KGJ Insurance Shropshire Cup 2nd Round Preview

The 2nd round of the Shropshire Cup sees the rest of the teams enter the competition looking to make the Quarter Finals. This means the holders Castlefields will look to win this for a third time in a row and face Tanners Shropshire rivals Pontesbury in their first game at Bicton. Pontesbury captain Andy Price says “we’ll probably get beat quite convincingly but will give it a good go anyway. We’ve had rubbish (hard) draws in all comps this year for some reason but that’s how it goes.” Last year’s runners up Wrockwardine Wood take on Mid Shropshire rivals Bowring at Atcham. Bowring skipper Alex Turnbull says “having succumbed to a heavy defeat early in the league season against Wrockwardine Wood, Bowring are looking for revenge, this time on neutral ground! We have fortunate enough availability which means we can field a strong side and we are looking forward to the challenge.” Another Mid Shropshire clash sees the Champions Newport take on St Georges at Wrockwardine Wood, who got through on best winner last round against the Bayley. Newport captain Steve Handley says “it is a tough game with 2 evenly matched teams in my opinion. Most of our team don’t know much about the green so we will see how we get on with it. Both teams will fancy their chances of getting though I’m sure, but could be a really close game!” Current Mid Shropshire leaders Hadley USC take on fellow high flyers Shifnal in what promises to be another close game at Madeley CC. Shifnal skipper Paul Beer says “we are looking forward to playing an in form team in Hadley who are currently top of Div 1, should be a good watch at Madeley CC tonight.” There are two Division two clubs aiming for another upset this round like the last. Bridgnorth take on Chester Road at Pontesbury, while Meole Brace play Prince of Wales Hotel at Allscott Heath. Another Division Two club, Greenfields, will look to cause an upset on Edgmond as they play Bridgewater. There is a North Shropshire derby as Adderley play Woore on Tilstock.

A reminder that each player must have played at least one league game before this round, and that clubs must give the host club £10 each.