Now founders make five in Premier push

Two of the founder members of the Furrows Shropshire Premier League are hoping to take their place back at the top table of county bowls.

Hanwood and Craven Arms are both expected to feature in the end-of-season play-offs.

And that could mean as many as five teams battling it out for the right to meet Bylet - who seem certain to finish bottom of the Premier - in the play-off final.

Hanwood clinched the Wem League on Monday night and have since confirmed their interest to compete in the play-offs to Premier supremo Mark Burroughs.

And Craven Arms are hoping to find themselves in a similar position in 24 hours time.

The south Shropshire club will be eligible should they clinch the Ludlow League championship.

They require 14 points from their two home matches against Bylet tonight and Corve tomorrow - and they beat both 10-0 away.

Hanwood dropped out of the Premier in 1998, with Craven Arms following suit in 2005.

But both clubs would be depleted in the play-offs from the team that won their respective titles as several of their players would be ineligible as they already play in the Premier League.

Hanwood would have to cope without their Meole Brace contingent, including Shropshire ace Wayne Phillips, while Craven Arms would be missing Ford duo John Coxill and Peter Griffiths as well as Jess James of Castlefields.

While Burroughs is delighted to see two former members express interest in returning, the prospect of five champions competing to join the top flight could create a logistical nightmare.

Market Drayton League winners Hanmer and Tanners League champions-elect Burway have already confirmed their interest.

And it's possible that Abbey - who are hoping to land either the Worthington Mid-Shropshire League or Mistral Highley League titles - could join them.

"It would be a slight headache but it's good to have the interest," said Burroughs.

"If we ended up with five we would probably play a preliminary round game, two semi-finals and a final before the play-offs."

Teams have until Saturday to confirm their play-off interests.