The top two teams in Spalding and District Snooker League Division One were both beaten last week to leave the race for the title wide-open.
Leaders at the start of play, Holbeach A came a cropper 4-2 at Pyramid A after getting off to a slow start.
The Bourne side won all three of the opening frames to secure a fine win for themselves, with Victor Rouse (R14), Norman Vaughan (O14) and Matt Chapman (O7) all getting the job done.
Jem Merrison (O35) did managed a 27 break in the second frame, but Vaughan –who also pocketed a cool 22 break – had too much for him.
Second-placed Bourne SC A couldn’t take advantage of that result as they were also defeated 4-2.
In-form Tulips A were their conquerors, with star man Bren Bowman again in devastating form.
The O56 handicapper made a fine 53 break against Ian Clare (O14) – but it was team-mate Mike Sampson (scr) who got the Spalding side over the line.
He beat top talent Mark Gray (O105) on a re-spotted black in the final frame to clinch the win, rendering Gray’s 31 break redundant.
The Bourne boys were then leapfrogged by Donington A, who won 4-2 at Long Sutton A.
A fine 30 break from Sutton’s Sean Swinburn (O42) helped him win the penultimate frame to set-up a decider, but Peter Keal (R14) swept aside Stuart Atkin (O42) to send Donington joint top of the table.
Fourth-placed Services E also picked up a 4-2 victory at basement boys Consti B to ensure just four points seperate the top five.
Jason Rose (O14) made a 24 break en-route to winning the final frame for Services.
Behind them, Services A are well-positioned after a 4-2 win of their own against visitors Whittlesey A.
This one also went the distance, with Jon Bettinson (scr) seeing off Malc Bruce (R7) in the clincher.
With Division Two leaders Crowland C not in action, two of the top four had the chance to cut their lead… but only one managed to win.
Second-placed Pyramid B were upset 4-2 at Services D, with black-ball wins from Lisa Fitter (R7) and – in the final frame – Tanya Peel (scr) proving vital.
Spencer Dawkins (O49) made a 28 break for the Bourne lads as he won the opening frame.
Consti I fared much better as they romped to a 5-1 home triumph over Boundary C, despite a cool 30 break from Mick Walker (O28).
High-flying duo Services C and Holbeach C both won well, too.
Services won their Spalding derby at Consti H 5-1, with Kev Fitter (O7) lighting up the tie thanks to a 22 clearance in the final frame.
Holbeach C, meanwhile, went one better as they whitewashed hosts Crowland B 6-0.
Down in Division Three, leaders Services F made it eight wins from nine games with a 4-2 home success over Gosberton C.
It was a close contest which went right down to the final frame, but Ben Lewis (scr) – who made a 25 break – won it for the table-toppers.
Second-placed Gosberton A did shave a point off their lead, though.
They dispatched Consti J 5-1 in a game that saw James Waterfall (O14) make a cracking 22 clearance.
Also on winning form were third-placed Whittlesey C, who beat Services B 4-2.
They got the job done early, with Andy Gebbie (R7), Mick Blythe (R7) and Steve Jennings (O28) all on winning form.
High-flying Consti A were winners too, as they dispatched Donington D 5-1, while Long Sutton C dispatched Donington B 4-2.
- The Spalding and District Snooker and Billiards League has suffered two devastating losses this week after two much-loved and loyal players passed away.
Win Towler and Mark Cherry, who were both members of Spalding Services Club, will be remembered fondly by team-mates and opponents alike.
Win, best known for his appearances for Services E, joined the league in 1977 and featured for Geest. He later moved to Services E in 1995.
Mark, meanwhile, was a regular performer for Services C. He first appeared in the league back in 1998.
The league’s match secretary Susan Lefley said: “The league is simply devastated by the death of two brilliant people.
“Everybody is very cut up about losing Win and Mark.
“They will be sorely missed by all.”
