Date published: 23.12.2023
The Shrewsbury Senior Citizens Bowling League is underway for a new season.
As the league enters its 15th season, around 700 players have been registered to compete across five divisions, with matches occurring on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.
League secretary Chris Kershaw welcomed the afternoon set up as an opportunity for senior citizens to compete in daylight.
Kershaw said: “The league provides friendly competition and a valued social activity for retired people to enjoy every week.
“Having an afternoon senior citizens league enables some of the older bowlers, who don’t like bowling in an evening, to carry on playing competitively.”
Oswestry side Ye Olde Crofte are the latest team to join the league after Old Shrewsbury were forced to withdraw midway through last season due to a shortage of players.
Shrewsbury-based caravan dealership Salop Leisure will sponsor the league, with marketing manager Ed Glover proud to be associated.
Glover said: “Long may this very popular league and the clubs continue to prosper.”
Running alongside the league setup, three knock-out competitions will also take place this year, with the top 16 league teams taking part in the Dick Meyrick Cup.
The other two cups consist of the next best 16 teams battling for the Ron Smout Cup, with the remaining teams competing for the Sponsor’s Shield.
Roy Aldcroft, Shrewsbury Council committee member for Sports and Leisure, commended the longevity of the event and the efforts of its board members.
Aldcroft said: "You see just how key the Senior leagues are to the community just by looking at the sheer number of participants that enter every year.
"It's only right we applaud and celebrate the people who organise and maintain the competition, which now runs into its fifteenth year — long may it continue."
Meole Brace Bowling Club and Shrewsbury Bowling Club will host the latter stages of the competitions in late summer 2024.
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