Two of the top three teams in Division One of the Spalding and District Snooker League clashed on Thursday night – and it was Holbeach D who enhanced their title chances.
Third at the start of play, Holbeach handed second-placed Pyramid C a 5-1 home reverse to leapfrog their rivals in the race to reel in table-topping Pyramid A.
Despite cue aces Jason Green (O63) and Alfonso Palumbo (O49) bagging breaks of 29 and 28 respectively, wins from Neil Grant (scr), Stuart Sullivan (O21), Donald Monk (O7) and Ian Woodberry (scr) delivered the goods for Holbeach.
Holbeach C are also very much in the title chase, having seen off opponents Boundary A 4-2.
Shaun Lee (O28) settled the contest with a 22 break in a black-ball game against Daniel Smith (O7) in the penultimate frame, while Mark Gregory (O35) also made a fine 25 clearance.
At the other end of the top tier table, rock-bottom Consti B secured just their third win of the season by seeing off Services C 5-1.
Despite losing the opening frame, victories from Mick Johnson (O25), John Christian (R7), John Keeton (O7) and Martin Fear (scr) gave their survival hopes a shot in the arm.
However, fellow strugglers Consti E and Pyramid D also picked up welcome wins.
Consti E won their fourth game of the campaign by getting the better of friendly foes Consti G 5-1. Black-ball wins from Simon Law (O14) and Martin Anderson (scr) proved key for them.
Pyramid D, meanwhile, got the better of Donington C 4-2 in a tight tussle.
James Sharpe (O49) and John Twell (O14) both made 22 clearances for the Bourne side, while it was Peter Jackson’s (R7) final frame win which sealed the success.
The best break in the top flight came from Sean Swinburn (O49), who sank a crucial 43 for Sutton Bridge B. His efforts helped him win the final frame, which also clinched a 4-2 victory for his side against Holbeach A.
Also winning 4-2 were Services A, who saw off Bourne SC A with Chris Dunmore (O28) managing a win over star man Mark Gray (O105).
In Division Two, joint leaders Sutton Bridge A picked up a 5-1 win at Consti H with Glenn Ryan (O14), Wayne Howard (O21), Thomas Horspool (O49) and Shane Balding (O49) on winning form.
Bourne SC C are level pegging with them after a 4-2 triumph over Consti F.
A win on the final back of the penultimate frame by Jack Chilvers (O14) sealed the victory.
Also 4-2 winners were Services B, who remain in the promotion picture.
The Spalding side had that win wrapped up inside three frames thanks to Jason Rose (O28), Paul Doades (R7) and Fred Cummins (scr).
Elsewhere, Boundary B enjoyed a 5-1 success over Donington B as Dougie Lythgoe (O21) and Mick Walker (O35) made breaks of 32 and 20 respectively.
In Division Three, Pyramid B were on dominant form as they defeated hosts Services C 6-0 to stay top.
Once again, Lester Gaunt was on-song (O49) with a 27 break for the Bourne side.
There was an even better break from Nic Savic (O49) as his Consti A team won an all-club affair against Consti J 4-2.
The ‘A’ team talent sank a 32 break in defeat against Les Andrews (R7).
Team-mate Steve Hall (scr) had better luck as his 22 clearance helped Consti A to victory.
Elsewhere, Gosberton D enjoyed a 4-2 win over visitors Whittlesey B.
In a clash that went to the final black of the match, Deacon Hempsall (R7) edged out Michael Foster (O14) to settle matters.
It was also 4-2 as Whittlesey narrowly got the better of visitors Gosberton C.
The hosts snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, with Steve Jennings (O28) and Graeme Sawyer (O14) winning on the final blacks of the last two frames to come back from 2-1 down.
