Guilsfield and Llanidloes bid to build on promotion bounce

The village club has risen from division six to three in four seasons to earn the reputation as a Shropshire League success story.

The club lines up alongside local rivals Welshpool for the first time in division three this summer.

Dave Lewis will continue to lead the first team with Andy Flann his vice captain.

A club spokesman said: "We have no expectations and we just want to keep enjoying the adventure which has seen us go from division six to three in four seasons.

"We also want to grow our kids section this year and keep improving our facilities at the LHG Oval to keep moving the club forward as a whole for the good of the community."

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Welshpool will aim for an improved season after the Maesydre club narrowly avoided the drop last summer after winning just three games all season.

Llanidloes head into the new fourth division season fresh from their promotion-winning campaign.

New captain Daniel Lewis has taken over from the long-serving Andrew Jones as the Recreation Ground club strive to hit the ground running.

A club spokesman said: "As always, and it’s the same every year, the lads will be going all out to try and win the league. We can be the best team in the league and push for promotion this year.

"With Andrew Jones stepping down as captain, but still playing as much as he can, new captain Daniel Lewis is very confident."

Joe Pritchard and Blake Spiller are added to the ranks with both expected to join allrounder Adrian Foulkes and Will Denham, Rob Davies, Daniel Lewis, Eogan Jones and Ryan Jones in playing key roles.

"If all the lads are fit and ready we are ready to give anyone a game this season," added the spokesman. "The teams that came up with us last year will be a massive test, having lost and won against Newtown, Priorslee, and Church Stretton last year,

"We know how good these boys are and add Wem IIs, Madeley IIs, Shifnal IIIs and Shrewsbury IIIs and it's going to be a massively competitive league."

Bishop's Castle will compete in division five this summer while Alberbury IIs and Montgomery IIs join Welshpool IIs in division six.

Monty IIs skipper Tom Corfield said: "I am excited for the season and hope the weather improves. We are aiming to fight for promotion and continue the development of the youths."

Guilsfield IIs will continue to compete in division seven and will be captained by Gary Griffiths.