Good luck to all teams for the forthcoming season.
Premier Division
The Summit Garage Staffordshire Premier Bowls League returns with 10 teams in the Premier Division looking to win the league or just stay up. Last year winner’s Willenhall Nordley entertain 2019 winners the Greville Arms in what promises to be a great clash between the two favourites for this year’s crown. Greville captain Josh Hale is “really looking forward to the Summit League this year. We have a tough first game away at last year’s winners Nordley but one we will give a good go and hopefully start us on the right track to regaining the title.” The George ran the Greville close in 2019 and will look for a good start at home to Dudley Dell, who finished 7th in that season. Two teams who finished below the Dell were M&B Cheslyn Hay and West Brom FSC, and both teams know a good start could be critical to avoid any trouble. Moseley CC also finished between them and entertain Tanworth In Arden who have been promoted this season and return back to the Premier Division. Stretton Anglesey were also promoted into the Premier Division for the first time and travel to Moor Lane who finished 4th in 2019. Skipper Paul Chamberlain realises “it will be difficult at one of the most difficult away greens but we have a strong team out and looking forward to our 1st game in the top league.” Moor Lane will be looking to build on 2019 and challenge for the top three.
Week 1 Fixtures:
M&B Cheslyn Hay v West Brom FSC
Moor Lane v Stretton Anglesey
Moseley CC v Tanworth in Arden
The George v Dudley Dell
Willenhall Nordley v Greville Arms
Division One
Victoria Park mark their return to the Summit League with a home tie against another new name in the league, Hamstead. Captain Stuart Edwards says “Victoria Park are very much looking forward to getting the season underway against Hamstead. With the game struggling in many areas with teams struggling to keep going its great to be able to enter the Summit League to move forwards with our club.” Hamstead will hope their different green will help them towards the top of the division. Windmill will start as one of the favourites for the league, and host a Wrockwardine Wood side hoping to put their struggles from last season behind them. Triplex experience their first full season in the league, and will hope to learn from last season as they travel to 2019 Division Two Champions Baddesley, who will be looking to do former captain Phil Brown proud. Baldwin finished second to Baddesley, and will have a tough opener against Woodfield who will be looking to be at the top end of the table. Woodfield skipper Nick Newey knows it is a “tough first game away at Baldwin. We’ve lost Stuart Edwards and Peter Cookson to Victoria Park but gained Scott Taylor. Not sure what I expect the result to be. If we get 3 or 4 I think I’ll be pleased.” Belmont Services are another new name team to experience their first full season in the league, and host Langley first game, with both teams looking for a good start to the season.
Week 1 Fixtures:
Baddesley v Triplex
Baldwin v Woodfield
Victoria Park v Hamstead
Belmont Services v Langley
Windmill v Wrockwardine Wood
