Leaders prevail after Meole fluff their lines
Newport edged closer to the Flowfit Shropshire Premier League title with a 9-5 win over nearest rivals Meole Brace – but the roles could have been reversed.
At 5-5 and Meole up by a single shot, it looked like the title race could take a significant turn.
But home players Mick Jones and captain Dale Rudrum chalked up vital wins to give the champions the match and extend their lead to 19 points.
At the bottom of the table, Bylet gained two points on Archibald Worthington as they got four winners at Burway.
Captain Mick Harries led the way with a 21-6 win, but Rob Steventon won MVP for winning 21-9.
Meanwhile, Archie scored just two at Bowring which pleased home captain Rich Lawson, who said: "It was Another great home performance.
"I'm pleased with how we adjusted to a heavier green. Hoping now to carry this team form onto next week."
Behind the top two, St Georges maintained their third place with a 10-4 win over rivals Castlefields, but by just nine shots.
Home captain Tony Rhodes said: "It was a really pleasing effort from the team to win 10-4 over the competitive and lively lads from the Fields."
Rhodes got MVP for a 21-20 win over former Dragon Phil Clinton.
Sir John Bayley gained a point on St Georges with a comfortable 11-3 win over Hadley USC. Paul Evans was best winner 21-6, with Will Plant winning MVP for his 21-8 win.
Ifton also kept up pace still being a point behind the Bayley with a 11-3 home win over Wem USC. Welsh Merit winner Leighton Roberts was the star for the home side, winning 21-0.
Wrockwardine Wood were the big losers dropping from fourth to sixth as they got five winners at Chester Road.
At the top, the gap is now 19 points behind Newport and Meole Brace with St Georges third, 11 behind Meole.
The gap at the bottom between Bylet and Archibald Worthington is now just one point, with the two meeting in a couple of weeks time at Bylet.
It has closed up at the top of the League Averages as Rich Lawson is now back at the top on aggregate.
Sam Millward, Rob Burroughs, Glyn Picknell and Pete Farmer are all on the same number of wins as him though.
Rob Burroughs' MVP at the Bayley has moved him to top with seven MVPswith Paul Williams and Stuart Rutter one behind.
