Shropshire Premier League Bowls season starts - and Ford are off

The new Shropshire Premier League bowls season has got off to a frustrating start - with Ford withdrawing from the first big competition of the year.

The villagers were due to face Chester Road in the first round of the Mayhew Trophy tomorrow evening.

But, with several players unavailable, they have been unable to raise a side for the six-home-six-away competition.

It means Whitchurch-based Chester Road will get a bye straight through to the second round, where they will meet the winners of tomorrow's all-Telford affair between Wrockwardine Wood and Bowring.

Ford were one of two Shropshire sides who competed in the World Club Championship last month, bowing out with a first round defeat at Irlam in Greater Manchester against Gresford Colliery.