The first ever final of the Harris Shield sees the reigning Mid Shropshire League Champions Newport A take on the current league leaders Shifnal A with just 3 chalks in the handicap. Both teams have plenty of quality and experience, with many of the players having played at the highest level in the Premier League and County bowls.
Phil Emery and Paul Reeves have both played for Shropshire County in the last 10 years and clash at number one in the match of the game. Former Shropshire Merit Champion Alan Davidson plays at number three against Greg Carr of Staffordshire in another potential great clash. Martyn France has made a return to bowls at Newport and plays Dan Wilson, who also had a shorter break in 2023. The final two games have plenty of experience to call on with Ian Whittington playing our Over 60s Merit Champion Paul Beer, and record Premier League winning captain Dale Rudrum taking on Rob Steventon, who is now back full time after a few years away.
Newport captain Steve Handley says “it should be a decent game and one we’re looking forward to. They are probably favourites going into it with their league form being so good right now so we will need a big performance on the night. Emo v Reeva first game up could be a great game. We will need a good start with how strong they are towards the end.” Opposition skipper Paul Beer says “I would say both teams would be happy with the draw! As ever it will be tough for both but it will be a hard fought and respectful effort regardless of the result. Shifnal for the first time in a top division final so we are looking to rewrite the history books. Good luck to both sides on the night!”
Scores will be here.
| Newport A | Score | Score | Shifnal A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philip Emery * | 0 | 0 | Paul Reeves * |
| Stephen Handley * | 0 | 0 | Jonathan Davies ** |
| Alan Davidson * | 0 | 0 | Greg Carr ** |
| Russell Millward ** | 0 | 0 | Alison Cotton * |
| Martyn France * | 0 | 0 | Daniel Wilson |
| Mark Selley ** | 0 | 0 | David James ** |
| Simon Oldcorn * | 0 | 0 | Tim Benton * |
| Alan Smith * | 0 | 0 | Darrell Handley * |
| Ian Whittington ** | 0 | 0 | Paul Beer * |
| Dale Rudrum ** | 0 | 0 | Robert Steventon ** |
| Games | 0 | 0 | |
| Aggregate | 0 | 0 | |
| Handicap | 0 | 3 | |
| Aggregate | 0 | 3 |