Bowls side quits over shortage of players

Shropshire's top bowling league was today hit by a team resignation – just two weeks before the start of the season.

Childs Ercall resigned from the Furrows Shropshire Premier League at last night's March executive meeting because of a player shortage.

It means the league will be forced to run with 13 teams this season and there will be no relegation play-off.

Childs Ercall finished third from bottom last season but have been hit by player departures over the winter.

"It's a real shame because they are a small village club and they have done well," said league chairman John Nash.

"They have had some big players there over the years – the likes of Brian Shore, Peter Farmer and John Breeze – so it's unfortunate. It's too late to do anything about it because it would cause problems for other teams, so we will go with 13."

That means a one season change to the play-off system with the winners of the feeder leagues doing battle with each other in a play-off, rather than having to then defeat the bottom team in the Premier League.

"That obstacle has been removed for this season," said secretary Mark Burroughs.

"It's a big chance for the likes of Burway, Hanwood and Madeley Cricket Club to reach the Premier League."