An amazing run of nine wins from ten games has fired Long Sutton C to the top of Spalding and District Snooker League’s Division Three.
A mainstay in the basement division over the past few years, Sutton C are showing the kind of form that could finally see them achieve promotion – highlighted by last Thursday night’s 5-1 home victory over Services B.
The in-form Dan Mayfield (O21) lost the opening frame against Paul Davies (R14), but it mattered little as Susan Lefley (R14), Mark Dennis (O7), David Lefley (scr) and Keith Wells (O21) all won well for the new table-toppers.
With former leaders Consti A not in action, they are now four points off the pace.
Third-placed Gosberton C also capitalised in their game in hand, thrashing Consti E 6-0 to move within five points of the summit.
Andy Shephard (R21) enjoyed a 22 clearance for Gosberton, while Alf Ault (R21) edged a black ball win over John Mumford (R21).
Elsewhere in Division Three, Jason Haytree (O35) made a 21 break for Consti C – but they were beaten 4-2 at home to Crowland A.
Up in Division One, it was business as usual for relentless leaders Donington C. They won 5-1 at Services C to extend their advantage at the summit to ten points and make it 12 wins from 13 games.
Breaks of 28 and 24 from Ben Wrigglesworth (O14) and Neil Reynolds (O49) were the highlights, while Nigel Cherry (O21) hit back with a 26 break for the Spalding side.
Second-placed Pyramid B actually lost ground on Donington despite picking up a hard-fought 4-2 success at Tulips B.
A 49 break and 22 clearance from Jason Green (O63) was the highlight for the Bourne boys, while Spencer Dawkins (O42) also chipped in with a cool 25.
Behind them, Holbeach A closed to within four points of second place by smashing basement boys Bourne SC A 6-0. Bobby White’s (O21) 35 clearance helped them on their way, while Jem Merrison (O35) added a solid 25 break.
Another of the high-fliers to win were Services A, who edged out Gosberton B 4-2.
Jon Bettinson’s (scr) black-ball win in the final frame settled it for the Spalding side – and rendered Martin Ulyatt’s (R7) fine 39 break as mere consolation.
Meanwhile, Holbeach D romped to a 5-1 victory at Whittlesey A and Chris Dunmore (O14) bagged a 24 break as Services E pipped hosts Donington A 4-2.
In Division Two, Services F kept the pressure on leaders Long Sutton A by winning 4-2 at promotion hopefuls Holbeach C.
Pete Holland (O21) sank a 22 break en-route to winning the match-clinching penultimate frame for Services.
They are a point off top spot but remain two points clear of third-placed Long Sutton B, who handed Consti G a 4-2 home reverse.
Breaks of 22 and 21 from Phil Goodman (O28) in the decisive final frame were vital for title-chasing Sutton.
Narrow wins were also the order of the day in three other second tier clashes.
Consti B shaded a tight tussle with rock-bottom Gosberton A thanks to John Keeton’s (O14) black ball triumph over Geoff Wand (R7) in the final frame.
Mick Johnson (O28) also claimed a 25 clearance for Consti in the previous frame.
It went to the wire in Const I’s 4-2 success over Pyramid C, too, as Richard Geddes (R7) edged out Alan Jackson (O7).
Completing the series of narrow wins were Consti H.
They defeated hosts Pyramid D by the familiar 4-2 scoreline thanks to frame wins from Dick Morgan (R21), Tony Houghton (R21) and Jason Houghton (R7).
