Afternoons?

Two member clubs have already expressed an interest in competing in a new afternoon division the League is thinking about launching next year.

The news of their interest follows moves by League chiefs to allay the concerns of other leagues about the possibility of the new division in 2023.

Secretary Malcolm Fletcher has written to officers of the Highley, Shrewsbury Ladies, Mid Shropshire Senior Citizens and Telford Ladies Afternoon leagues to explain the proposal.

The idea of a six-a-side division for bowlers of all ages and played on either Tuesdays or Thursdays afternoons (1.30pm start) is the brainchild of Steve Wall, the vice-chairman of the League.

 “And as your leagues have fixtures or competitions on those days, I felt it only right and proper that I make contact to try and explain the situation fully,” said the secretary.

 “Delegates of our 25 clubs have been asked to go back to their clubs to see if they have any interest in joining such a division next year – and on which afternoon they would prefer to play.

“We hope to get a better idea of where we stand by our meeting on Tuesday, December 6, and if there is little interest the proposals will be withdrawn.

“But if there is a demand, of say 8 teams, the MSBL will cater for it – and two clubs have already expressed an interest and we have a potential sponsor in the pipeline.

“Once we decide to go ahead, and know on which day, that is the stage we will consult formally with the league (s) affected.

“And that will be in the hope that, with the Mike Beckett results system being so helpful, we can come up with an amicable solution.

“I sincerely hope that clarifies the current state of play.”