Chester Road stayed on course for a big Shropshire bowls double – and have ended the hopes of arch-rivals Castlefields achieving the same.

The Furrows Shropshire Premier League title hopefuls booked their place in the semi-finals of the County Cup with a convincing 45 chalk victory over Castlefields at Charlton last night.

The north Shropshire side picked up nine winners out of 12 in their 238-193 triumph, with one of the performances of the night coming from Mark Holland, who thumped 2009 All England champion Callum Wraight 21-7 having led 17-0 at one stage.

Andy Smith was a 21-3 victor over Paul Williams while Paul Latham fought back from 12-3 down to beat in-form Rich Goddard.

Chester Road were forced to defeat holders St Georges in the previous round and thrilled captain Dave Rogers admitted: “It can’t get any harder than the last two games – we hope!”

Sir John Bayley took charge of their all-Telford battle with Wrockwardine Wood at Reman, with Peter Grimston’s 21-5 leading a clean sweep of the first four.

Martin Williams (21-10) gave the Wrockites a glimmer of home but Danny Oliver’s 21-7 at the back took the 2006 Glynn Hill Trophy winners into the last four.

Premier League leaders Newport were made to work hard for their 224-201 victory over Archibald Worthington at Telepost No 1, while Burway – the last remaining team outside the top flight – were swept away at Abbey by Meole Brace 234-155.

The County Consolation Cup results were: Broseley 197 Horsehay 191 (at St Georges Premier); Bayston Hill 175 Craven Arms 200 (at Much Wenlock); Pontesbury 214 Bricklayers 215 (at Meole Brace 1); Hadley USC 230 Reman Services 166 (at Whixall).

By JAMES GARRISON