KGJ Insurance County Cup 2nd Round Preview

The 2nd round of the KGJ Insurance County Cup takes place tonight with 16 teams looking to book their place in the Quarter Finals. Meole Brace take on Hanwood in a local derby at Castlefields with more than bragging rights at stake. Meole skipper Nick Davies says “we’re playing Hanwood in the County Cup on Wednesday evening and again on Friday in the League at home. Both teams now have a good mix of youth and experience including current County players. The cup game is on a neutral green which will be a great leveller for two teams which know each other very well. The game will be played in good spirits and with both teams being extremely competitive should be a great advertisement for the game of crown green bowls. Whatever the result we’ll be having a beer together after the game.” Opposition captain Rich Lawson says “we are very much looking forward to the cup match, games against Meole are always very competitive with so many friendships between both teams. We’ve hit a bit of form recently so hopefully we’ll get the result we want.” The holders Ifton start their first ever defence with a tie against Chester Road at the Bowring. Chester Road have done well away from home so far this season, so will be looking to keep that up on a neutral green, while Ifton have been in good form so far this season with just one loss in the league.  Wrockwardine Wood finished runners-up last season, and play Prince of Wales Hotel at Bridgewater, with the Prince aiming to cause a seismic shock against an in form Wrockites.

Castlefields are the record holders of this competition, but haven’t won it since 2015. They take on Mid Shropshire League Champions Horsehay at Chester Road. Horsehay spokesman Olly Harris says “we go into this tie as massive underdogs against a team who are one of the favourites to win the prem. Castlefields have quality throughout their team but we like a challenge. We’ve had a bit of a slow start to the season, so hopefully we can use this game to restore a bit of confidence back into our side. Our new signing John Roberts Jnr has settled in well, but we are missing our other in form player Neil Harris due to work commitments.” St Georges have won this competition plenty of times, their last in 2019, and face Burway at Meole Brace. Burway have had a tough start to the season so far, but know the cup is very different to a league game. Wem USC have also had a tough start to the season, and play Highley at Sir John Bayley, who also have had a slow start to the season, so this game could be a kick starter for both. Current Mid Shropshire League leaders Sinclair will look to cause an upset when they take on Adderley at Pontesbury. Adderley themselves have had a good start to life in the Premier League but will be unfamiliar of being the favourite rather than underdog. The third all Premier League tie at Hanwood is between Hanmer and Sir John Bayley, with both teams having had good starts to the season.

A reminder that a player needs to have played one league game before tonight’s matches. There is no dress code. £12 from each team goes to the host club.