The Avengers are set for a pivotal stretch with two matches in just four days, beginning tonight. These games will be crucial in their bid to break into the top two of the Allscott Heath Winter Bowling League, according to Malcolm Fletcher. A pair of significant victories against Unison and Monkmoor this Sunday could apply pressure on the current leaders, Shifnal and Bylet.
To prepare for the upcoming challenges, the Avengers recently dominated Wollerton, winning the match 20-4, with Chris Taylor delivering an impressive performance, finishing his singles match 21-3.
In another league, the Ifton Miners are eager for a maximum win against Bowling Stones tonight if they hope to keep their championship dreams alive in the Bradley Winter League in Wrexham. Meanwhile, Chirk is making strides toward clinching the District Invitation League title, having recently defeated AWC 7-3, establishing a 26-point lead over Woore.
In the Wem League, a significant overhaul is on the horizon following the withdrawal of three top teams from Telford. The league”s annual general meeting is scheduled for tonight at Old Shrewsbury BC at 7:30 PM, with secretary Graham Hughes expressing confusion over the departures of Bowring, Sinclair, and Sir John Bayley from the first division. Adderley has yet to confirm their status, which could leave the division with only six teams from the previous season.
On a positive note, teams such as Trench, Criftins, and Oxon have applied to join the league. Additionally, there is a proposed rule change for cup competitions, moving the semi-finals from neutral greens to home-and-away formats, with only the finals being played on neutral grounds.
In the Bandit Bowls, changes due to weather did not dampen participation, as both events saw strong attendance. The one-day competition shifted from Meole Brace to the carpet at Allscott Heath, where Scott Harries excelled, winning the final 21-9 against Dan Corbett. The following day, 67 players participated at Chirk AAA, despite the cold and windy conditions, showcasing commendable bowling.
Harries defeated his team-mate Stuart Rutter to secure his fifth one-day victory of the winter season, while Corbett overcame Danny Williams in the quarter-finals. The leader in the winter series points table, Callum Wraight, was absent on Sunday, but many contenders for the finals day continued to perform well in their respective groups.
This coming Saturday, the action will shift to Childs Ercall, with the winter series returning to Chirk for a pre-arranged event.
In the ongoing Potteries Panel competition, Shropshire bowlers have faced challenges, with only two out of five securing wins in the fifth round at Biddulph. Danny Williams from Sinclair maintained his unbeaten streak in qualifying group three, winning 24-14 against Martin Wrench. Andy Armstrong also achieved victory with a score of 30-11 against Adam Jackson, while Joe Dicken lost his opening match against Andy Booth.
County No.1 Callum Wraight faced pressure in what was described by promoter Laura Browny as a must-win match for his group standings, but he fell 20-18 to Aaron Jones. New recruit Ian Howell from Woore also faced defeat, losing 22-15 to Glenn Johnson.
In the Tanners Shropshire Bowling League, clubs have been granted additional time to prepare for their annual general meeting, postponed by a week due to unforeseen circumstances. The meeting will now take place at Old Shrewsbury BC at 7:30 PM on March 5, following the absence of secretary Dawn Gray due to a minor operation. The league extends its best wishes for her successful recovery.
