This week featured the two Pairs Semi-Finals. On Monday at Littlemoor in a match that was played early, it was an all Littlemoor affair with Sid Ash and myself taking on team-mates, and holders of the trophy, John Allan and Graham Tudor. 

Sid and Graham were up first. Sid's handicap points advantage on Graham was just 10 and so a close game ensued. As well as being close, there were long periods when virtually nothing happened with the balls somehow being magnetised to the cushions. Once the room was warmed up, the balls then behaved, and ran better. Although it was close throughout, it was Sid who finished better and closed out 201-192. 

The handicap start I had on John was therefore 64 instead of  55, which (I believed) was plenty enough for Sid & I to have a great chance. John started well though with an early break of 21. I managed to claw that back early with 2 breaks in double figures. So, early on the advantage was maintained and looking good from our point of view. However, the running seemed to change, but with the game now flowing much better than in the first half, it was John who took full advantage, scoring two good breaks into the twenties. Although a couple of decent chances fell my way, in and amongst not much to go at, they were squandered. He caught me up around the 350 mark and never looked back to claim the win by 400-362. "Well done to them and good luck for the final."

The other semi-final was played on Thursday at St Andrews ... the only detail I have is that Congs brothers Dave and Mick Hirst beat St Andrews A's Nigel Brayshaw and Neil Lee 400-327. I'm also advised that Nigel hasn't been well recently, with some time in hospital. I'm not sure whether this had an effect on the result, but our best wishes go to Nigel for a speedy recovery and to get well soon.

This coming Thursday will see the first final of the season featuring the culmination of the Team Knockout contest, between Pudsey Congs and Littlemoor. On their way to the final Pudsey Congs beat St Andrews A and Princeville, whereas Littlemoor beat Bradford Deaf and St Andrews B. The final will be played at St Andrews and we are hoping to get an early start of around 6:30pm. All spectators / supporters are welcome. We will also be using the newly introduced rule in this competition i.e. that who plays whom, will be drawn from a hat prior to the commencement of play. The best of luck to all involved.

Lastly, please note that the next league meeting will be on Friday the 2nd May at St Andrews, when we will be drawing the Individual Merit semi-final contenders. 

David Howarth

League Secretary