Three of the four Pairs quarter-final matches were played this week. The match between Dave & Mick Hirst against Brian Robinson & Ihjaz Hussain has been postponed, and so will be played in good time before the next round is drawn.

Littlemoor's pairing, and last year's winners, John Allan and Graham Tudor were up against Ian Ford and Jeremy Dixon at Windhill & Daisy Hill CC. Apart from being advised that Graham played well to beat Ian 200-170, I don't have much other detail except the score - John & Graham won 400-345.

At Princeville, the St Andrews A pair of Nigel Brayshaw and Neil Lee were up against twice previous winners, from 2022 & 2023, Edward Lawson & Stephen Kershaw. First up was Nigel & Ed. Nigel set off like he had a train to catch and, despite both being on a handicap of 95, he was soon 40, then 60 plus in front, aided by a 23 break, with not a lot coming in response. Ed didn't give up though, and soon made a 26 of his own, once the running changed. This got Ed a fair bit closer. However, Nigel held his nerve and was up (200-167) before Ed could make much further impression. Conceding 100 on the handicap to Neil, plus the 33 Nigel had won by, gave Stephen a mountain to climb. He made a valiant effort, which included a 30 break, plus multiple double figure breaks, but he was still 36 short when Neil reached the 400.

On the other table, it was Trevor and Gareth Kershaw against Sid Ash and myself. First up was Gareth and Sid. Receiving 20 start from Gareth on the handicaps, this was soon increased to 40 and was then pushing up to 60 by Sid; with some regular scoring which included a 20 break. Similar to his Princeville team-mate Ed, Gareth also staged a fight back, which included a very well constructed break of 30. This brought him to within about 15. But Sid had the better running towards the end to see him home by 200-194. Although Sid's win was by just 6, I still received a further 85 start on the handicaps from Trevor. We both missed out on some early opportunities and double figure breaks for me were non-existent for quite a way into the game. So, Trevor was gradually gaining on me with more regular scoring including some good individual shots, but no breaks of any significance. At the point he got to within around 35, it was looking like my number was up. However, with a bit of good fortune that helped to restore some confidence, I was able to get home to win 400-364 in, what really was, a scrappy game; compared to our respective partners, Sid and Gareth.

This coming Thursday sees a return to the league title race. St Andrews A will travel to Princeville. St Andrews B will host Bradford Deaf and in what could be a season-defining match; Littlemoor are at second placed Pudsey Congs. Please remember that from this point on, in the league competition, we are also playing for the additional aggregate point. So, Princeville are 122 up from their previous leg (Week 11) against St Andrews A; Bradford Deaf are 67 up against St Andrews B from Week 11; and Littlemoor are 52 up against Pudsey Congs from Week 11. Good luck to all.

By David Howarth

League Secretary