KGJ Insurance Shropshire Cup 2nd Round Preview

The 2nd Round of the KGJ Insurance Shropshire Cup sees all remaining teams enter the competition looking to emulate Hadley USCs triumph last season. They had a good win last round against Allscott Heath but will face a tougher test against Wrockwardine Wood on Maddocks, a team that has improved since a poor season last year. Hadley spokesman Rob Burroughs says “we know this will be a tougher test and be big underdogs again, but we come off our first win of the season at St Georges and will be hoping to use that momentum to get us through this game and cause a shock.” Last year’s runners up Bridgewater face the team they beat in the Semi Finals last season, Woore, this time at Prees, in a game that was decided on best winner. Captain Matt Blackhurst says “I think Woore will agree, this is not an ideal draw for either side, but we know what to expect. Even with who they can’t play they’ve got an excellent 10. So as it was last year I anticipate a very tight contest. We were really disappointed with the way we lost in the final 12 months ago so we’re determined to put that right.” Opposition skipper Dan Hand says “we look forward to tonight’s match against a strong Bridgwater side of which we always have a close battle with. None more so than the semi final last year where they beat us on the best winner rule. Our aim tonight is to avenge that result and go on to have a good run in this competition.” Castlefields were the other Semi Finalists last season and will aim to avoid an upset as they play Division Two side Bridgnorth at Childs Ercall.

Newport meet fellow Mid Shropshire side Sir John Bayley in what promises to be a close battle at the Bowring, but Newport have made a better start to the season sitting in 2nd place with the Bayley 6th. Sinclair lead the Mid Shropshire League, and will be favourites to overcome Wem USC at Greenfields, Wem in the 2nd division of the Tanners League. Chester Road meet Battlefield in a clash of former Premier League Champions, and it will be whoever adapts on an unfamiliar green at Wrockwardine Wood. Bowring against former winners Prince of Wales Hotel is on another unfamiliar green at Wem Albion. Bowring skipper Alex Turnbull says “we go into our Shropshire Cup last 16 tie against Prince Hotel full of confidence coming off back to back league wins fielding a side containing 2 Mid Shropshire Merit qualifiers, one of which reached the final! Prince Hotel will on paper at least go into this tie as slight favourites however the neutral venue will no doubt be a match leveller and hopefully result in an exciting tie!” Trench survived a scare against Division 3 Charlton last round, and know they will need to be much better when playing Hodnet, who boast some experienced players like Keith Wall, John Breeze and Mick Jones, who will all have experience of Meole Brace.

A reminder all players must have played at least one league game to be able to play tonight. No players who have played for the senior county this or last season are eligible for the Shropshire Cup. Players who have played more than 2 games in the Premier League are ineligible to play in the second round of the Shropshire Cup.

Teams must also pay £1 per player to the host club.