It’s hard to believe we’re already five fixtures in, and it’s shaping up to be a highly competitive season. This week brought some significant results for the teams at the top. One of the title favourites claimed a big win over a rival, the league leaders holding a narrow two-point lead, and just three points separate fourth from tenth.
Clayton Con Club 4 v 4 Waggon & Horses
Two much-improved teams met this week, and the result highlights just how close this season is shaping up to be.
The away side started strong, taking the first frame to go 1-0 up. The home side hit back, and then it was the Waggon’s turn again — this time taking two frames on the bounce. The home team responded brilliantly, winning the next three frames to not only secure a point but put themselves on the verge of taking all three.
However, Sam Lunt had other ideas. He stepped up in the final frame for the Waggon and delivered, securing a valuable away point.
Gorton Con Club ‘B’ 2 v 6 Steelworks Tavern
Gorton ‘B’s great start came to an abrupt halt this week. The Steelworks are always a tough side to beat, and they certainly lived up to that reputation.
They came out strong, winning the first three frames to race into a commanding lead, with Gorton ‘B’ hitting back in the fourth. But the night belonged to the Steelworks, who took the next three frames to reach six and secure an impressive win against an in-form Gorton ‘B’ side.
Captain Wayne Redfern did lead by example, taking the final frame for Gorton ‘B’ — and he’ll be hoping this was just a blip.
Prince of Wales ‘B’ 5 v 3 The Holdsworth
A promising start from Holdsworth saw them take the first two frames, prompting a strong response from Prince ‘B’, who levelled the match at 2-2 by the halfway mark. Holdsworth captain Lewie Pritchard stepped in to take the fifth frame, continuing his impressive singles form this season and tipping the scales back in Holdsworth’s favour.
Unfortunately for them, though, the Prince ‘B’ responded brilliantly, taking the next three frames — and with them, the match.
That’s now two consecutive wins for the Prince ‘B’ team, propelling them into the top seven this week. Meanwhile, Holdsworth continues their search for a first victory.
Strawberry Duck 2 v 6 Prince of Wales
The home side, I think it’s fair to say, would have been most people’s underdogs before the match began. Steve Christy, the Prince captain, even commented that it was a much tougher match than the scoreline suggested.
The match started well, with the Prince taking the first frame. The Duck hit back strongly, taking the next two frames and piling on the pressure. But the Prince edged the following couple of frames to regain the lead — and from there, never really looked back, winning the remaining frames to seal a 6-2 away win.
A match that could have gone very differently, if not for a couple of key mistakes.
Studio Bar 5 v 3 Gorton Con Club
I had a feeling this match would be tight; in fact, I predicted a draw as the quality in both these teams is top-level in this league.
The home side started as you would want, taking the first frame. Gorton then hit back with the next two frames to edge into the league. But with two incredible dishes from the Studios, Chris Wilson and Liam Power took the next two frames, swinging the momentum in their favour. The momentum stayed with them, taking the next two frames to get the results to 5-2 and take the win. Jay Gallacher did hit back in the eighth and final frame to keep the score a tight 5-3.
The Buxton 5 v 3 The Sidings
This was always going to be a tough match for the Sidings. Missing their captain, Dav Savery is a big loss for any team — but even more so for the Sidings, as he has been one of their most important players over the last decade.
The Buxton, though, are a team capable of giving anyone a run for their money. The home side took a two-frame lead before the Sidings got on the board in the third frame. Buxton then regained their two-frame advantage by winning the fourth. The Sidings pulled one back to keep all results on the table, but Buxton sealed the win by taking frames six and eight, securing all three points.
The Sidings — along with all of us — will be hoping Dan makes a speedy recovery.
Waggon & Horses ‘B’ 2 v 6 Strawberry Gardens
Now that the Strawberry Gardens have tasted victory, they seem keen to hold on to it. Waggon B, meanwhile, are still searching for their turning point.
The match itself was near-perfect for the Strawberry Gardens, who stormed into a commanding lead by taking the first six frames — securing another vital win in their climb up the table. Waggon B managed to stop the rot by taking the seventh and eighth frames, but they’ll need to regroup and push forward into the next match.