KGJ Insurance Shropshire Cup 2nd Round Review

Bridgewater impressed again as they beat Newport by 30 chalks at Meole Brace in the 2nd round of the KGJ Insurance Shropshire Cup. Captain Matt Blackhurst said “it was brilliant performance from everyone, Greg was outstanding at No 1 and led the way for us all to follow. You always want a lead after 4 games so Tommy Cooper and Andy Foster battling back from well down to get good scores was very valuable, and gave the momentum going into the rest of the games which we never really gave up. Credit must go to Simon Oldcorn who last game on beat Will Stokes from 18-4 down or it could have been even more comfortable. We’re looking forward to the draw.” Greg Fordham was best winner 8 for them and Alan Davidson was best for Newport 17. Bowring won the closest game of the night as they defeated Hadnall by 3 on Highley. Skipper Alex Turnbull says “with both sides having to travel a fair distance, it was clear from the off that this was going to be a tight match. A superb lead off performance from Kate Wainwright (to be best winner 11) was key to taking an early chalks advantage, which was never headed. This was quickly responded to by the ever consistent John Ford from Hadnall. The next 6 games could have gone either way but excellent comebacks from Terry Whitehouse and Dean Heighway meant the slender advantage was maintained. This led to a nail biting finale with Lee Parton just edging out Elaine Jones for a 3 chalk victory. The green was in excellent condition and the match was played in great spirit.” Graham Snelson and Bob Cliffe were best winners 13 for Hadnall.

The holders Castlefields had a tough game against Shifnal on Bridgewater. Skipper Kevin Walker said “the green was holding but smooth. I thought Shifnal played very well, they pushed us all the way. There were only 10 in it with the back two going on. It was played in a very good spirited way. Steve Duckett changed the game for us.” Anthony Gray was best winner for the holders 4, while Alison Cotton was best for the Telford side 9. Wrockwardine Wood defeated Horsehay by 30 on St Georges Bottom Green. Ollie Wall was their best winner 9, while Olly Harris was best for Horsehay 14. Sir John Bayley beat Trench by 36 chalks on Bylet, with Del Mckenzie leading the way 13, while for Trench their best winner was Dave Evans by the same score. St Georges got past Greenfields by 73 with 8 winners, the best of them being Barry Gilder 4, while for Greenfields it was Tony Williams 16. Bylet beat Albert Road Exiles by 38 on Wem USC with Pete Driver best winner 5 and Dave Bates and Chris Partridge best for the Exiles 14. Battlefield had the biggest win of the night with an 86 shot win over Charlton. Mal Parry was their best winner 4, while Barrie Phillips was best for the opposition 17.