Furrows bowls supremo clarifies player rules

The supremo of the Furrows Shropshire Premier Bowls League has moved to clarify the rules on player eligibility for the on-going play-offs, writes JAMES GARRISON.

Burroughs has spoken ahead of tonight's first pre play-off semi-final south Shropshire derby between Craven Arms and Burway at Bylet (7pm).

Ludlow League champions Craven Arms will field two bowlers - Ben James and Nicky Beard - who have played against them in their title-winning campaign. And, while insisting Craven Arms had broken no regulations, Burroughs has revealed the rare scenario may prompt a rule change next season.

"I asked Phil Baker (Craven Arms captain) for a list of replacements for the four lads who were unavailable and I asked for genuine club members who had paid their subs," he said. "He sent a list of players who are all club members and have paid their subs so there is no problem there.

"Maybe next season we will look to introduce a rule which says that anybody involved in the play-offs must have played six games in a league for the team they are representing."

Four Craven Arms bowlers are ruled out of the play-offs — Pete Griffiths, John Coxill and Jesse James are all unavailable having played in this season's Premier League, while 16-year-old ace Kiah Roberts has elected to play for Burway's Tanners Shropshire League winners.

Abbey take on Hanwood in the other pre-play-off semi-final at Chester Road tomorrow night.