Ifton and Newport stars enjoy British Super Cup glory
Newport grabbed the Shropshire bragging rights on finals day in the British Super Cup – but it was some of the Premier League bowlers of Ifton who had most to celebrate.
They were part of the Esclusham team that hit the jackpot in the £2,000 Arthur Land-sponsored eight-a-side 31-up knockout.
Their three-shot victory over Thongsbridge from Holmfirth in West Yorkshire in the final at Bellingham in Wigan came with a squad featuring Ifton bowlers Leighton, Kieran and Carl Roberts, Simon Tyler, Craig Griffiths, Darren Lacey, Dave 'Rocky' Jones and Brian Hayes.
Shropshire qualifiers Newport and St Georges made the near 90-mile journey up the M6 knowing they had to play each other in the first round of the last eight.
And it was Newport who came out on top by 40, thanks largely to former Dragon Peter Farmer winning 31-6 against Lewis Scott.
Their reward was a semi-final meeting with Esclusham, which the Welsh cub won by 17 after a bye as their first-round opponents did not show up.
Penn – with a number of Shropshire bowlers in their squad, including Tom Roden, Rob Burroughs and Martin Gaut – beat holders King George V by 23 but then lost to Thongsbridge in the last four.
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A Shropshire club have already started to try and recruit new bowlers for next year.
Wrockwardine Wood are eager to bolster their team in the Summit Garage Midland Super League after finishing seventh out of the 10 teams in the Feeder B division in the season just ended.
"We are looking for more players to play in the Summit League on Monday nights in 2017 – and if you are interested then please let me know, or contact Allan Gaut on 07527 029068," said Martin Gaut.
County man Stuart Rutter topped the club's averages in the league last year with 12 wins from 15 games.
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An under-strength Shrewsbury Indoor Bowls Club team pushed hosts Leominster all the way in their second weekend friendly of the winter campaign.
The visitors lost the five rink triple match by just four shots – 84-80 – with vice-captain Cynthia Hedley proud of their efforts.
"In a close game, and with a depleted team, Shrewsbury players fought bravely to win two rinks on a fast green against the hosts, who fielded some county players," said Hedley.
