Big week for Andover teams in the Salisbury leagues

On top of yesterday's thrilling win for the Lions in the Herbie Turner Cup, this week sees the resolution of the Salisbury & District leagues in which our teams participate..The position is this:

Andover Lions - now going for a league and cup double - are top of the league though Salisbury are breathing down their necks, just 0.5 points behind. This week's fixtures - on Thursday 14th - see Lions at home to Alderbury while Salisbury, with a superior shot difference, entertain Pewsey Blue. Lions have, on paper, the more difficult fixture, with Alderbury in fourth place and Pewsey Blue in seventh (second bottom) - but bowls is not played on paper and Lions do have that half-point advantage. It's all in Lions' grasp - a maximum points win would ensure Lions' 2024 title is retained, while matching Salibury's result would also deliver it.

Andover Women are in second place in the league, level on 53 points with league leaders Amesbury but with an inferior shots difference. The team's final fixture is also, coincidentally, against Alderbury, although this is an away match. Alderbury are at the bottom of the table, and the home fixture saw Andover Women triumph 80-32. Amesbury have two fixtures left to play, however, so are in pole position, but a resounding win on Thursday night would keep the pressure absolutely on.

Andover Eagles are in sixth and can rise no higher although a bad loss in the final game, away at bottom of the league Amesbury, could see them slip to seventh below Pewsey Blue.

Supporters are very welcome at Vigo Park for the Lions game; and at Alderbury for the Women's team fixture: you can find Alderbury Bowling Club at Rectory Road, Alderbury, SP5 3AD; four miles to the south-east of Salisbury off the A36 to Southampton. Alternatively, if you're going to the Eagles game, Amesbury Bowling Club is off the Salisbury road (A345) in Amesbury (SP4 7HH).

Good luck to all our clubs this week and, if you can turn out to give them your support, please do so!