Hadley USC grounded despite shock win

Burroughs's boys inflicted only a second home defeat on Wem USC in three seasons.

Their 8-6 success was the shock result from the opening night of the Flowfit Shropshire Premier Bowls League.

Burroughs said: "It is a great start to the season winning at Wem USC, one of the toughest places to go in the league.

"We went there looking for the same as last season when we got five. But being the first night you do get some strange results.

"But we can't get carried away at all, it's just one league game. I asked the lads to start off the season as we mean to go on and we did that perfectly.

"We have just got to keep those high standards up now! It's only one great win.

"There's another 25 tough games to go, starting with a tough first home game against top-of-the-table Ifton."

Hadley had their back four to thank for victory after trailing 3-1 and 5-3 with wins for Dave Price, Jim Fletcher and debutant James Duce.

Steve Homer and John Potter won to 14 and nine respectively but it was an amazing comeback from Nick Mullinder that clinched the match.

Mullinder trailed Neil Boxall 18-8, only to play the corners well to have a break of 12 and then win 21-20.

Burroughs added: "We played well as a team. Even the losers didn't play that badly.

"Nick led by example, showing great fighting spirit when he looked out of his game to come back and seal the aggregate for us.

"But we all performed and are looking forward to welcoming Ifton after their perfect start against Hanwood."

Mike Dulson had the home side's best result with his 21-11 success against Burroughs, while Colin Smith was Wem's MVP for his 21-13 defeat of Jamie Wyer.

Burway also came strong at the end as they saw off Wrockwardine Wood 10-4. The home side enjoyed a clean sweep of the back four to reverse the scoreline from their meeting last season.

Kiah Roberts was Burway's star man with a win to three, while Stuart Rutter picked up the MVP for the visitors.