Bayley and Newport land knockout blows in finals
A rarity and slice of history were the order of finals night as the main Molson Coors Mid Shropshire Bowling League team knockouts came to a climax.
Sir John Bayley won the Harris Cup for the first time in 71 years while first division title-chasers Shifnal became the first winners of the consolation knockout for the new Harris Shield.
The finals were played at Bowring and the Bayley won an all-Premier League clash with St Georges by 33 shots on the newer green after making a strong start thanks to Spencer Clarke (21-7) and Ayden Smith (21-9).
But the Dragons levelled in the middle as Tony Rhodes (21-10) and Joe Killen (21-13) hit back, only for the Wellington side to dominate the latter stages with Chris Worthington (21-8) and Tom Roden (21-7) starring.
Vice-captain Roden said: “We started well, however St Georges showed their class and drew level after seven blocks. Fortunately it was our night as we won all of the last three games to get over the line.”
