Stoke sure to be a force again

THE first round of the Stenson Shield, the scratch inter-club event, will be played on Saturday, April 14.Holders Stoke by Nayland, who are sure to be a force once again with such a spectacular crop of youthful talent, are at home to Gorleston.

THE first round of the Stenson Shield, the scratch inter-club event, will be played on Saturday, April 14.

Holders Stoke by Nayland, who are sure to be a force once again with such a spectacular crop of youthful talent, are at home to Gorleston. The likes of Michael Swan, Scott and Liam Brace and Rob Murray may prove hard to beat.

Fynn Valley are at home to Newton Green, whose club champion was Ollie Rush after young Adam Woodhead was disqualified on a technicality. Both are sure to be competitive but they face an uphill battle.

There will be a battle royal at Thorpeness where Aldeburgh are the visitors while Felixstowe Ferry will need to be at their best to survive a trip to The Suffolk.

Bungay, surprise packets last season with juniors Alastair Hall and Dickon Housman playing so well, should have a tremendous match with Diss, one of their nearest neighbours.

Stenson Shield

First round (to be played on April 14): Fynn Valley v Newton Green, Ufford Park v Rushmere, Waldringfield v Rookery Park, Stoke by Nayland v Gorleston, Thorpeness v Aldeburgh, Bungay and Waveney Valley v Diss, The Suffolk v Felixstowe Ferry.

Byes: Hintlesham, Haverhill, Southwold. Flempton, Woodbridge, Ipswich, Halesworth, Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket.