Premier Division
The 2022 Premier Division title of the Summit Garage Staffordshire Premier Bowls League has gone right down to the wire in week 18. The George lead by 3 points but host a M&B Cheslyn Hay side that are 7 points above Moor Lane at the bottom, who host 3rd placed Greville. M&B skipper Aaron Tapper says ”we will be trying to capture 3 winners to cement our position in the Premier league without having to rely on results elsewhere but we understand how difficult it will be at the league leaders.” Willenhall Nordley take on West Brom FSC who are two points ahead of Stretton Anglesey in 4th, the final prize money position. Willenhall captain Scott Simpson says it is the “end of the road for another season. Think we have the uphill battle but we are happy to be here and have a squeak of winning the league. Never an easy task against a side that know our green well with an ex homester or 2, a comp winner and a regular on the green. Should be a good game for the neutral so who knows!” Stretton Anglesey host Moseley CC knowing a big home win should get them 4th in their debut season in the division, while Moseley are eight ahead of Moor Lane, so know 2 winners will guarantee survival.
Division One
With the top two placings already determined before week 18 of the Summit Garage Staffordshire Premier Bowls League, it is the final prize money positions where the battles are. Baldwin are in 3rd, and need a few winners at Wrockwardine Wood to stay there. Woodfield are in 4th, a point ahead of Triplex, and travel to Belmont Services who are five points behind them, so 3 points should see them finish at least 5th, with Belmont needing to win 8-2 to overtake them. Woodfield skipper Nick Newey says “this is our first visit to Belmont Services so we have no idea about the green. However, they have a very competent team with the likes of Daz Staley, Brian Jordan and Rikki Higgs, we never got to see the latter at Woodfield. But we will give it our best and see what happens.” Triplex sandwich them, and know 4 winners will see them finish at least 5th. Captain Chris Baker says “we are looking forward to our visit to Langley and hoping to finish the season with an encouraging away performance. Four of our players can still finish top of our averages, so I’m sure the fixture will be extremely competitive.” Baddesley and Windmill will hope to finish their successful seasons with a win at Hamstead and Victoria Park respectively.
