Jubilant St Georges bowlers are celebrating becoming the most successful team in the history of the Alan Mayhew Trophy thanks to a thrilling final triumph over Chester Road.

The Dragons landed the Premier League knockout for a sixth time – taking them past Castlefields, who have five triumphs – as they edged out the current Furrows Shropshire Premier League by just two shots.

Rob Burroughs was the St Georges hero as the last man on the green at Meole Brace in Saturday night's thriller.

Needing 17 to guide his side to overall victory, he fought back from 19-14 down against Andrew Foster to lose 21-18.

That formed part of a strong showing from the St Georges' young guns at the back with Mike Wainwright, a late call-up for the ill Ian Gaut, seeing off Paul Williams 21-19 while Jamie King was defeating Les Markham by the same scoreline.

Tom Langford also battled to get 18 off Derek Wright.

Alan Palin, who shares the St Georges captaincy duties with Glyn Picknell, said: "It was probably the best final I have ever played in.

"There is a good feeling around the club at the moment and the young lads proved they are no mugs."

Chester Road looked set to face a first four deficit before a late fightback ensured they came out level.

Martin Lloyd ran out from 19-13 down against Picknell and Andy Smith did likewise against Nigel Evans from 17-7 behind.

Andy Moss also staged a rally to defeat Dave King 21-15 from 12-8 down.

But the Roaders saw their advantage wiped out by a 21-9 triumph for Scott Harries over Charlie Weaver.

Alan Palin, Andy Jones and Tony Rhodes maintained the St Georges momentum with victories in the middle.

Paul Griffiths kept Chester Road in touch as he failed to concede another shot after falling 12-8 behind.

That put St Georges four to the good but the young guns held firm under pressure to allow their side to sweep to yet more Mayhew Trophy glory.

Full scores (St Georges first):

Glyn Picknell 19 Martin Lloyd 21, Scott Harries 21 Charlie Weaver 9, Nigel Evans 17 Andy Smith 21, Dave King 15 Andy Moss 21, Alan Palin 21 Mark Holland 16, Andy Jones 21 Andy Duckett 17, Simon Rhodes 12 Paul Griffiths 21, Tony Rhodes 21 Paul Latham 17, Tom Langford 18 Derek Wright 21, Mike Wainwright 21 Paul Williams 19, Rob Burroughs 18 Andrew Foster 21, Jamie King 21 Les Markham 19.

St Georges 225 Chester Road 223