Newport take Furrows Premier League title

One of the biggest names in Shropshire bowls finally delivered the Furrows Premier League into Newport's safe hands.

It was at 7.55 last night that four-time County Merit winner Peter Farmer, their big name close season signing from Childs Ercall, secured the third point at Wem USC that hooked the elite title for the Fishes.

And 90 minutes later skipper Dale Rudrum's team were celebrating a stunning 12-2 away victory, one that made the long-time leaders look champions every inch of the way and more than made up for their final heartache in both the County Cup and Mayhew Trophy.

A clean sweep of the first four was led by vice-captain Dave Rhodes (21-6), yet he was pipped to the Newport coppers by Dan Hand's 21-5 card in the middle.

But well-beaten Wem had something to celebrate too, wins from Scott Thomas and Mel Jenkins ensuring they did not end up with the Premier wooden spoon.

That fate befell Bylet who, despite a second morale-boosting home win in the space of 24 hours – this time 8-6 against Wrockwardine Wood – finished bottom and now face the dreaded play-off on Friday, October 7.

Full scores

Bowring 10 (+18, Roy Bradburn 21-10) Chester Road 4 (Andy Moss 21-4); Wem USC 2 (Scott Thomas 21-12) Newport 12 (+53, Dan Hand 21-5); Meole Brace 10 (+44, Adrian Jennings 21-6) Ford 4 (John Nash 21-6); St Georges 13 (+89, Tony Rhodes 21-4) Childs Ercall 1 (John Breeze 21-12); Ifton 9 (+2, Carl Roberts 21-0) Castlefields 5 (Paul Williams 21-6); Bylet 8 (+10, Mick Harries 21-6) Wrockwardine Wood 6 (Ryan Stevens 21-12); Archibald Worthington 10 (+45, John Paddington 21-3) Sir John Bayley 4 (Tim Allen 21-10).

By MALCOLM FLETCHER