Staffs face test of their mettle on ‘plastic pitch’

Staffs’ travelling players must tackle an artificial surface in the away leg of the clash at Mossley Hill Athletic Club in Liverpool.

The Staffs selectors have opted for the tricky Hammerwich green for their home venue, which has proved a reliable hunting ground for the side over recent seasons.

Wales and Greater Manchester complete the section four line up.

Staffs team manager Bill Staite said: “All four teams will fancy their chances of progressing from this group and while we know we face a tough challenge, I feel the team are hungry for success this year.

“We had a inkling that Merseyside would use their ‘plastic pitch’ against us as it’s regarded as their home banker, so it’ll be interesting to see if we can counteract that with the twists and turns that Hammerwich offers.”

Staffs (away): Nathan Dawes, Mark Jones, Nick Wyer, Reece Farr, Jamie Wyer, Kevin Hocknull, Robert Perry, Daniel Davies, Paul Busby, Jason Westwood, Nick Newey, Peter Cookson.

Staffs (home): Scott Simpson, Chris Ward, Aaron Tapper, Stuart Edwards, David East, Glynn Storer, Craig Baker, Darrell Handley, Dan Bodley, Ben Dixon, Kevin Handley, Gordon Hawkins.

Dudley Dell are the only side boasting a perfect record in the Wolverhampton and South Staffs League.

Dell made it four wins from four outings thanks to an 11-3 success at home to Glasscutters.

Jamie Wyer (21-5) picked up the best win for the hosts, who are now four points clear of Willenhall Nordley.

Nordley’s winning run was halted as they drew 7-7 at Victoria Park.

Peter Bromley was in fine form for Victoria with a 21-0 victory. Michael Ledwidge (21-8) took the coppers for the away side.

The result saw Victoria climb into third place, level on 33 points with Cradley S&S and eight behind Nordley.

Shannon Kernick retained the Ryan Hyde Junior Open trophy at Willenhall Nordley.

She defeated her Worcester & Warwick county team-mate Nathan Caines 21-17 in the final. The competition raised over £600 for the anaphylaxis charity campaign in memory of Ryan Hyde.

Ted Dawson had cause for celebration after winning the St George’s Day Flyer at Cannock Bowls Club.

Club members took part in a keenly-contested competition that finally saw Dawson overcome Barrie Smith in the final.

Pennfields Bowling Club are keen to expand their playing numbers.

The club, which is based in Coalway Road, Wolverhampton, boasts two county standard greens, superbly maintained by groundsman Colin Mattox, and currently run 15 teams.

Players of any standard are welcome as well as people keen to try the sport for the first time.

For beginners, the club has plenty of members who are willing to give up their time to coach newcomers. Bowls can also be provided so there is no initial outlay.

The club also offers a packed social schedule with a first-class clubhouse, known as ‘The Shed’ serving a wide range of real ales while there is entertainment throughout the year and two full size snooker tables.