Established in 1932, the Mid Shropshire Crown Green Bowling League, based in and around the Telford area, had to play a numbers game before the start of the 2026 season.
It now boasts 9 divisions following an AGM that heard the said news that Hadley USC BC had folded and South Shropshire duo Worfield and Highley were pulling out of the League due to lack of players.
But Hadley BC, playing just up the road at Charlton, rose from the ashes of the Services Club and the good news continued pre-season as the 3 Friday divisions now all have 12 teams.
A new 7th division on Monday nights has been launched and the Dennis Lewis Thursday Division is now full with 14 sides. The Afternoon Division is also up to 11 teams and there are now 7 in the four singles-two doubles Saturday Afternoon division with a new Bridgnorth side packed with juniors.
Reigning first division champions Sinclair, having won the title for the first time, have strengthened significantly and look set to push hard against for another shot at a place in the Premier League via its play-offs.
They are 1 of 26 member clubs in a League with nearly 1,500 bowlers – a number that includes a thriving number of junior under-18s – and with Edgmond having won the Best Green in Shropshire for 2 years running.
League officers have already this season developed a new disciplinary structure and continue to work to help County Development Officer and coaching chief Pauline Wilson deliver the BCGBA’s 5-year development strategy. She continues to make full use of coaching equipment bought with a £7,145 grant the League was proud to receive from Sport England.
Mid Shropshire have also continued to award Life Memberships to recognise the efforts of bowlers to further the sport – and nominations from clubs are welcomed!
And, as always, the main goal of the League’s current officers remains to grow crown green bowling in Mid Shropshire, with its bowlers gaining all the benefits from being outdoors with like minded people, playing the sport in the right spirit.
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