Just four rounds of fixtures remain in Spalding and District Snooker League – and Donington A have opened up a big ten-point lead in Division One after defeating Holbeach A 5-1 on Thursday night.
Wins from Gavin Lucas (R7), Steve Burdell (R14), Sam Major (O28) and Tony Scully (O21) ensured that the long-term leaders took full advantage of their game in hand on second-placed Bourne SC A.
Scully’s 25 break was the highlight, as Donington moved a step closer to bringing the top prize back to the club for the first time since 1999.
Third-placed Tulips A were beaten 4-2 on their own baize by Whittlesey A, despite a 23 break from Nic Savic (O42).
A win on the re-spotted black from John Willis (R7) was key for Whittlesey in that one – and edged them away from the drop zone.
Tulips B are now level with their friendly foes in fourth after they won 4-2 at Pyramid A, despite a 22 break from Victor Rouse (scr).
In the big game at the bottom, Consti F did their survival hopes the power of good by beating fellow strugglers Boundary A 5-1.
That loss leaves the Deepings side in trouble, but a host of sides are still sweating with games running out.
Best break in the top flight this week came from Mike Knight (O14), who notched a cool 32 in Services A’s 4-2 success over Donington C.
In Division Two, the title race looks set to go right down to the wire after leaders Pyramid B were handed a 5-1 reverse at Const I.
Frame wins from John Bellerby (R7), David Twelves (R7), Peter Stokes (R14) and Stewart Wells (R21) got the job done for the Spalding side – and saw Pyramid’s lead cut to four points.
That’s because second-placed Services C were 5-1 winners at Crowland B in a game that saw Kev Fitter (O14) bag a 22 break. Services have a game in hand on the table-toppers, too.
Crowland C also remain in the hunt after they beat Services D 5-1 in Spalding.
Jim Howe (O28) made two breaks for the third-placed side, who are eight points off top spot.
Gosberton B are also placed well a further point back in fourth. They were 5-1 home winners over Holbeach C after breaks of 28 and 22 from Sam Craft (scr) and Martin Ulyatt (R7) respectively.
The best break in the second tier came from Holbeach B’s Phil Coaten (O7), who amassed a super 37 in a 4-2 home loss against Boundary C.
In Division Three, Services F are on the brink of promotion after a 4-2 victory over Consti J. This one went to the final frame, with Gareth Lamb (scr) seeing off Stu Davies (O21).
They are now 19 points clear at the top and 23 clear of third place with four games to go.
Whittlesey C remain second after a 4-2 victory over Donington D. Andy Gebbie (scr) and Dennis Mitcham (R14) both made 22 breaks in that one.
Behind them, Long Sutton C’s promotion dream is fading after a 4-2 home reverse against Pyramid E. They are 12 points off the top two.
Two points behind Sutton are Bourne SC B, who beat Whittlesey B 4-2 on their home baize. Cue ace Mark Gray (O98) made a 48 break in a rare outing for the B side.
RESULTS
Division One: Tulips A 2 Whittlesey A 4; Services A 4 Donington C 2; Consti B 2 Boundary B 4; Pyramid A 2 Tulips B 4; Boundary A 1 Consti F 5; Donington A 5 Holbeach A 1.
Division Two: Holbeach B 2 Boundary C 4; Gosberton B 5 Holbeach C 1; Services D 1 Crowland C 5; Crowland B 1 Services C 5; Consti I 5 Pyramid B 1.
Division Three: Bourne SC B 4 Whittlesey B 2; Consti D 1 Services B 5; Consti D 1 Services B 5; Whittlesey C 4 Donington D 2; Services F 4 Consti J 2; Donington B 4 Gosberton C 2; Long Sutton C 2 Pyramid E 4; Consti A 5 Bourne SC B 1.
