Scott Harries goes from St Georges to Newport
Scott Harries has explained the reasons for the worst-kept secret in Shropshire bowls – his move to Newport from Premier League rivals St Georges.
The Dragons of Telford featured in four cup finals last year, but Harries has decided to join reigning Premier champions and County Cup holders Newport this season.
He said: "As much as I love St Georges, myself – like any other player for any club – gets tapped up to move on.
"I love the Dragons and wish them all the best for the future. Players get tapped up and they come and go, that's life!
"Leaving the Bylet to go to St Georges was massive for me and improving my game as well.
"But the fall out I had with my dad, Mick, over it because I didn't want to go was pretty big.
"St Georges wanted me to play Mondays in the Summit League with an idea to get me on a Friday too.
"It worked because I felt it was the right move for me at the time – just like I feel this is the right move for me now."
With Jamie King switching back to Premier newcomers Hadley USC on Fridays, it means St Georges have lost two players from their Premier line-up of last season.
But Meole Brace have the opposite problem of what to do with an influx of players from the Ford team that withdrew from the Premier League.
Entries are encouraging for the three pre-season one-day competitions on successive Sundays at Shrewsbury Severnside – which start this coming weekend.
The mixed singles events, with consolation KO for first-round losers, are all 10am starts and £5 to enter.
Organiser Barry Jennings said: "We have got 50-plus on the book for Sunday and 60 for the week after – and if the weather is right we can get another 50 per cent on top of that on the day."
But entries are needed fast if the St Georges Ladies Fours is not to become just a one-dayer on the scheduled finals day of Sunday, March 24 (2pm).
Send an e-mail to stgeorgesbowls@gmail.com for more details. Bowlers have been urged to enter a competition going ahead for a second year at the home of Shropshire champions Newport.
The Newport Open 64 is on Sunday, October 13, but all homesters are barred. It's £10 to enter. Call John Breeze on 07976 666 250.
