Bayley boys keep Newport in sight

The Wellington-based outfit avenged last season’s whitewash as they won 12-4 (206-191 aggregate) at Burway.

It was their second triumph over Burway in the space of just three days after also beating them in the County Cup.

Vice-skipper Scott Simpson said: “It was a very good result. We were 3-1 down, but then we got the order right.

“We went for a big-ish middle and then a big back four – and all our back four won so that was great. It keeps us near the top, within touching distance.”

Kiah Roberts was the star performer for Burway with a 21-4 victory over Bayley’s Norman Harvey.

Spencer Clarke came up with Bayley’s best result, beating Mark Rogers 21-10.

Paul Evans won his battle 21-11, while Josh Hale, Chris Ward and Scott Simpson each enjoyed 21-12 successes. Ant Bracken, John Potter and Gordon Hawkins were the other winners.

Bayley are eight points off table-toppers Newport. There are 16 games left to play.

“It keeps us where we want to be – you would sooner be second than fifth, where we would have been with a heavy defeat,” added Simpson.

“We showed some spirit to give ourselves a bit of a chance.

“We’ve always done pretty well at Newport, but there are a lot of games to go yet. Who knows what will happen?”

Newport picked up another good result with an 8-6 (226-196) defeat at Wrockwardine Wood, who had been in second spot.

Russell Pegram and Paul Reeves got the joint-best result for the league leaders, with 21-14 wins over Dale Downes and Ian Whitehouse respectively.

The Wrockites are third in the table on 86 points – three behind Bayley, 11 off Newport.

At the other end of the table, Hanmer remain rock bottom following a fourth successive defeat.

Richard Pullen and Robin Bennett were their only winners at Wem USC. Neil Boxall’s success 21-7 was the pick of 10 winners for the hosts.

Meole Brace were triumphant on their travels, beating Chester Road 11-5 (222-201).

Doug Edwards, Mark Thomas, Andy Wigginton, Will Tarrell, Bill Tarrell, Keiran Jones and MVP Tim Jordan – all prevailed.

Meole Brace are now seventh, while Chester Road are third bottom.

Struggling in second bottom are Ifton, but they are improving and will be delighted with an 8-6 (202-197) defeat at Castlefields.

St Georges were 9-5 (216-199) winners against Bylet.

Bowring are 11th after a 9-5 (230-209) victory over Hanwood.