Snooker round-up: Services E hit the summit as leaders falter

Services E have edged ahead in the exciting race for silverware in Division One of the Spalding and District Snooker League.

Second at the start of play, Services won a tight tussle with Consti F 4-2 thanks to a final frame triumph from Craig Fitter (O56), who made breaks of 23 and 20, against Robert Adams (O14).

Earlier in the clash a 22 clearance from Phil Spencer (O14) helped Services get the job done and move one point clear at the top of the table.

That’s because previous table-toppers Bourne SC A suffered a 4-2 loss at Long Sutton A. Mark Gray (O105) sank a super 98 break for Bourne, but it was in vain for the title hopefuls.

A 26 break and 25 clearance from Stuart Atkin (O42) was the highlight for Sutton, who edge away from the drop zone.

There is now a 12-point gap back to Holbeach A in third. They saw off club mates Holbeach C 4-2 thanks to wins from Jem Merrison (O35), Mick Ayres Jnr (R14) and Mick Ayres (O7).

Fourth-placed Pyramid A, who suffered a 4-2 reverse at Boundary B and are a further point behind. Brian Addy (R7) settled that one with victory in the penultimate frame.

At the other end of the table, Pyramid B boosted their survival hopes with a timely 5-1 success over Tulips A.

A 57 break from Alfonso Palumbo (O49) was the highlight for the Bourne boys, while Bren Bowman (O56) hit back with scores of 36 and 33 to bag Tulips a solitary point.

In Division Two, meanwhile, the leading duo both slipped up. Pace-setters Donington A went down 4-2 at home to Pyramid D, for who Lee Davies (O21) managed a 22 clearance. Tony Scully (O21) also made a 22 break, but Donington were beaten.

Second-placed Services C failed to capitalise on that slip-up as they lost by the same scoreline at Gosberton A. Geoff Wand’s (R7) final frame triumph over Kev Fitter (O21) proved pivotal.

Promotion hopefuls Crowland A were 4-2 winners at Boundary C despite breaks of 26, 25 and 21 from Mick Walker (O35), while Holbeach B beat Long Sutton C 4-2 in the big game at the foot.

Martin Davis (O49) was their star as he made breaks of 24 and 23 to clinch the match in the fourth frame.

There was something of a shock down in Division Three, as struggling Consti A upset leaders Crowland C 4-2.

Jim Howe’s (O42) wasn’t enough to inspire the table-toppers, with Steve Hall (scr) getting the job done in the penultimate frame.

Second-placed Consti I took the chance to close the gap at the top to five points by beating Consti I 4-2. David Twelves (R7) made a 22 break en-route to clinching the win.

Elsewhere, Steve Moore’s (R14) 24 break couldn’t stop Consti D losing 5-1 at Services D. Mark (O14) and Karen (R21) Howlett both won on the final black for Services.