new year and a new season – the Webley Shield, a handicap competition got underway last Thursday. Teams are handicapped in accordance with their League average score for the season which ended just before Christmas. The team with the highest average being the scratch team.

Wilmcote who won the League were at home to Binton B and gave the visitors a 21 point handicap. Though Binton started well with 31 from Chris Green, Wilmcote pulled back points with only bulls and fours on the target. Jamie Clarke shot a possible and 34 from Paul Clingan sealed Binton’s fate who lost the match by two points – 228 to 226.

Binton A were handicapped by 13 points in their match against Avenue. Binton shooters got off to a solid start with 33s from their first three shooters then followed two scores of 32. Despite the first possible in this competition for Avenue’s Alan Crichton the team were still 10 points behind. Will Cemis and Steve Parrack both shot 34 which made no change to the position. Avenue’s Steve Garlick shot a personal best of 34 which brought Avenue up to 221 points which was eight points above their League average and with the handicap they came out winners with 234 to Binton’s 226 points.

Home Guard and Avon both shot only bulls and fours in their match. Home Guard took the lead until Avon’s fifth shooter, Colin Fulford came to the target. His possible brought the scores level and Avon pressed on with 34s from Richard Groom and Steve Ray and 33 from Alison McMillan to win the match with 257 points. After adjusting the score line for Avon’s eight shooters and the handicap they came out winners with 234 points to 221 for Home Guard.

MEB did not get off to a good start and trailed throughout the match against Clifford despite 31s from Tim Onions and Kath Williams and 33s from Fred Williams and Paul Onions. Clifford had some loose shots and only two scores over 30. Clifford had eight shooters and after dropping the lowest of their eight scores they finished on 209. MEB totalled 204 and with six handicap points the final score was 210.

Tonight, there will be an inter league match, Redditch v Stratford at ENTACO, Studley Sports & Social Club, 8:30pm

Report by Juana Everett, to be published on 14th January 2016