Long-term leaders Tulips B took a giant step towards lifting the Spalding and District Snooker League title as they defeated nearest rivals Donington C 4-2.
In a typically tight tussle, black-ball wins from Darren Woodberry (O28) and Martin Deacon (O7) helped the Spalding side on their way before Mark Wilkinson (O14) beat Neil Reynolds (O49) 93-61 in the final frame.
With just three weeks of the season to play, Tulips B are now 11 points clear at the summit and hot favourites to win a trophy the club last lifted in 2011 (Tulips A).
Holbeach D are third – and out of the running – after they slumped to a 5-1 defeat at Donington A.
A 36 break from Sam Major (O14) and a cool 30 from Tony Scully (scr) helped the hosts to a win that sees them climb into fifth position.
At the other end of the table, Crowland C remain rock-bottom after being handed a 5-1 home reverse by Long Sutton A. Adam Barwell (O42) made a 22 break for the victorious visitors.
Above the bottom two, Pyramid B are still in a perilous position after going down 4-2 at rivals Pyramid A. Matt Chapman’s (O7) win in the third frame clinched the points for the ‘A’ team.
Consti F won’t feel totally safe either after going down 4-2 at Services E. Mark Cherry’s (O7) 58-45 victory over Warren Peel (scr) at the death did the business for Services, who are now level on points with Consti F.
In Division Two, leaders Consti B slumped to a 4-2 home loss against Crowland B and are now just four points clear at the top.
Mick Johnson (O35) made a 29 break in the final frame as he prevailed 76-49, but Jeff Roberts (R7) had already sealed the win for Crowland B in the previous frame.
Second-placed Boundary A closed the gap with a big 5-1 success over Gosberton A.
Their wins came from Pete King (scr), Andy Mewforth (O14), Nic Heywood (O14) and Jim McGhee (scr).
Behind them, Bourne SC A are now well-placed with a game in hand on the top two.
Consti I are 14 points off top spot after they dispatched Consti H 4-2. Richard Geddes (R14) did the business for them in the final frame.
Services B remain in deep trouble at the bottom after they were handed a 4-2 home reverse by Pyramid C.
Malcolm Croft (scr) clinched the victory for the Bourne side in the penultimate frame.
Consti G are also in the bottom two after a 4-2 defeat of their own against Services C, who are now three points clear of the drop zone.
Craig Fitter (O56) made breaks of 28 and 25 for Services.
In Division Three, Boundary C saw their title chances take a hit with a 4-2 defeat against Consti J.
A final frame triumph from Stuart Davies (O28) proved key for Consti, leaving the Deepings side four points off the pace.
Bourne SC B, in fourth, are still in the promotion mix after edging out Consti E 4-2.
Their wins came from Graham Wakefield (scr), Ray Murdoch (R7) and, crucially, Pete Hodgson-Kerry (O14).
Meanwhile, basement boys Donington D won for only the seventh time this season as they triumphed 5-1 at Consti C.
Their frame wins came from Colin Andrew (R21), Jay Kyle (R7), Ken Staples (R14) and Alan Stanley (R7) on what was one of their best showings of the season so far.
RESULTS
Division One: Consti D 0 Pyramid E 6; Donington A 5 Holbeach D 1; Holbeach A 4 Boundary B 2; Pyramid A 4 Pyramid B 2; Boundary B 0 Holbeach D 6; Tulips B 4 Donington C 2; Crowland C 1 Sutton A 5; Services E 4 Consti F 2.
Division Two: Consti G 2 Services C 4; Boundary A 5 Gosberton A 1; Consti I 4 Consti H 2; Crowland A 6 Gosberton B 0; Services B 2 Pyramid C 4; Consti B 2 Crowland B 4.
Division Three: Consti C 1 Donington D 5; Boundary C 2 Consti J 4; Whittlesey B 4 Sutton C 2; Gosberton C 1 Whittlesey C 5; Bourne SC B 4 Consti E 2.
