Shropshire Premier Bowling League: Castlefields roll on to maintain their lead

Title hunters Castlefields maintained their lead at the top of the Shropshire Premier Bowling League with a convincing victory over third-placed Wrockwardine Wood.

Castlefields saw off their fellow high-flyers 9-3 to collect 11 points and remain 18 points clear of second-placed Sir John Bayley, who have a game in hand.

It marked back-to-back wins for the league leaders, with the same scoreline, after they defeated Highley the previous week.

There were several tight contests, but Castlefields came out on top 229-185 on aggregate, with Ashley Wellings producing the best result as he won 21-6.

Tom Palmer also edged a tight contest, beating Wrockwardine’s Thomas Killen 21-20.

Chasing Sir John Bayley also recorded a 9-3 victory, comfortably beating St George’s 231-161 on aggregate to collect 11 points.

Scott Harries produced the best result with a 21-6 win, while there were also strong victories for Pete Grimston (21-7), Scott Simpson and Reece Farr (21-8).

Geraint Williams starred for Ifton, who collected the most points across the fixtures. He beat Tony Sherratt 21-4 as hosts Adderley went down 9-3, with Ifton winning 236-191 on aggregate.

Robin Bennett also recorded a strong win over Gary Whitehall (21-6) as Ifton secured 13 points from the victory.

Woore also collected a strong haul, picking up 12 points from their 10-2 victory over Burway.

Ian Howell produced a brilliant performance, beating Jack Lawrence 21-1. There were also big wins for Gary Beff (21-3), Andrew Moss (21-6), Dan Hazeldine (21-7), Carl Hinton and Steve Rogers (21-9).

Those results helped Woore to an impressive 240-133 aggregate victory. They sit fifth in the standings, while Burway are 11th.

Highley also recorded an impressive victory, beating Hanmer 8-4 with a 235-192 aggregate score.

The hosts’ heaviest defeat was 14-21, with several high-scoring and closely fought matches.

Highley’s Phil Chester beat Lee Peate 21-8 as his side secured a 10th win of the season.

Basement side Bylet secured a fourth win of the season by beating Wem USC 8-4.

Brian Walters, Tim Easley and Ian Hopson shared the best result for Bylet, all winning 21-10.

Seven consecutive wins for Walters, Martin Beddow, Nathan Crocombe, John Newey, Easley, Cheryl Caswell and Hopson put Bylet on their way to victory as they picked up eight points.

Meole Brace played out a thrilling contest with Hanwood, drawing 6-6 and collecting eight points.

Mark Thomas and Tracey Bound impressed for Meole Brace with 21-8 victories.

Hayden Lewis (21-19), Dave Burton (21-18) and Charlie Hotchkiss (21-17) all won tight contests for Hanwood, who took six points.