Whittington pull out of County Cup

They and Tanners Shropshire League champions Elephant & Castle (Shawbury) and Battlefield all received first-round byes when the draw was made, writes Malcolm Fletcher.

And now Premier Leaguers Newport also have a bye after Whittington, finding the going tough in their first season in Division One of the Tanners Shropshire League, pulled out.

“Whittington cannot field a team in the first round and have withdrawn from the competition. This means Newport receive a bye into the last 16,” said a county association spokesman.

So 24 clubs go into battle tonight – and that number includes last year’s runners-up in the KGJ Insurance-sponsored knockout, Castlefields, who take on Mid Shropshire Division Two side Charlton in Whitchurch.

Premier new-boys Hanmer face Mid Shropshire champs Donnington Wood in a re-run of last year’s pre play-off while relegated Hadley USC can look forward to a crack at Premier champions Sir John Bayley.

New Whitchurch League top-flight side Hadnall will also relish a crack at Bylet.

There are just two all-Premier League ties – Meole Brace taking on Burway while Wem USC meet Hanwood.

Also, a new Shropshire Ladies Merit champion will emerge six weeks later than planned this year.

The finals day originally scheduled for June 17 has been changed to Saturday, July 29, with a 6pm start time at a Shrewsbury area club that will be picked once the qualifiers are known.

They will come through qualifying sessions on Wednesday, May 24, when reigning champion Hollie Bishton (Wrockwardine Wood) is expected to start the defence of the crown.

County women’s association secretary Angela Gaut told affiliated clubs: “The finals day on the entry form was wrong.

“Please accept my apologies but we had to swap so many things around this year because of clashes I omitted to amend this one. The finals day is Saturday, July 29 so can you please ensure everyone in your club is aware of this.”