Harries leads Bylet in Furrows league survival bid

Skipper Mick Harries is targeting an emotional end to his reign as Bylet skipper - by leading his club to Furrows Shropshire Premier Bowls League survival.

The Bridgnorth-based club face Tanners Shropshire League champions Burway in tonight's big play-off showdown on Meole Brace's premier green.

Harries was in charge when Bylet returned to the premier league in 2007, having initially dropped out of the division back in 2001.

They are now aiming to avoid the ignomy of becoming the first side to have fallen out of the premier league twice - having finished bottom of the table this year.

And there is plenty of reason for Harries & Co to feel confident as they go into the big game.

They can possibly count themselves a little unfortunate to end up with the wooden spoon after winning 10 games in the 2010 campaign.

And they are still in with a chance of silverware after reaching the Premiership Pool B final, Sir John Bayley their opponents a week tomorrow night.

"It's going to be a tense and tough game with Burway," said Harries.

"We have had a hard season, finishing with 10 wins in the premier league, and we're ready for one last big effort.

"I would like to thank all the players for their support over the years, this being my last season as captain.

"Let's hope we can finish it off in winning fashion — in the play-off and the cup."

Bylet have no availability concerns as they prepare for the big game, with Harries welcoming the problem of trying to choose his strongest possible team.

"We've got a full squad ready to go," he said. "I've got a selection headache looming for a change."

By CHRIS HUDSON