Thirteen points clear with just two games to go – that’s Castlefields after winning their top of the table clash in the Furrows Shropshire Premier Bowls League against Wem USC.It wasn’t all plain sailing for the title favourites last night though as battling Wem went 3-1 up thanks to Ian Dowley, Michael Dulson and Scott Thomas, the last named a 21-20 star from 17-4 down to Simon Parsonage.

It took a clean sweep of the middle four to change the mood as Fields finally edged to a 9-5 success.

But while they look nailed on for the championship, the battle to avoid bottom spot and a relegation play-off remains as clear as mud.

Childs Ercall did themselves a huge favour by picking up six points at Bylet, Brian Shore marking the funeral of his father Stan just hours earlier with a coppers-winning 21-10 card.

The result puts the villagers four points clear of Donnington Wood, even though the Bell Boys picked up a respectable four points at Ford.

Donnington entertain St Georges tonight, the Dragons having got in the mood by seeing off Ifton 10-4.

Wrockwardine Wood were brought down to earth 12-2 at Chester Road while Meole Brace and Newport had sound home wins.

Full details:

Castelfields 9 (+25, C Flattley 21-7), Wem USC 5 (I Dowley 21-13); St Georges 10 (+55, C Ball 21-3), Ifton (M Jones 21-6); Chester Road 12 (+81, P Griffiths 21-4), Wrockwardine Wood 2 (S Rutter 21-17).

Bylet 8 (+45, S Harries 21-4), Childs Ercall 6 (B Shore 21-10); Ford 10 (N Davies 21-5), Donn Wood 4 (M Williams 21-5).

Newport 10 (+26, A Davidson 21-6), Archibald Worthington 4 (D Gourlay 21-4); Meole Brace 11 (+54, W Phillips 21-7), SJ Bayley 3 (S Nicholls 21-9).

By Malcolm Fletcher