Spalding and District Billiards League newcomers Holbeach C made a winning start to their maiden campaign as the new season started this week.
They recorded a 5-2 victory over stable-mates Holbeach A thanks to crucial successes from Ben Harding and James Glover.
Fellow league newcomers Consti D suffered a 5-2 opening defeat at Gosberton A despite Pat Bowman getting them off to a winning start in their first match-up.
Long Sutton, who were denied a hat-trick of league titles last season, began their campaign with a 5-2 away success at Holbeach B.
Mick Cooper was in fine form for the perennial title challengers with a string of breaks in his victory.
Consti C and Gosberton played out a close contest with the latter edging a 4-3 away success thanks to victories from Marcus Pell and James Waterfall.
Gosberton A (582) 5 Consti D (534) 2: Andy Shephard (R120) 182, Pat Bowman (R110) 200; Norman Gookey (R80) 200, John Walker (R100) 183; Malc Dennis (R120) 200, Mick Peet (R110) 151. Best break: Norman Gookey (UNF).
Consti C (520) 3 Gosberton B (510) 4: John Bellerby (R80) 200, Shane White (O20) 110; Stewart Davies (R30) 125, Marcus Pell (O20) 200; Alan Hansard (R60) 195, James Waterfall (R80) 200. Best breaks: John Bellerby 22; Shane White 23, 21.
Holbeach B (360) 2 Long Sutton (532) 5: Nigel Ward (R100) 200, Joe Garland (R70) 132; Tony Blanchard (R60) 160, Mick Cooper (O140) 200; Craig Johnson (R90) w/o, Adam Barwell (O50) 200. Best breaks: Mick Cooper 27, 30, 25, 28, 25.
Holbeach C (597) 5 Holbeach A (543) 2: Ben Harding (R90) 200, Hugh Pinner (O140) 149; Duncan Croker (R80) 197, Alan Yardley (R10) 200; James Glover (R90) 200, Desmond Forbes (R50) 194. Best breaks: Hugh Pinner 25, 20, 30, 31; Alan Yardley 20, 24; Desmond Forbes 29.
