KGJ Insurance Shropshire Cup 2nd Round Preview

The 2nd round of the KGJ Insurance Shropshire Cup takes place tonight with 8 quarter final places up for grabs. Holders Castlefields play Shifnal again at Bridgewater in a repeat of last year’s Quarter Final which the Fields won by 42. Shifnal captain Chris Newbrook knows it is “the same as last year, we will be going into this match as massive underdogs, especially as they are currently champions of this competition. We have made a few signings in the close season but also lost a few players as well, hopefully we can put up a strong performance and you never know what could happen on the night.” Horsehay had a fine win over the runner-up from last season, Prince of Wales Hotel, but have another tough game against Wrockwardine Wood on St Georges Bottom Green. Spokesman Olly Harris says “we go into this game with Wrockwardine Wood with a bit of confidence back in the team. We’ve had a couple of positive results, including getting 4 winners at their place a couple of weeks ago. It’ll be a tough task, we know all about them and they know all about us, both teams will be hoping for a decent cup run. We do have a couple out, including our injured captain Chop, but luckily for us he’ll be there and he’s still got his voice.” Newport have had a strong start in the Mid Shropshire League and play Bridgewater at Meole Brace now, with Bridgewater having already had a strong showing against one of Newport’s rivals, Sinclair. Captain Matt Blackhurst says “no doubt we’ve been handed a really difficult game tonight against Newport. We’ve seen they’ve retained many of their former Premier League players from last season. So we have to respect that they’re likely favourites for this game and perhaps this competition, but we’ve got our best side out we can field and we know we’ve got a chance.”

There is an all Mid Shropshire clash between Trench and Sir John Bayley at the Bylet. Trench captain Pete Millington is “looking forward to a good competitive game, hopefully on a quick green. Got my full team raring to go and hopefully make it into the next round.” Bylet themselves have had a good start to life in Division 2 of the Mid Shropshire League and take on Albert Road Exiles at Wem USC. Fellow Division 2 side Charlton play Battlefield at Chester Road looking to cause a shock, while St Georges are former runners-up and play Greenfields on Hanmer. Harris Cup winners Hadnall meet the Bowring at Highley which could be a close clash.