The top two in Spalding and District Snooker League Division One clashed last week – and it was Bourne SC A who won to seize the upper hand in one of the most exciting title races in years.
Table-topping Services E went into the game looking to extend their advantage, but suffered a 4-2 home defeat thanks to Ian Clare’s (O21) final frame victory over Kev Emerson (R21).
Max Ayliff (O14) – who made a 21 break – and Oli Player (O28) were the other frame winners for Bourne, who are now a point behind Services with a game in hand.
However, it was also a great night for third-placed Holbeach A. They romped to a 6-0 victory over Donington A and are just two points behind the Bourne boys, having played the same amount of games.
Mick Pearl (O14) and Mick Ayres (O7) both made 24 breaks in the whitewash win.
Meanwhile, Tulips B fell away from the title race a little as they were beaten 4-2 at home by rock-bottom Boundary A.
Stewart Lilley’s (scr) 30 break helped the Deepings side take the points and kept their survival hopes alive.
They are now level with club mates and fellow strugglers Boundary B, who went down 4-2 at home to Tulips A. Mike Sampson (O7) starred for the Spalding side with a cool 25 break.
Elsewhere in the top tier, a 29 break from Snooker Scratch champion Alfonso Palumbo (O49) helped Pyramid B bag a potentially vital 4-2 win at Holbeach D.
Also making a 29 break was Holbeach C’s Mark Gregory – but his side were walloped 6-0 at Consti F.
Warren Peel (scr) reeled off a 23 break for the hosts, who gave their hopes of staying in the top flight a massive shot in the arm.
In Division Two, leaders Donington A became the first team to reach 100 points this season after their super 6-0 victory over Services A.
Breaks of 24 and 20 from Jim Thompson (O7) and Tony Scully (O21) respectively helped them move eight points clear at the summit.
Nearest rivals Services C were also victorious, as Kev FItter’s (O21) final frame triumph over John Barnes (O7), which included a 25 break, secured a 4-2 success at Consti G.
The only other side seemingly capable of catching Donington – Services F – are a point further back after they crushed Crowland A 5-1.
Oliver Turner (O14), Tom Turner (O7) and Jack Chilvers (028 – twice) got the job done for them.
At the other end of the table, Donington B are beginning to look doomed after their 5-1 home reverse against Holbeach B.
They are now eight points adrift at the foot with time running out.
Meanwhile, the top two in Division Three both slipped to defeats. Leaders Crowland C went down 4-2 at home to fourth-placed Consti C, despite a 24 break from Jim Howe (O42).
Consti are now just six points off the top.
However, they are a point clear of Consti I after they went down 5-1 at home against Donington D.
Black-ball wins from Jay Kyle (scr) and Dennis Mitcham (R14) proved key for victorious Donington.
Third-placed Services B are now within striking distance of the top after they won 4-2 at basement side Gosberton C. Jason Rose (O21) made a 23 break for the Spalding side, but Norman Gookey’s (R7) final frame win sealed it for the hosts.
