The last week in March sees us almost a third into the first round of this year’s league season. The top three of the table are probably the expected top three: Prince of Wales, Studio Bar, and Gorton Con Club, and with only three points between them, it is tight at the top.
The surprise invitation to this party, though, is Gorton Con Club ‘B’, only behind their namesake on frame difference and with a game in hand. Hypothetically, a win from their game in hand would see them at the top of the table.
We could see some movement in the table this week, though, with 5th playing 4th, 6th playing 7th, and 8th playing 9th; the fight for the top 7 is well and truly on.
Gorton Con Club v Clayton Con Club
The derby of the Con Clubs, the home side, will be favourites as they are in nearly every game they play. Gorton wasn’t overly happy with their table when I was there recently. Could this play a part in this match? Clayton usually suffers when the captain is away. However, last week, there were signs that this might not be the case this season. Gorton are still favourites, but I am not sure they will have it all their way.
Last season: Gorton Con Club 7 vs 1 Clayton Con Club
The Holdsworth v Prince of Wales
The Holdsworth got themselves off the mark in last week’s match, which should certainly give them a boost ahead of playing the Prince this week. The Prince, however, is sitting at the top of the table, but last week’s game wasn’t easy and shows there are frames to be taken. The goal for both teams is simply 3 points. For the Holdsworth, that could potentially see them climb a few places up the table and stake a good scalp in their campaign. But the Prince has got their nose in front and will be looking to keep it there.
Last Season N/A
Prince of Wales ‘B’ v Waggon & Horses ‘B’
These two teams are tied on one point each, although the Waggon ‘B’ team has a game in hand due to an earlier postponement. The Prince ‘B’ team is full of enthusiasm and has some very skilled potters, which makes them a formidable opponent. The Waggon B team, led by Chris, is always a pleasure to watch and will give their all in every frame. It’s hard to predict the outcome as neither team seems to have a clear advantage.
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Steelworks Tavern v The Buxton
The two teams in this match will be eager to get back to winning ways after last week’s losses. I’ve consistently mentioned that playing away at the Steelworks is one of the most challenging away games in the league. However, the Buxton team might be the best-suited to thrive at the Steelworks as an away team. While the Steelworks team believe in their chances against anyone, and this match is no exception, the Buxton, however, have shown their ability to step up against anyone.
Last season: Steelworks Tavern 4 vs 4 The Buxton
Strawberry Gardens v Gorton Con Club ‘B’
The Strawberry Gardens is having a much better start to the season this time around and currently sits one point behind its opponents. Gorton ‘B’ have had a great start, two wins from two, with a game in hand on those around them. They will fancy making it three out of three, the only problem with that is the Gardens will be doing everything they can to make sure that doesn’t happen and with an almost carbon copy of last year’s teams, will the Gardens emulate last year’s win, or will Gorton ‘B’ reverse the points with its mixture of old and new players in the team? All I know is that both have made a good start and will want to continue that.
Last season: Strawberry Gardens 5 vs 3 Gorton Con Club ‘B’
The Sidings v Studio Bar
Well, this one should be good. The Sidings have new players, a new table, and a pretty much new venue after the refurb. They have not had the best of starts, having lost two and drawn one, a trend they will be hoping to change. The Studio will rightly be favourites for the win for most people as we all know they are usually there or thereabouts in terms of the league. The question is, can the Sidings put up enough of a fight to worry the Studio, or will the Studio be business as usual and get the win?
Last season: The Sidings 3 vs 5 Studio Bar
Waggon & Horses v Strawberry Duck
The Waggon are definitely on the up and will be feeling positive about their prospects. The Strawberry Duck have made a good start to life in the Gorton League, picking up two good draws against the Steelworks and the Sidings, with a loss to Gorton their only blot so far. The Waggon have won one and lost two, but they have made both Gorton and The Prince work for every frame and only lost 5v3 in each of these. There is certainly respect gained. The Duck are settling in well and look to push forward and get that first win on the board, which I am sure will follow with more. However, the Waggon have added to an already capable team with strength and experience, which I feel just gives the edge in this match to make them a slight favourite for the win.
Last Season N/A