Premier Division
The top two from last season clash in the first week of the Summit Garage Staffordshire Premier Bowls League. The George pipped the Greville Arms by just one point, and host them in their first game of their defence of that title. Both teams have strengthened and will be favourites to battle for the league again, so know a good start over their rivals could set the tone for the season. Greville captain Callum Mitchell says “The George is always a tough place to go to but we will go there with the intention of winning. We always have good games against them and I expect nothing different for Monday’s game.” Atherstone Cons start with two home games this week, they play Moseley CC at home on Monday and then Windmill at home on Wednesday because of a green clash next Monday. They finished 3rd in their debut season in the league and would love to match that again. Moseley CC will hope to continue the form they finished the season with so they avoid being near the bottom. Windmill know they might find playing away easier this season given their difficulties with their green this season. They travel to Willenhall Nordley who had a disappointing season last year and will want to be challenging for the title again. The Baldwin and Hamstead enter the Premier Division for the first time, and will want good starts respectively against Stretton Anglesey away and West Brom FSC. Stretton will be looking to push into the top 3 this season after just missing out last season, while West Brom FSC will want to avoid being in trouble near the bottom again like last season.
Fixtures:
The George v Greville Arms
Atherstone Cons v Windmill
Stretton Anglesey v Baldwin
Hamstead v West Brom FSC
Willenhall Nordley v Windmill
Division One
League newcomers Penn will look for a good start in week 1 of Division One in the Summit Garage Staffordshire Premier Bowls League as they host Staffordshire rivals Victoria Park. Captain Darrell Handley says “we start off our season again with Victoria Park who we will give our upmost respect for. We obviously aim to win the game and push as high as we can in what is going to be a difficult season as the standard of Division One is going to be high!” Victoria Park will be looking to push into the top half after a couple of average seasons. The other league newcomers the Royal Oak travel to Triplex, who after finishing 3rd last season will be looking to go up after just missing out last season. Skipper Chris Baker says we are “really looking forward to the new campaign and welcoming The Royal Oak. We look to have a really competitive squad this year a hope we will be challenging for promotion come September.” The two relegated teams from last season meet as M&B Cheslyn Hay take on Tanworth in Arden, both teams will be looking to instantly bounce back. The bottom two from last season meet as Langley host Belmont Services, both teams looking to move up the table into the top half.
Fixtures:
Penn v Victoria Park
Triplex v Royal Oak
M&B Cheslyn Hay v Tanworth in Arden
Langley v Belmont Services
