There was a dramatic start to the new Furrows Shropshire Premier Bowls League season with champions St Georges beaten on their home green by local rivals Wrockwardine Wood.

The Dragons, who have lost three of last year’s title winning line-up, went down 8-6 to the Wrockites at Church Road.

In the Shrewsbury derby, Castlefields eased to a 10-4 victory over Meole Brace with Callum Wraight taking the coppers with a 21-10 card. Adie Rowe was the best Meole performer winning 21-11.

Early leaders are Archibald Worthington who beat Donnington Wood 13-1 at home. Other away winners on the opening night were Wem USC who beat last year’s woodenspoonists Newport 10-4.

Ifton had a comfortable home win over Childs Ercall while Chester Road beat Ford 10-4. Bylet enjoyed home advantage to beat SJ Bayley 8-6, although they lost the aggregate by five.

Results: Archibald Worthington 13 (L Markham, A Ball, D Ridgeway 21-11) Donnington Wood 1 (F Watkins 21-15); Ifton 12 (+78 Dickie Jones, A Delooze, B Hayles 21-7) Childs Ercall 2 (B Shore 21-12); St Georges 6 (K Keary, G Picknell 21-11) Wrockwardin Wood 8 (+13 R Jones, L Stevens 21-8); Newport 4 (P Emery, A Davidson, D Rhodes 21-11) Wem USC 10 (+13 I Dowley 21-3).

Bylet 8 (G Morris 21-10) SJ Bayley 6 (+31 P Grimston 21-6); Chester Road 10 (+69 A Moss, D Duckett 21-6) Ford 4 (J Coxhill 21-12); Castlefields 10 (+31 C Wraight 21-10) Meole Brace 4 (A Rowe 21-11).