It was a potentially big week in the Spalding and District Snooker League Division One title race as leaders Pyramid D opened up a small lead at the top – thanks in part to one of the surprise results of the season so far.
While the Bourne side were winning 4-2 at Holbeach C, their two nearest rivals – Spalding duo Services A and Tulips B – both suffered 5-1 defeats.
It was the Tulips B defeat that caught the eye, with rock-bottom Boundary A showing they are stull full of plenty of fight.
Despite Mark Woodberry’s (O63) 38 break, frame wins from Pete King (R7), Andy Mowforth (scr), John Tidswell (O7) and Jim McGhee (scr) gave the Deeping side an impressive success.
Pyramid D came through a test of their credentials at Holbeach, with Pete Jackson (scr) getting them over the line with a tight final frame success over Paul Ashton (R14).
They were also boosted by Services A only picking up a solitary point at Donington C.
Neil Favell (O14) and Neil Reynolds (O49) made breaks of 30 and 23 respectively for Donington, while Mike Knight’s (O21) 36 break was scant consolation for Services.
However, Tulips A are emerging as a title candidate after racing up the table with a maximum 6-0 win over Consti B. Simon Law made a 23 break for a side that are looking like dark horses.
Elsewhere in the top tier, Don Monk’s (scr) 31 break steered Holbeach D to a 5-1 win over Holbeach A.
Three players also made 22 breaks as Pyramid F beat Long Sutton A 5-1. They were Spencer Dawkins (O56), Jason Green (O63) and Sean Swinburn (O49).
In Division Two, the top two were both handed defeats.
Leaders Consti F went down 5-1 at Whittlesey C, with Richard Walker (R7), Paul Cook (O7), Kevin Robbs (R14) and Gary Thewliss (scr) all frame winners.
Second-placed Boundary C slipped up 4-2 at lowly Gosberton A – and it would have been worse but for Wayne Cunnington (R21) and Shaun Ketteringham (O14) winning the final two frames.
Carl Wand’s (O7) 32 break helped Gosberton A on their way to a fine win.
Also on form was Sutton Bridge’s Carl Parnell (O28) as his 41 break helped steer Sutton Bridge A to victory over Pyramid C.
There was a 29 break and a 22 clearance from Paul Boucher (O35) as Holbeach B won 4-2 at Consti H, and a decisive 25 clearance from Sean Jeynes (O7) as Tulips C knocked off Donington B 4-2.
That feat was matched by Stuart Sullivan (O14) as his 25 finish helped Holbeach E beat Crowland A 4-2.
Meanwhile, Jason Rose bagged breaks of 28 and 27 as Services B put basement side Long Sutton B to the sword 5-1.
In Division Three, leaders Bourne SC B continue to look imperious at the summit.
They raced to a 5-1 win at Donington D, with Jake Mitchell (O28) and Pete Smith (R7) making breaks of 22 and 21 respectively.
Title rivals Pyramid B kept them honest with a 4-2 success at Gosberton C.
Richard Clark (O7) shone in that contest with a 32 break in the opening frame.
Another cue ace on form was Nic Savic (O56), as his breaks of 36 and 23 helped Consti A to a 4-2 home win over Whittlesey A.
There was also a 21 break from Chris Mumby (R14) as Gosberton B lost 4-2 at Consti J.
- One of snooker’s all-time greats will be in South Holland for an exhibition next month.
Jimmy White is taking part in an exciting-looking event at Crowland Royal British Legion on Friday, March 20 (6.30pm) – with tickets just £25.
There will be an auction on the night, which offers two chances for people to take on ‘The Whirlwind’ on the Crowland baize.
There will also be a raffle (tickets £1 a strip) that will include a signed cue and case, along with other prizes.
All profits will go to Nigel Brasier for the Lincs MNDA Charity. Call Neil Burton on 07884 497765 for tickets.
