Just the four Individual Merit matches to report on this week...

Steve Boocock and Dave Hirst were the early birds at St Andrews and played out quite a straightforward match, in which Dave was the more consistent scorer of the two, but without either of them doing anything exceptional, it was Dave who finished the better, and with little fuss, to win 200-187.

Neil Lee and I were up next. If the first game wasn't very much to write home about, this game certainly had nothing in comparison. After a multitude of no scores, 2's, 3's and 5's, both of us had good chances to win at the end... both of us spurned them. It was Neil that eventually fell over the line to claim a place in the semi-final... and so good luck to him. From my point of view, it was definitely one to forget!

John Bedford and Peter Allan then livened things up, with Pete quick out of the traps and extending his 25 handicap advantage up to nearly 50. John persevered and adopted a more measured and tactical approach, potting Pete's yellow and then running both balls safe a few times. It worked... a 20+ break then got him right back into it after he had scored a couple of double figure breaks that were met with little response. Once in front, John's confidence grew and he was able to close the game out very well to win by 200-164.

Elsewhere, I only have the scores to report on the Ralph Allan and Richard Bowes game... 200-149 to Richard... enough said.

This coming week... It's Easter and so we have a free week. Don't overdo it on the chocolate (he said) and we will resume on the 24th April with the Pairs semi-finals, which are shown on the appropriate page.

By David Howarth

League Secretary