Waiting game for Malthouse

Atcham Malthouse want to return to the Tanners Shropshire League’s main Friday night divisions alongside a second team from 2016 champions Elephant & Castle of Shawbury, writes Malcolm Fletcher.

But Atcham’s bid to be accepted into the third division relies on member clubs approving a proposal from League President Mike Caddick that bowlers be allowed to sign for different clubs in the Shropshire divisions on Fridays and the Shrewsbury divisions on Tuesday evenings.

League secretary Anthony Price confirmed: “Atcham Malthouse have applied for membership, although this will be dependent on the proposed rule change by the President.”

Such a move has been rejected in the past, but Cadddick and Atcham hope it is given the nod at tonight’s AGM at Bagley BC in Shrewsbury (7.30pm start).

Two new teams on Fridays would give the league a total of 43 while Castlefields intend to enter a C side on Tuesdays to take that number up to 48 in four divisions.

Another long mooted rule change, this time proposed by Wem BC, would see matches in the Shropshire divisions reduced to 10-a-side from 12 to bring them into line with the Tuesday action.

Two other proposals to be voted on tonight are a management committee bid to get results entered on the Mike Beckett system in playing order while Castlefields want to see the full draw of individual games done before the start of matches.

“The yearly accounts, club information sheets and new code of conduct will be handed out tonight,” added Price.

“And clubs are reminded that they will receive one vote only at the meeting so delegates need to please make sure they are clear on their club's voting intentions.”