The 2023 KGJ Insurance County Cup Final was won by Sir John Bayley by 32 chalks against Castlefields. Below is reaction from both teams as well as pictures.
Sir John Bayley vice-captain Tom Roden said “I’d like to thank Bridgewater Bowling Club for their hospitality and the use of their challenging green. I’d also like to thank the referees. I hope I speak for most of those in attendance, when I say that Saturday night’s match was a tense and high quality meeting between two of Shropshire’s best teams. Neither side we’re willing to give an inch in the first 8 games. In the front 4, the impressive Hayden Lewis and Stuart Rutter cancelled each other out both winning to 12, whilst Scott Simpson won a high quality game 17, and Ashley Gregory battled superbly from 10 or more behind to score 19 against Rich Goddard, leaving the Bayley 2 shots in front. The middle 4 provided 4 close games, with nobody winning to more than 15. Shared two wins apiece, this gave the Bayley a slender 3 shot lead. Into the back 4, man of the match, Spencer Clarke opened up the gap again, winning 16 in an impressive game with Wayne Rogers. The breathing space increased again when myself and Chris Worthington led 20-8 and 16-0, eventually winning to 14 and 5 respectively. Kane Beaman completed a back 4 clean sweep for SJB with a 20 win resulting in a flattering overall 32 shot win for the Bayley Boys. The match however was significantly closer than the scoreline suggests. Lastly, I would like to thank Castlefields for their sportsmanship afterwards. Handshakes and congratulations were shared between both teams after a ferociously contested match. It was our first meeting in a County Cup final but I hope it’s not our last.”
Castlefields captain Adie Rowe said “I just wanted to thank the Bridgewater as I thought the green was superb and they had done a good job. Also, I wanted to thank Mike Potter and the rest of the organisers. No excuses as I’ve told out lot Sir John Bayley won the game fair and square.”
