter bowling league.
But they are still sitting pretty in the District Invitation league at the Whitchurch club, despite the one chalk loss to 2021-22 champions Malpas Sports.
Past County Merit winner Jack Hewitt won 21-9 for Malpas as they took the aggregate spoils 108-107, but Chirk’s four wins from the four singles- two doubles clash meant they ‘won’ 6-4 on points to go 16 points clear with just four games to go.
Last winter’s title winners Archibald Worthington edged past District 6-4 (110-94), Woore beat Elephant & Castle 7-3 (120-91) with Tracy Bound & Matt Beeston 21-2 doubles winners while Bridgewater sneaked past Crewe by the same score but only 113-109 on the agg.
Crewe will aim to get back to winning ways on Tuesday night against Calverhall before AWC tackle Woore on Wednesday, District take on Bridgewater on Thursday and Malpas face Adderley in the Friday fixture and then District on Monday.
---
A new ladies singles competition is being launched at Shropshire bowls club this year with a top class goal.
The £520 Trench Ladies Open will be a one-dayer with 32 spaces at the Telford club on Sunday, September 14, sponsored by W.R. Davies Toyota.
“I'm hoping to try and get this on the reserve list of the Ladies Champion of Champions,” said promoter Rob Burroughs, who is taking names to play for a £200 first prize on 07901 229623, with no home bowlers allowed.
Meanwhile, there’s a chance to play for a £250 first prize in the Glyn Evans Shield at The Rhyn BC on Sunday, June 22, entries (£20) to Paul Salisbury via Facebook.
There’s now just 20 of the 128 places left in the early season £4,000 Adderley Open for organiser Jack Hazeldine to fill and another new comp in the county this year, the £1,500 Shifnal Open in mid summer, is now half full according to promoter Nathan Lacey.
